Develop Bugs

[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

[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

Best way to wipe? Lol

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.

[Q] Can't use Gmail app, Can you help me?

I recently updated my CM7 rom... I didn't checked the "erase dalvik cache" option...
So everything went fine... But now phone goes white everytime I open Gmail... I tried uninstalling it but then I can't download it from play store because when my PC it says that app is already installed. And I can't access play store from my phone since I need to sync my gmail account.
How to fix it... I mean maybe downloading the right Gmail app
And thanks for taking the time to read and help my problem

I didn't checked the "erase dalvik cache" option...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And here lies your problem, wiping dalvik cache is a crucial thing to be done when installing a new ROM or when updating your currently installed ROM.
ALWAYS WIPE BOTH CACHE AND DALVIK CACHE.
So, i've got two solutions for you.
1 - Uninstall Gmail app, clean Play Store's app data, reboot into recovery and wipe both cache AND dalvik cache.
If the solution above does not work, do this:
2 - Format everything (cache, data, boot and everything else) and reinstall your ROM. (this one is fail-proof, I mean, it WILL work but will erase EVERYTHING in your PHONE)
Skyheiser​