Develop Bugs

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
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ktetreault14 said:
Yes, but you will have to set the backup location In titanium backup after you flash to data/media/0/TitaniumBackup
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for informing I'll add that to the op as well.
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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...
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unk2009 said:
Great work, very informative and easy to read...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
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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!

(Q) flasing asop rom like cm10.1

My questions is why that when I flash a
Asop rom like 10.1 I looked into the storage pretty much all my saved files arent there. But when I flash back to touch wiz jedi all the files are there intact. Is there a way to flash asop and still have the same files?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

culua said:
My questions is why that when I flash a
Asop rom like 10.1 I looked into the storage pretty much all my saved files arent there. But when I flash back to touch wiz jedi all the files are there intact. Is there a way to flash asop and still have the same files?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem stems from the difference between 4.2 and 4.1.2. They added multi-user support in 4.2. If you go back to a stock based rom (4.1.2), and browse your sdcard, you'll see a folder called 0 on the root of it. Under here is where 4.2 will store the new files. When you're on 4.2, however, the files that are not under the 0 directory, but one directory up in the hierarchy, will not show up. The easiest solution would be to go to a stock based rom, and move all your folders underneath the 0 directory. Now when you go to cm10, or any 4.2+ rom, everything will show up on the root of the sdcard. Then, if for whatever reason, you go back to a 4.1.2 rom, they'll still be accessible, just under the 0 folder. I switch back and forth sometimes, and for me the easiest way was to leave them in the 0 folder. It's one extra folder level I have to navigate, but I'll take that trade-off to make it so when I boot into a 4.2 based rom I can still see everything. The only thing you'll need to remember, if you're on a 4.1.2 rom, and you download something, and it puts it in the sdcard/download folder, move it to the sdcard/0/download folder otherwise the newer roms won't see it.
Hope that wasn't too confusing, it's a bit hard to explain sometimes. If you have anymore questions, shoot me a pm or respond here and I'll see if I can clear it up.

The 0 folder is so annoying hehe
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Where are my files?

Hello,
I was on Hyperdrive rom, love it, and all my files were there far as Photos, Wallpaper, etc... when I load other roms they are there, but recently I updated my boot loader and now I don't see none of my files. Its like they system got wiped. But when I go to recovery to load another rom I see all my files in the directory, even my rom zip files.
When I pick either "illusions" or "MIUI" I don't see none of my files. Could it be the boot loader that I installed? Do I have load every single photo, wallpaper, and music again? won't it be duplicates if I do?
I'm going to install the "Hyperdrive" rom again, but it gets tiring loading all the apps from the market. But I'll do it just to see if I get the photos and etc....

Google xda android 4.2.2 sdcard /0 folders
This has been pretty thoroughly covered. You just hsve to know what to look for!
Sent from my SGH-T999L using xda premium

DocHoliday77 said:
Google xda android 4.2.2 sdcard /0 folders
This has been pretty thoroughly covered. You just hsve to know what to look for!
Sent from my SGH-T999L using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I go to root explorer and still see nothing. There is no folder in explorer that says "0" I go to my sdcard and still nothing.

What rom are you on?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

johnny quest said:
I go to root explorer and still see nothing. There is no folder in explorer that says "0" I go to my sdcard and still nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't go to /sdcard. Go to /data/media. Then you'll see everything.

Ok, thanks. I'll look for it on there. I was on "illusion" then "miui" rom but I just gave up and switched over to "hyperdrive" there I can see all my files. But I will try again with the other roms.

Here is the thread that Doc was talking about.
Android 4.2.x File Structure Thread
If you go back and forth between 4.1.2 and 4.2.x you will have issues like this.

Woody said:
Here is the thread that Doc was talking about.
Android 4.2.x File Structure Thread
If you go back and forth between 4.1.2 and 4.2.x you will have issues like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much. So my best bet is to just stay with 4.2.2 once I make that leap from 4.1.2? I posted a comment on that thread regarding the transfer of files. I just want to be clear. I went back to 4.1.2 and so I'm basically transferring all my files to the "0" directory? You see I have a Mac so I have to have Airdroid, but I can get a HP laptop. So, I transfer all my files then format my ext sd card, then transfer my files back in the "0" directory and that's it? along with my 4.2.2 roms. then do the whole wiping thing to install a new rom?

If you do this before flashing 4.2.2 ypu msy end up with something like this /0/0/
I've seen where some have had 8 or more zero directories! Youll have to read more on that though as I don't know a lot about it.
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4.2 4.3 question

Has anyone downloaded one of the rooms and it not do the sd0 thing and no need to flash that fix memory zip? Just curious cause don't have an external sd and interested in checking one of those roms out. Thank you
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium HD app

xyojimbox said:
Has anyone downloaded one of the rooms and it not do the sd0 thing and no need to flash that fix memory zip? Just curious cause don't have an external sd and interested in checking one of those roms out. Thank you
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you d/l one of the 4.2/4.3 roms (AOSP or Sense) it will do the SD0 "file thing" If you want to find the original files you will need ROOT EXPLORER or other root browser and go to the ROOT directory then DATA>MEDIA. You should see all your familiar 4.1.2 files. If you go to DATA>MEDIA>0 that will be the "new" 4.2/4.3 directory. You can copy and paste files back and forth between the two directories or you can simply move them w/o copying.
If you get tired of 4.2/4.3 and want to go back to stock 4.1.2 here is what to do:
go to recovery and do a full wipe (DO NOT WIPE INTERNAL)
RESTORE your backup of 4.1.2 (or flash your 4.1.2 rom)
before booting into 4.1.2 (still in same recovery session) flash the FILE FIX
Hope that at least partially answered your question.

SantinoInc said:
If you d/l one of the 4.2/4.3 roms (AOSP or Sense) it will do the SD0 "file thing" If you want to find the original files you will need ROOT EXPLORER or other root browser and go to the ROOT directory then DATA>MEDIA. You should see all your familiar 4.1.2 files. If you go to DATA>MEDIA>0 that will be the "new" 4.2/4.3 directory. You can copy and paste files back and forth between the two directories or you can simply move them w/o copying.
If you get tired of 4.2/4.3 and want to go back to stock 4.1.2 here is what to do:
go to recovery and do a full wipe (DO NOT WIPE INTERNAL)
RESTORE your backup of 4.1.2 (or flash your 4.1.2 rom)
before booting into 4.1.2 (still in same recovery session) flash the FILE FIX
Hope that at least partially answered your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for reply. Was hoping that maybe the wasv one that didn't do that lol thank you
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium HD app

SantinoInc said:
If you d/l one of the 4.2/4.3 roms (AOSP or Sense) it will do the SD0 "file thing" If you want to find the original files you will need ROOT EXPLORER or other root browser and go to the ROOT directory then DATA>MEDIA. You should see all your familiar 4.1.2 files. If you go to DATA>MEDIA>0 that will be the "new" 4.2/4.3 directory. You can copy and paste files back and forth between the two directories or you can simply move them w/o copying.
If you get tired of 4.2/4.3 and want to go back to stock 4.1.2 here is what to do:
go to recovery and do a full wipe (DO NOT WIPE INTERNAL)
RESTORE your backup of 4.1.2 (or flash your 4.1.2 rom)
before booting into 4.1.2 (still in same recovery session) flash the FILE FIX
Hope that at least partially answered your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's best rom to try
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Slimroms 4.3 is the biz.
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MeetFace said:
Slimroms 4.3 is the biz.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is lte working? Is Wi-Fi lagging?
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metro77279 said:
Is lte working? Is Wi-Fi lagging?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dunno what "wifi lagging is"...but LTE was working in the last (non-odexed) alpha.

Anyone have the link to the restore sd file
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SantinoInc said:
If you d/l one of the 4.2/4.3 roms (AOSP or Sense) it will do the SD0 "file thing" If you want to find the original files you will need ROOT EXPLORER or other root browser and go to the ROOT directory then DATA>MEDIA. You should see all your familiar 4.1.2 files. If you go to DATA>MEDIA>0 that will be the "new" 4.2/4.3 directory. You can copy and paste files back and forth between the two directories or you can simply move them w/o copying.
If you get tired of 4.2/4.3 and want to go back to stock 4.1.2 here is what to do:
go to recovery and do a full wipe (DO NOT WIPE INTERNAL)
RESTORE your backup of 4.1.2 (or flash your 4.1.2 rom)
before booting into 4.1.2 (still in same recovery session) flash the FILE FIX
Hope that at least partially answered your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please tell me where to find the file fix?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

SantinoInc said:
If you d/l one of the 4.2/4.3 roms (AOSP or Sense) it will do the SD0 "file thing" If you want to find the original files you will need ROOT EXPLORER or other root browser and go to the ROOT directory then DATA>MEDIA. You should see all your familiar 4.1.2 files. If you go to DATA>MEDIA>0 that will be the "new" 4.2/4.3 directory. You can copy and paste files back and forth between the two directories or you can simply move them w/o copying.
If you get tired of 4.2/4.3 and want to go back to stock 4.1.2 here is what to do:
go to recovery and do a full wipe (DO NOT WIPE INTERNAL)
RESTORE your backup of 4.1.2 (or flash your 4.1.2 rom)
before booting into 4.1.2 (still in same recovery session) flash the FILE FIX
Hope that at least partially answered your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On flashed back to a touch wiz rom and flashed fix but when try to go to restore nothing is there and when go into install the twrp file is there how do I get it back to normal I flashed fix like a few times. ....
Edit.. I figured it out
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Question
Im on the goodness rom for sprint note 2 and that sight is down. Can some one tell some good roms for 4.3 or another good rom with 4.1.2. thanks

Slim ROM has been stellar for me
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MeetFace said:
Slim ROM has been stellar me
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Click to collapse
+1
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I have been asking this question still no answer but can you use the s pen on a asop 4.3 roms
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Aquarius169 said:
I have been asking this question still no answer but can you use the s pen on a asop 4.3 roms
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Click to collapse
Yes
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Will get there WHEN WE GET THERE
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internal storage issue.

how to i fix my internal storage? It keeps creating new folders every time i install a new rom or even when i oden in which the folders are called /0/ then they have the stuff in them..

metalblaster said:
how to i fix my internal storage? It keeps creating new folders every time i install a new rom or even when i oden in which the folders are called /0/ then they have the stuff in them..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a known thing when flashing a cm rom. Shouldn't do it if you flash a touch wiz rom

It's actually related specifically to 4.2 so if you use a TW 4.2 rom it will do the same thing, but there is no such thing for our device. It's part of the Google multi user platform. I'm pretty sure 4.3 will be the same unless google dropped the multi user idea.
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Just open file manager and delete the /0 folder. Make sure to keep all of the old files you think are important.
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