Develop Bugs

Help!!!!!! Stock Root, Now No Status Bar, Also Cant.....

Hey XDA friends...seriously over my head noob here, I performed the Odin One Click stock root posted on You Tube by QbKing last week. Maybe two days ago, I lost my status/notification bar as well as the ability to answer phone calls. i can make them tho. Also, my home screen icons are dissappering randomly (possibly only at reboot, I'll have to check on that). This all occurred it seems, when Titanium B/U prompted me to save certain apps to SD. Please help me and i will promise not to ever again take you alls training and long hours learning your craft lighty again! Thx.

Did you keep your data? If so the best way is a totally clean install. Give it another shot.

Thanks
I did in fact do a "save data root", and I'm embarrassed to say, how might I go about performing a clean install, and would I have root privileges after, and finally, any tips or advice on how one might avoid this type of thing in the future? Thank you for taking some of your time to guide the blind and aimless

WtfAndroiD007 said:
...I performed the Odin One Click stock root posted on You Tube by QbKing last week...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cause I'm lazy and don't want to hunt though QB's videos..
Which One Click did you use?..

WtfAndroiD007 said:
Hey XDA friends...seriously over my head noob here, I performed the Odin One Click stock root posted on You Tube by QbKing last week. Maybe two days ago, I lost my status/notification bar as well as the ability to answer phone calls. i can make them tho. Also, my home screen icons are dissappering randomly (possibly only at reboot, I'll have to check on that). This all occurred it seems, when Titanium B/U prompted me to save certain apps to SD. Please help me and i will promise not to ever again take you alls training and long hours learning your craft lighty again! Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
re download the one click, making sure it is ff18 or el29 depending on whether you want gb or ics, then reflash it in odin using the same video as a guide. Weird you lost that status bar though, usually it won't boot if you had a bad download. I suspect with titanium backup you restored a gingerbread launcher on an ics rom or vice versa. Avoid restoring apps from titanium unless you know what you are doing would be my advice.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

MoHoGalore said:
Cause I'm lazy and don't want to hunt though QB's videos..
Which One Click did you use?..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Stock to Stock w/root for EL29 the save data version, that help?

WtfAndroiD007 said:
The Stock to Stock w/root for EL29 the save data version, that help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't want to save data
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

kingsway8605 said:
re download the one click, making sure it is ff18 or el29 depending on whether you want gb or ics, then reflash it in odin using the sake video as a guide. Weird you lost that status bar though, usually it won't boot if you had a bad download. I suspect with titanium backup you restored a gingerbread launcher on an ics rom or vice versa. Avoid restoring apps from titanium unless you know what you are doing would be my advice.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for that info cuz I was doing just that.... attempting to restore certain back ups, one being the stock launcher. So are you suggesting a complete wipe and then download and reflash the one click? Honestly, the reason I orginally decided on the root option is sorta of dumb I suppose. I was sure that my ex had installed spyware on my phone and saw root as the only viable option for discovery, I actually like the stock rom and initially really liked the stock w/root. Obiviously I have a lot to learn...and express my genuine appreciation for knowlegdeable people such as yourself for helping me pull my head out my ass inch by inch.:

WtfAndroiD007 said:
I did in fact do a "save data root", and I'm embarrassed to say, how might I go about performing a clean install, and would I have root privileges after, and finally, any tips or advice on how one might avoid this type of thing in the future? Thank you for taking some of your time to guide the blind and aimless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721229
Then Install this one
2) Download the FF18 full restore One-Click self-extractor
SPH-D710.FF18_CL663858_ROOTED-oc-sfx.exe [Mirror1 / Mirror2] (RESET user data)
[MD5: 16c7d577feda23d1f4deb448d6453735 / Size: 311,608,965]
Also if you have access to a wifi connection or good 4g speeds I would recommend downloading all of your apps again and truly starting from scratch. It should take about an hour to do it all assuming you dont have hundreds of apps.
Just sync your phone now, do the one click, after boot update profile and prl then sign into google account and resync then start setting up apps. This is when you decide if you really need all the crap you previously had on your phone.

kingsway8605 said:
re download the one click, making sure it is ff18 or el29 depending on whether you want gb or ics, then reflash it in odin using the same video as a guide. Weird you lost that status bar though, usually it won't boot if you had a bad download. I suspect with titanium backup you restored a gingerbread launcher on an ics rom or vice versa. Avoid restoring apps from titanium unless you know what you are doing would be my advice.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also, not sure if i mentioned that initially all functions were operational after ROM flash....it was only after I got to jacking with stuff, did that happen. Oh yeah, also have had a few soft resets occur ass well.

Here, enter the link below in your url bar (assuming you are on Windows). It is sfhub's one click. Just click the file after it downloads and flash it.
http://little-melon.com/sfhub/SPH-D710.FF18_CL663858_ROOTED-oc-sfx.exe
Be sure to go to the thread and thank him, just posted the link so you would have the right one.
Word of warning, you are going to lose your apps and will have re download them. If the phone doesn't boot after flashing it, re download again because you simply had a bad download.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

someguyatx said:
Here you go http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721229
Then Install this one
2) Download the FF18 full restore One-Click self-extractor
SPH-D710.FF18_CL663858_ROOTED-oc-sfx.exe [Mirror1 / Mirror2] (RESET user data)
[MD5: 16c7d577feda23d1f4deb448d6453735 / Size: 311,608,965]
Also if you have access to a wifi connection or good 4g speeds I would recommend downloading all of your apps again and truly starting from scratch. It should take about an hour to do it all assuming you dont have hundreds of apps.
Just sync your phone now, do the one click, after boot update profile and prl then sign into google account and resync then start setting up apps. This is when you decide if you really need all the crap you previously had on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx....one question. I've read threads, albiet, not really any thing current (like late 2011), expressing bricking issues upgrading from GB to ICS. Should I not stick with GB? Or m I already on ICS? Is the Build no. on my "About Phone" list accurate or does it not recognize modifications?

WtfAndroiD007 said:
Thx....one question. I've read threads, albiet, not really any thing current (like late 2011), expressing bricking issues upgrading from GB to ICS. Should I not stick with GB? Or m I already on ICS? Is the Build no. on my "About Phone" list accurate or does it not recognize modifications?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link I posted will give you stock rooted ICS. Flashing through odin isn't very dangerous as long as you don't touch your phone while doing it and only flash the file I linked to. And don't restore any titanium backup apps this time unless you can differentiate system apps from store apps.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

kingsway8605 said:
The link I posted will give you stock rooted ICS. Flashing through odin isn't very dangerous as long as you don't touch your phone while doing it and only flash the file I linked to. And don't restore any titanium backup apps this time unless you can differentiate system apps from store apps.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will heed your advice. Thx again

With restoring your apps. In titanium back up, hit restore missing apps. Then before you hit restore make sure restore only apps not apps+data. This way its only the apps you have downloaded and they are fresh.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

Also dont flash anything from the recovery included with stock rom. Use this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767421 or some other safe kernel

g_ding84 said:
With restoring your apps. In titanium back up, hit restore missing apps. Then before you hit restore make sure restore only apps not apps+data. This way its only the apps you have downloaded and they are fresh.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think this is accurate. It will restore any apps that have backups.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

someguyatx said:
Also dont flash anything from the recovery included with stock rom. Use this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767421 or some other safe kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think he/she is ready for custom kernels and roms yet, play around with just root first.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

It sounds to me like when you used TiBu to move apps to SD you accidently moved system apps including the systemui.apk and dialer and/or contacts possibly. When moving apps to SD thru TiBu never move apks in red, also never restore those apps or their data if you switch to a different rom version
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device

g_ding84 said:
With restoring your apps. In titanium back up, hit restore missing apps. Then before you hit restore make sure restore only apps not apps+data. This way its only the apps you have downloaded and they are fresh.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah....which is the logical approach in hind sight, thank you for preventing the same from reoccurring AGAIN! You guys are a life saver.....well once again, you guys are life saver, well at the very least, a smartphone saver! Cuz this one has come very close to being spiked like a game winning touchdown more than once. Though I'm well aware who is responsible for its problems. I'm so glad to have checked back before starting over and have since "read the effing manual" on TBU and with your expert advice, I may even be able to salvage what little of my sanity I still possess. Keep the info coming if you've remembered anything else I might be missing or overlooking. Thanks again for your time....as a father of two teenage boys and too many hobbies, I well appreciate how valuable a commodity time is.

[NEW][KERNEL][REPACK] FK23 with AGAT tREC_v0.2.2 recovery

For those of you who would like to run stock kernels with the builds
here is repacked FK23 kernel with my recovery and some init.rc edits.
SD card read speed.
Custom boot animation support
init.d support
Link:
AGAT_FK23_repack.tar Flash with ODIN or Mobile ODIN.
Did some edits in initramfs and run some tests.
Moved couple of apps to sd. After few reboots apps still working.
Moved apps to sd and flashed kernel separately. Apps were recognized on SD.
Tried to connect to pc in recovery.
ADB shell - works
Mount USB storage - not working. Will try to look into it more.
Hopefully it will work for all of you as well.
Don't have updater-binaries and updater-script for JB so can't make flashable zip yet.
If anyone has working JB flashable zip let me know and I'll try to make zip as well.
Installation instructions:
1. For best results copy tar file to root of your sd card
2. Use mobile ODIN to flash.
Phone will reboot.
It looks like any other method gives some problems with apps 2 sd.
Enjoy the kernel.

nice!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

Awesome!!!!! How can I flash it so ot doesnt trigger yellow triangle etc

colonel.shepard said:
Awesome!!!!! How can I flash it so ot doesnt trigger yellow triangle etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use mobile ODIN.
It never triggers yellow triangle.
Or use triangle away after flash.

Cool
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Awesomeness right here...:beer:
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Agat, I modined the kernel, now market doesn't allow me to install to sdcard
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

bordermadman said:
Agat, I modined the kernel, now market doesn't allow me to install to sdcard
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You modified the kernel?
Can you be more specific?
What app did you try to install?

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL. SIR.
Sent from the Normandy SR2 via Quantum [Universe JB v02] Entanglement

how exactly do I install this im confused.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Thanks for this Agat! Cheers :beer:
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

I think he meant he used mobile odin to flash the kernel and now he cannot install to the SD
Where people come up with these short hand ways to say things boggles my mind... smh. :banghead:
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Sorry, that was very vague of me, i installed via mobile odin, i was trying to install romtoolbox pro and tapatalk, it is worth mentioning that most apps that i had installed before flashing the kernel disappeared. :good:
agat63 said:
You modified the kernel?
Can you be more specific?
What app did you try to install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I flashed using mobile odin and for some reason I lost access to all my purchased apps!!:crying: Gonna try the stock kernal one click and see if that fixes it. It tells me " Couldn't install on USB." I have the same problem as bordermadman.

rdavis429 said:
I flashed using mobile odin and for some reason I lost access to all my purchased apps!!:crying: Gonna try the stock kernal one click and see if that fixes it. It tells me " Couldn't install on USB." I have the same problem as bordermadman.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have only 4 apps on sd and I moved them for testing purposes only.
gps status, root explorer, home switcher, titanium back up.
All 4 are working and I was able to move them back to device and then to SD again.
Apps mentioned above are paid apps. I don't want to buy them just to test if I can download.
Do you have any free app in the list that I can try.

I'm having ZERO issues downloading apps or accessing my purchased apps.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

One clicked back to full stock kernel and all my paid apps show back up.

Working really good over here, thanks a lot Agat.

rdavis429 said:
One clicked back to full stock kernel and all my paid apps show back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have few paid apps on the phone.
root explorer, beautiful widgets, Triangle away, Mobile odin.
I always use mobile odin to flash/test kernels.
All my paid apps are present and working without any problem.

agat63 said:
I have only 4 apps on sd and I moved them for testing purposes only.
gps status, root explorer, home switcher, titanium back up.
All 4 are working and I was able to move them back to device and then to SD again.
Apps mentioned above are paid apps. I don't want to buy them just to test if I can download.
Do you have any free app in the list that I can try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have any problems with the free apps. Mobile Odin was one of the apps I lost access too. I did run a mD5 check before flashing.
I moved the file to my sd card and will try again in the morning. I'm pretty share I did some wrong on my end. If not, will try and capture a adb log for you.

[Q] Issues With Restoring

I just rooted today, and everything went alright (as far as I know). I wanted to download a ROM, so I backed up and it went fine. I downloaded the 1/1 nightly build for the CyanogenMod, but I got stuck at the boot screen, so I restored my backup, and tried 12/31. Again I had issues (this time there was something about setups going wrong once I got past the boot screen). I restored my backup and it went fine this time as well. Then I found the 10.0 stable version, and everything went fine, except this time everything was default and none of my previous settings were retained, nor my apps. I attempted to restore again, but now it says:
Couldn't open directory.
No files found.
I'm completely new to everything about this, so a lot of terminology I've found in related help threads has flown over my head. I followed the instructions in qbking77's cyanogenmod installation video. (I'd link this, but I can't because of the spam policy on these forums).
Now I'm wondering if it's possible to restore the files I previously let in my internal sdcard. It'd be awesome if I got some help with this issue, and thanks in advance.

Flashing cm 10.1 or any 4.2 rom moves your internal storage to the 0 folder. There is tons of info about it around here.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

jeffro18 said:
Flashing cm 10.1 or any 4.2 rom moves your internal storage to the 0 folder. There is tons of info about it around here.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you provide me with said info? As I said, I'm technologically illiterate and the help would be appreciated.

This is probably the most straight forward explanation I have seen.
http://teamw.in/androidmultiuser
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

jeffro18 said:
This is probably the most straight forward explanation I have seen.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! Follow-up question: how exactly can I apply this knowledge? I've located said folder, but I'm unsure of where to proceed from here.

So are you trying f to restore data from another backup? The no directory coming from your Recovery? Which recovery you using? Also for the future, if you are i treated in. Arrting over data for all you apps with CM builds, you should look into buying Titanium Backup. Little pricey, but after 3 years, I still use everyday (so do most people here)
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

reverepats said:
So are you trying f to restore data from another backup? The no directory coming from your Recovery? Which recovery you using? Also for the future, if you are i treated in. Arrting over data for all you apps with CM builds, you should look into buying Titanium Backup. Little pricey, but after 3 years, I still use everyday (so do most people here)
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I previous lay backed up on CWM, before my 3 attempts at downloading the Cyanogen mod. When I attempt to recover from my internal sdcard, it says that the files can't be found or that the sdcard can't be mounted. I had previously downloaded the free version of that, I believe, but I was following the instructions an aforementioned video, which said to use CWM.

Never mind, I've fixed the problem by moving all the contents of the 0 folder into the main phone folder. Thanks!

New problem: is there a way to download the ROM without all my data being erased?

Wangstaa said:
New problem: is there a way to download the ROM without all my data being erased?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you can backup your data and restore afterwards (use Tianium Backup for this), but the thing is that funky issues come up when you do that. Especially if its across different android versions (ics to jb, etc). I would suggest to just reinput what you can and only restore things like SMS, Calendar events (if not synced), etc, only small things like that

[Q] Help Root Epic 4G touch 4.1.2

I have a Sprint Epic 4G touch model SPH D710..I flashed the QB KIng 77 How To update 4.1.2 non rooted--Any advice on how to root? The how to all show while running ICS...Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated

btoddweber said:
I have a Sprint Epic 4G touch model SPH D710..I flashed the QB KIng 77 How To update 4.1.2 non rooted--Any advice on how to root? The how to all show while running ICS...Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FL16 One Clicks are easiest. Try the Rooted Restore or Nodata (depending on if you're already on that version)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2063904

So that will allow me to root?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

btoddweber said:
So that will allow me to root?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are already rooted.
That's what he was telling you. :beer:
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2

Help root
So how do I get mine rooted? Again sorry for being so new... I've flashed that 4.1.2 from the qb king video but have found no help with how to on my epic 4g touch running 4.1.2. They all say ics? Is there a chance I did it already? What about those super one clicks? Again don't mean to be stupid just new and want to get it right. I thanks for all the help so far. I'll get it down.

btoddweber said:
So how do I get mine rooted? Again sorry for being so new... I've flashed that 4.1.2 from the qb king video but have found no help with how to on my epic 4g touch running 4.1.2. They all say ics? Is there a chance I did it already? What about those super one clicks? Again don't mean to be stupid just new and want to get it right. I thanks for all the help so far. I'll get it down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am posting this despite how new you are.
I will outline exactly how this should work.
go here. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2050297
Download the attached apk.
Make sure that you have unknown sources enabled in setting/security
Install the apk
Run the app
scroll down to 'Root device' and tap it.
Let it do its thing and if it doesn't automatically reboot after I would say 8 to 10 minutes, reboot the phone.
You should be rooted.
Do not do anything else other than what I listed unless you read the entire thread i posted for you.

Not allowed to flash clockwork?
Thanks for the advice and now at the point to flash clockwork rom manager and it says device unsupported? Any ideas?

btoddweber said:
Thanks for the advice and now at the point to flash clockwork rom manager and it says device unsupported? Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't do it from ROM manager. Like I said, Don't do anything else.
Read the forums.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1761666
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1525495

DO NOT USE ROM MANAGER! There was that specific enough. It does NOT work with our device and well likely create an expensive paper weight for you.
Stop, read the stickies and how to s. Search is your friend.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

This thread should have been done after garwynn said to use the one-click listed... that is the answer to rooting this phone, especially for the new folks!! Once your rooted you can use mobile odin to flash a cwm kernel if you wanna go to a custom rom.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Thanks
Thanks so much... Gonna try that now the step by step helped. Again sorry for being so green but I'll get it. And again... Thanks... By the way have any recommendations for roms for the epic 4g touch.???

btoddweber said:
Thanks so much... Gonna try that now the step by step helped. Again sorry for being so green but I'll get it. And again... Thanks... By the way have any recommendations for roms for the epic 4g touch.???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jellyverse
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

graydiggy said:
I am posting this despite how new you are.
I will outline exactly how this should work.
go here. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2050297
Download the attached apk.
Make sure that you have unknown sources enabled in setting/security
Install the apk
Run the app
scroll down to 'Root device' and tap it.
Let it do its thing and if it doesn't automatically reboot after I would say 8 to 10 minutes, reboot the phone.
You should be rooted.
Do not do anything else other than what I listed unless you read the entire thread i posted for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's nice to see people actually help noobs out. It all seems so easy once you understand how it works but it can be overwhelming and a little verbose. Especially, the instructions for the Roms I started with and hoping inside that you don't brick your phone on the first try.

I do thank you all for the help. I did somewhat mess it up but recovered and flashed rooted ics and agat recovery. So thanks again. Can't wait to start flashing. By the way I was in recovery to create nan backup and it says sd-ext not found sd-ext skipped shows md5 then complete? Is that normal? Or should I be able to see it on sd? It seems as though it has taken up space but wanting to be sure? However.. Thanks so much
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

btoddweber said:
I do thank you all for the help. I did somewhat mess it up but recovered and flashed rooted ics and agat recovery. So thanks again. Can't wait to start flashing. By the way I was in recovery to create nan backup and it says sd-ext not found sd-ext skipped shows md5 then complete? Is that normal? Or should I be able to see it on sd? It seems as though it has taken up space but wanting to be sure? However.. Thanks so much
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's for if you have an a2sd partition on your sd card.
I like to break stuff!

So its ok? That means it is on my sd? Just trying to be sure since the backup isn't obvious by name. Maybe it is but I haven't seen it. Or maybe I've overlooked it? Any advice on what it would be labeled as?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

btoddweber said:
So its ok? That means it is on my sd? Just trying to be sure since the backup isn't obvious by name. Maybe it is but I haven't seen it. Or maybe I've overlooked it? Any advice on what it would be labeled as?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it skipped the sd-ext partition during backup since it doesnt exist. Your backup location depends on if you chose backup to internal or external
I like to break stuff!

It doesn't let me choose external and also now I cannot move aps to my sd card? Says unable to move ap? Is that due to flashing the new recovery? I followed the steps and it rebooted correctly however now it saves nandroid to my internal only and won't allow apps to be moved to sd? Any advice? I've looked all over and am somewhat confused.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

Oh, and when I search "my files". I come across a backup ext sd? Shows nandroid and stuff etc..inside but never was optioned to put on ex sd. However still can't move apps to sd
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

btoddweber said:
Oh, and when I search "my files". I come across a backup ext sd? Shows nandroid and stuff etc..inside but never was optioned to put on ex sd. However still can't move apps to sd
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the cwm version It does it automatically if you just choose backup but it should give you option in backup menu below to backup to internal sd card. On my phone it's always been on extSd/clockworkmod/backup.
If you Mobile Odin agats New FL16 repack, it gives you option for sure
Sent from my Epic Touch on Kobridges' FL16 Jelly using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

Android 4.2.x File Structure Thread

Hey Guys,
So After all of the recent questions and concerns I have seen and answered, I have decided to make a thread to help users understand the new file structure of android 4.2.x. I hope this will help those of you with questions and concerns and make for a smoother transition from 4.1.x and touch wiz roms.
I will break this into three categories........
First I will explain what the file system is and why it is present and how it affects you......
Second is if you haven't yet but are planning on making the jump to 4.2.x.
Third will be if you have already made the jump without doing your homework. (For those of you wondering where your files are, wondering why your sd card was formatted, or cant find your recovery backups..... This section is for you!!)
Section 1.)
What is the new file system and what the hell is this /0 folder?
With Android 4.2, Google introduced multiple users as a new feature. In order to accommodate multiple users, Google is now giving each user their own folder for storage. What happens is 4.2 uses an emulator to make different users and uses the /0 folder as the default users storage on the sd card. It doesn't recognize anything on the root of the sd card only whats in /0. To support multi-user capabilities this will be the norm... for each user, there will be a sequentially numbered folder in /data/media (/data/media/0, /data/media/1)...
And for each user, within Android, this will be symlinked to /sdcard & /storage/sdcard0... for user 1, /sdcard = /storage/sdcard0 = /data/media/0... for user 2, /sdcard = /storage/sdcard0 = /data/media/0...
These are emulated storage points... /data/media/0 = /storage/emulated/0, /data/media/1 = /storage/emulated/1
Without root access, each user will just see /sdcard/ and will not be able to access the other emulated storage points...
In the recovery mode, however, /sdcard is mapped to /data/media which is why you need to navigate to the "0" folder to see your files!
So in order to access your internal storage files they will be in data/media/0. So for example to access the backup location In titanium backup after you flash navigate to data/media/0/TitaniumBackup. (Thanks to ktetreault)
That being said, If you already flashed a 4.2 rom without preparation, your files aren't lost they are just inaccessible they are just not in the proper place for 4.2 to see them.
So now that we have all the technical stuff out of the way...... Lets get into how to either prevent or fix this issue.
Section 2.)
Preparing to flash a 4.2 rom from a touch wiz rom or an aosp 4.1.x based rom.
Okay, so you have touch wiz or aosp 4.1.x of some sort and your ready to try out the goodness of 4.2?
First backup your ext sd card to your pc or if a pc is unavailable (and your willing to take a risk) use a file explorer on your phone such as Es file explorer from the market to transfer the contents of the ext sd card to your internal sd card. I highly suggest avoiding using the phone as some hiccups can occur. I have done it successfully myself but have heard others who have lost their files during transfer because they left the app while it was transferring. If you do use this method DO NOT LEAVE THE APP UNTIL THE FILE TRANSFER IS COMPLETE.
Second Format your ext sd card so we have a clean slate to work with as this will help tremendously to avoid any headaches.
Third Install the latest recovery of your choice. The reason for this is that the older recoveries are not updated for 4.2 and will continuously create a new /0 folder every time you flash a new rom. Follow the instructions to install in the applicable thread.
Thanks to naddict for posting the links.... These are all flashable zips thru recovery
TWRP 2.4.1.0 - http://d-h.st/9cL
CWM 6.0.2.3 - http://d-h.st/jbT
CWM Touch 6.0.2.3 - http://d-h.st/8A9
Fourth Flash the 4.2 rom of your choosing per the instructions of the developers OP in their thread.
Set your phone up as usual and then restore the files from your backup on your pc or move them back from the internal sd card using es file explorer again. Keep in mind that the /0 folder is your new sd card storage. Now you are good to go and enjoy the new features and benefits of 4.2 and not have to search for your files :good:
Section 3.)
Okay so you got overly excited and flashed a 4.2 rom........ OMG!!! All my files are gone!!!! I can't restore any backups and all my precious files have disappeared!! Why was my sd card formatted?????
Relax.... Your files didn't go any where they are exactly how you left them you just can't see them.....
I will walk you thru 4 easy steps to get your files back and put you back on track.
First Make sure you have the latest recovery of your choice. If needed refer to the links posted in section 1. If you don't do this you will see a duplicate /0 folder created every time you flash a new 4.2 rom.
Second You won't be able to find your backups thru recovery. The easiest method I found is to download any touch wiz rom. Wipe your phone completely and then flash the touch wiz rom you downloaded. Reboot and go thru the setup and what not.
Third Now install es file explorer or the app of your choice. Next copy everything from the root of the sd card into the /0 folder that 4.2 had created oh so nicely for you.
Fourth Reboot into recovery and re-flash the 4.2 rom you began with. After going thru the initial rom setup you will see that are of your files are back intact and ready for you to access.
Hopefully this has helped those of you with questions and concerns about upgrading to 4.2.x. If i missed anything please feel free to let me know and ill include it here or address any further questions.
Thanks to:
Sundawg of TBD
Koush Of CWM
Team Win
And All of the devs on xda
Hope I have helped if so feel free to press thanks!!

Thank you for taking the time to write this. This should help a lot of people.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

WhoWhere said:
Thank you for taking the time to write this. This should help a lot of people.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I was answering this a few times recently and I know I was baffled at first. As well I didn't see any other threads regarding this so I figured it may help.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

If i am currently on a 4.1 ROM and don't have an external sd(i only have the internal storage), will the new 4.2 file system affect me when i flash a 4.2 ROM?
So far i have backed up apps+data with titanium backup, and im ready to flash liquid smooth ROM using twrp. I just want to know if after flashing my internal storage contents will still be there and i will be able to restore apps with tb.

Outstanding guide, good work!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

This should help a lot of people, nice work! I will add this to the FAQ.

chromium96 said:
If i am currently on a 4.1 ROM and don't have an external sd(i only have the internal storage), will the new 4.2 file system affect me when i flash a 4.2 ROM?
So far i have backed up apps+data with titanium backup, and im ready to flash liquid smooth ROM using twrp. I just want to know if after flashing my internal storage contents will still be there and i will be able to restore apps with tb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you shouldn't be affected bud I would only suggest getting an sd card just to backup anything important in case of a freak error during flashing or accidental wiping of internal sd.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Towle said:
This should help a lot of people, nice work! I will add this to the FAQ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks i appreciate you including it in your thread.
Thetenthdr said:
Outstanding guide, good work!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot took me a little while to get it all together.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

chromium96 said:
If i am currently on a 4.1 ROM and don't have an external sd(i only have the internal storage), will the new 4.2 file system affect me when i flash a 4.2 ROM?
So far i have backed up apps+data with titanium backup, and im ready to flash liquid smooth ROM using twrp. I just want to know if after flashing my internal storage contents will still be there and i will be able to restore apps with tb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but you will have to set the backup location In titanium backup after you flash to data/media/0/TitaniumBackup
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

ktetreault14 said:
Yes, but you will have to set the backup location In titanium backup after you flash to data/media/0/TitaniumBackup
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for informing I'll add that to the op as well.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

this was of great help
When I went to 4.2.1 I did not understand the file system change. I had to use my backup phone for 5 days before I finally got my SMSand MMS and Launcher Pro restored.
Then I wiped and flashed again and it created a new "0" directory. I have been afraid to do anything but dirty flash since.
This finally explains it all and I feel confident in wiping again.
Thank you so much.

GeneLM said:
When I went to 4.2.1 I did not understand the file system change. I had to use my backup phone for 5 days before I finally got my SMSand MMS and Launcher Pro restored.
Then I wiped and flashed again and it created a new "0" directory. I have been afraid to do anything but dirty flash since.
This finally explains it all and I feel confident in wiping again.
Thank you so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem bud that's why I created the thread to help everyone understand and to give you guys a place to ask.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

You rock, thx for the info, looks like it was a lot of work but good idea after so many posts asking about the same thing

lordazoroth said:
You rock, thx for the info, looks like it was a lot of work but good idea after so many posts asking about the same thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem it was my pleasure. Hopefully will cut the redundancy lol
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

If you are missing your /sdcard/download/ file:
Go to: /mnt/shell/emulated/download/
+Bound for Valhalla!

Valhalla_ said:
If you are missing your /sdcard/download/ file:
Go to: /mnt/shell/emulated/download/
+Bound for Valhalla!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup that will work but quite an annoying work around Lol that's why I showed you guys how to prevent this or fix it so this won't be needed every time you need a file
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Great work, very informative and easy to read...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

unk2009 said:
Great work, very informative and easy to read...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, quick question, I bounced off another ROM onto liquidsmooth without updating my recovery and ended up with an extra '0' folder, can I move my files out of there and delete it safely?

lordazoroth said:
Hey, quick question, I bounced off another ROM onto liquidsmooth without updating my recovery and ended up with an extra '0' folder, can I move my files out of there and delete it safely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup no problem just delete the innermost one without your files and you will be good to go.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

rawdaddymagraden said:
Yup no problem just delete the innermost one without your files and you will be good to go.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Pimp, thx a bunch!