What is /preload partition? - Galaxy Note II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I have just noticed something and wanted to learn a few things.
It is possible to wipe /preload partition on CWM recoveries but not possible in TWRP ones. Still when wiped, the next CM or PA installation fails with the SIM card. However when I check this partition with a file manager it only shows what would be loaded on my internal memory IF I had a stock Samsung ROM. It contains the Samsung and S Note folders with some noting samples and the 10 pitcures and World of Wonders video..
What are they doing there and are they taking my phones user memory? Or why am I not having a healty ROM installation when I wipe that partition? Why is this partition there for actually? And last, why do I not get those folders sometimes after a clean Stock ROM installation?
Thanks..
P.S. I know there is a topic about it but it does not answer why my installation fails after wiping that partition and the question after that..

You've answered your question about the partitions purpose.
Can't replicate your case. I've wiped preload several times and never had any issues after, whether installing a stock ROM or AOSP one.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 4

Related

[Tool][Port][Blackhole Nullifier & Wipe][1.5a][6.3.12] Discontinued

I've been working on this port for personal use, but I figured others may find this useful.
What is it?
It's a script flashed through recovery, same as when you flash a ROM, that wipes for you in one simple step!
What does it do? (Wipe)
Depending on which version you choose, it calls on mke2fs and e2fsk to format /cache /data /system, then check the partition afterwards.
It will wipe /cache for the cache only, or system, cache and data for the full wipe. It does not do the external SD card, but it WILL FORMAT INTERNAL SD!
What does it do?(Nullify)
Same as the wipe, however this first calls on DD to zero out the partition, leaving NO DATA behind. Its a full overwrite of all data in the partition, with no way to salvage after running. The chances of anyone being able to recover any data after this is run is pretty slim outside of extreme power users and like..the CIA or something. Even then the data would be so corrupted I doubt anything usable could be rebuilt. Best used when bugs come up regardless of wiping multiple times, or prepping the tab for sale, no personal data can be retrieved from the internal SD.
How do I use it?
This is assuming you run a custom recovery!
System Wipe:
Reboot into recovery (this has been tested on my personal device with CWM and TWRP).
Make a full backup.
Install from SD, pick the system wipe zip.
Install the zip.
Wait a bit, it should take a minute for full wipe.
You can either restore a backup or flash a new ROM zip.
OPTIONAL: Fix permissions
Reboot system
NOTE even on a restore first boot will take longer then normal.
Cache Wipe:
Reboot into recovery.
Make a full backup, just in case.
Install from SD, pick Cache Wipe zip.
It'll take a second.
OPTIONAL: Fix permissions
Reboot system
NOTE boot will take a little longer then normal.
Nullifier:
Make sure you have at LEAST 50% battery or are plugged in.
Copy all information and files you want to save from Internal SD to PC or external SD card (the slot one).
Reboot into recovery.
Make a nandroid backup.
Install zip from SD, pick the nullifier zip you want to run.
Cache nullify takes about 9 minutes, full system takes about 35-40.
Check if you can mount /system /data and /cache, if you can, proceed, if not, reboot recovery (recovery not system!)
Install from zip, pick your ROM zip, or restore a nandroid.
Reboot system, and do whatever the DEV suggests.
NOTE Boot will take longer then usual.
What's this ported from?
This is based on work by Volk's Nullifier script for the G2x, and based directly on the Hellfire Nullifier. It's no longer really even close, but the concept and work is still based on their work.
What does each version do?
Cache Wipe: Formats /cache and deletes /data/dalvik-cache.
System Wipe: Formats /cache /system and /data. Recovery mounts INTERNAL SD to /data/media, so THIS DELETES INTERNAL SD!
Please backup your INTERNAL SD before running this or you will lose everything on it!
Cache Nullify: Nullifies /cache and deletes Dalvik-cache.
System Nullify: Nullifies /cache /data /system. THIS DELETES INTERNAL SD!
Cache Wipe\Nullify is meant for cleaning up when things get buggy.
System Wipe is meant to format everything for a new rom install or nandroid backup restore. The recovery will remove directories around /media, not format, this will format /data completely in preparation for new data.
System Nullify is meant to destroy all data in /system /cache /data, including your internal SD, by zeroing out the partitions. In other words, writes 0s from start to end.
Who should we thank?
Volk, who created the initial concept and script Nullifier, which this is based roughly on.
x0hell0x who ported it to the Hellfire Kindle Series, which this is based directly on.
da-pharoah, who helped me through the process and dealing with different device IDs in different recoveries. If it weren't for him I'd have given up and made seperate zips for each recovery.
What's coming up?
Right now I think this is complete! I'm unsure of how it handles CWM, so I may need to create CWM versions.
Things to note! READ THIS!
This is intended to run on the Acer Iconia Tab A100 ONLY! I have not set this up to run on any other device, and doing so may result in a brick! This wipes partitions, and could wipe boot, recovery, or any number of other partitions if run on a different device!
This was created and tested on my personal device using TWRP recovery! Using any other recovery may or may not prevent the script from running correctly! System wipe\nullify erases internal SD please backup data and ensure your ROMs and Nandroids are stored on EXTERNAL SD CARD!
The wipes are meant for every flash, the nullifiers are NOT meant for every flash! They are meant for changes from one ROM to another rom, or every few flashes, say 10. Otherwise use manual wipes or my wipe scripts!
Porting:
I'll consider porting to other devices if I have time, please PM me if interested.
I am not responsible for any damage that may occur from use of this script! If you choose to use this, that is your choice. As with anything else, flashing can cause problems including data loss, hair loss, bricking, brick laying, and magical fairies cracking your screen.
Changelog:
5.25.12 v0.1
Initial attempt at porting over, full of fail.
5.26.12 V1.0
Wipe Cache only version completed and successfully run on my device in CWM and TWRP.
5.27.12 V1.0a
Minor changes to the script for cache only version.
5.28.12 V1.1
More changes, changed handling of device ID from recovery to handle both types of recovery reporting (thanks da-pharoah)
Adjusted the status bar indicator to better reflect where in the operation the script is (thanks da-pharoah)
5.30.12 V1.1a
Created post, minor clean up of spelling errors.
5.30.12 V1.3
System Wipe finished after some major changes to command arguments. Cache wipe getting updated as well to 1.3 with a fix to rm argument.
6.1.12 V1.4
Cleaned up an error with the cache being formatted and throwing errors. Updated and cleaned up Cache Nullifier, all scripts updated to 1.4.
6.1.12 V1.5a
I made a mistake and updated the wrong script versions, resulting in nothing being formatted due to the system not unmounting before carrying on with the script. My apologies, I hadn't noticed the issue until I attempted to use it today for a rom install. For now, use only 1.5a versions, updating them all now with the fix. Slight changes to output to help see what it's saying. Working on getting the status bar timing correct.
6.3.12 V1.5a Final
Rechecked each script, and should ALL now be FULLY working in TWRP. CWM may or may not handle the script correctly, if you run into issues like it not working, send me a PM or Email with /cache/recovery/last_log and if there dmesg. System Nullifier added finally!
Please bear with me, I'm finishing my High School course and only have limited time on any given day, and it mostly goes to schoolwork, I will update when I can, and I really hope to have the full wipe completed within a few days. Nullifier may take longer as I'm not sure why DD hangs.
Downloads: These are on my drop box for now, it's small so it shouldn't cause issues.
Blackhole System Wipe 1.5a A100
Blackhole Cache Wipe 1.5a A100
Blackhole Cache Nullifier 1.5a A100
Blackhole System Nullifier 1.5a A100
does this actually "wipe" data so that is can not be recovered? or just erase it?
joeyjojojjjjjj said:
does this actually "wipe" data so that is can not be recovered? or just erase it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now all it does is format, or wipe, with mke2fs to whatever FS that partition uses, EXT4 or EXT3. Its not much different from using CWM wipe/format commands, just does it all for you. Once I figure out why DD hangs, it will then Nullify the partitions, complete and utter destruction of data by overwriting the partitions with 0s, leaving no traces behind at all. I'm currently hammering out the full system wipe script, which will do /cache /system /data and /data/dalvik-cache, the /cache/dalvik is done when /cache is formatted. The problem I ran into is for some strange reason, internal SD is mounted to /data/media in recovery, meaning formatting /data directly will erase the internal SD card as well. The recovery gets around this by deleting directories around it, but never formats it, which IMO can lead to issues and bugs down the line. I have only 1 method of dealing with this, and that's moving /data/media to the external SD card (SDC), formatting (or nullifying) then moving it back. As this can mean moving up to 8 GB, its not a liable method as it will take a LONG time to move it there and back.
I'm hoping to have the first full system wipe available tonight, however it WILL erase the internal SD, this is only to be used if you don't care what's there, or are having alot of bugs, and copy your stuff off before running. I can't test it since the wife is using the tab now, and I'm not gonna put it online without testing it first.
TL;DNR: It just erases it.
Updates
1.4 versions are up.
Now includes Cache only Nullifier! This is the wiping that I think joeyjojojjjjjj was looking for. Unrecoverable data destruction. Currently DDs /cache, then formats and checks, then deletes dalvik-cache. Overwrites the partition with 0s from beginning to end, leaving nothing but ZERO behind, hence blackhole nullifier.
Hoping to finish up System Nullifier tonight some time.
1.5a Final is done
Scripts are now up to 1.5a Final. The zips are still labeled as 1.5a but they are all updated. Added system nullifier! Please use caution with the wipes and nullifiers, and ensure internal SD is backed up and your nandroids and roms are stored on external SD card before using!
Tested working on TWRP Recovery, YMMV on CWM recoveries.
pio_masaki said:
Scripts are now up to 1.5a Final. The zips are still labeled as 1.5a but they are all updated. Added system nullifier! Please use caution with the wipes and nullifiers, and ensure internal SD is backed up and your nandroids and roms are stored on external SD card before using!
Tested working on TWRP Recovery, YMMV on CWM recoveries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I finally came upon this thread! Well done bro! Great work and keep it up! makes me wish I had an a100 just to test it
da-pharoah said:
So I finally came upon this thread! Well done bro! Great work and keep it up! makes me wish I had an a100 just to test it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works lol it's based on your work after all
pio_masaki said:
It works lol it's based on your work after all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I know but still u got it rockin for the a100 so that's what I meant..
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Wipes with Crossix Memory Swap?
I am using the Crossix memory swap.
If I use the system wipe script, will it erase the data on my *actual* internal sd (i.e the 5gb partition that I largely don't use). Or will it erase the data on my *tricked* internal (my 32gb microsd card)?
Thanks, I can't wait to try this stuff out!
conorkickass said:
I am using the Crossix memory swap.
If I use the system wipe script, will it erase the data on my *actual* internal sd (i.e the 5gb partition that I largely don't use). Or will it erase the data on my *tricked* internal (my 32gb microsd card)?
Thanks, I can't wait to try this stuff out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Internal SD only. It will never touch your external SD card. And the reason is....
The crossix mount swap is only active when android runs from /system. This is run from recovery, so any system mods don't affect anything running in recovery.
So you're safe, only the included internal SD is wiped, regardless of crossix's mount swap.
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.
This is sick. Nice work.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
could you make a port of the babsector utility ? A lot of bricks can come back to live with i believe
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
Presko said:
could you make a port of the babsector utility ? A lot of bricks can come back to live with i believe
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has nothing to do with these tools lol.
Anyways I can port it but its useless without the sbk, so not really a point until Acer releases it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Excuse me but after a couple of days reading about this problem , what is sbk ?
What ever it is , I doubt that they are going to release even a windows 8 driver for this tablet
Btw I have contacted the Russian author via 4pda and he says to give a straight shot and to send him a screen shot
Tomorrow at work will have time to try
Is there something specific to put in the start command at prima vista ?
Presko said:
Excuse me but after a couple of days reading about this problem , what is sbk ?
What ever it is , I doubt that they are going to release even a windows 8 driver for this tablet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its the encryption key for the boot loader, specifically to use nvflash in apx mode. Its covered in the brick thread.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
pio_masaki said:
Its the encryption key for the boot loader, specifically to use nvflash in apx mode. Its covered in the brick thread.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well that's a chance to ps my post while you aswer it
btw is there a petition or something that I can contribute with ?
Presko said:
well that's a chance to ps my post while you aswer it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
pio_masaki said:
Huh?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not again I will stop editing previous posts
Presko said:
not again I will stop editing previous posts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh OK I didn't see the edits.
Anything using nvflash or apx mode needs the sbk, no way around it. It may yet be cracked like the a500s, but so far no.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Format /System Question

From my understanding formatting the /system partition through CWM will remove the android OS completely from your device and you would have to flash a new one to replace it. Found the following information on the below website:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...plained-boot-system-recovery-data-cache-misc/
/system
This partition basically contains the entire operating system, other than the kernel and the ramdisk. This includes the Android user interface as well as all the system applications that come pre-installed on the device. Wiping this partition will remove Android from the device without rendering it unbootable, and you will still be able to put the phone into recovery or bootloader mode to install a new ROM.
My question is, if I format the /system partition, does it remove all my currently saved pictures and videos on my internal memory? When I install a new ROM I typically wipe data /factory reset, then perform TDJs super wipe before installing the new ROM.
However, the instructions for installing the newest CM10 ROM also says to wipe /system partition. I know this will remove the OS, but will this also remove my pics and videos or should I back them up first before performing this step? Thanks.
Chochiwpg said:
From my understanding formatting the /system partition through CWM will remove the android OS completely from your device and you would have to flash a new one to replace it. Found the following information on the below website:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...plained-boot-system-recovery-data-cache-misc/
/system
This partition basically contains the entire operating system, other than the kernel and the ramdisk. This includes the Android user interface as well as all the system applications that come pre-installed on the device. Wiping this partition will remove Android from the device without rendering it unbootable, and you will still be able to put the phone into recovery or bootloader mode to install a new ROM.
My question is, if I format the /system partition, does it remove all my currently saved pictures and videos on my internal memory? When I install a new ROM I typically wipe data /factory reset, then perform TDJs super wipe before installing the new ROM.
However, the instructions for installing the newest CM10 ROM also says to wipe /system partition. I know this will remove the OS, but will this also remove my pics and videos or should I back them up first before performing this step? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now i could be wrong as i am no Dev by any means but i do not think it will wipe your emmc as well. Reason i think it will be fine if you wipe /system is if you go in with root explorer and go to your /system folder your emmc is not located there so therefore if you were to wipe your /system patition it sould leave the emmc partition in tact.
But as always i would backup your emmc to your pc and give it a try. Hope this helps :good:
sinfulgray said:
Now i could be wrong as i am no Dev by any means but i do not think it will wipe your emmc as well. Reason i think it will be fine if you wipe /system is if you go in with root explorer and go to your /system folder your emmc is not located there so therefore if you were to wipe your /system patition it sould leave the emmc partition in tact.
But as always i would backup your emmc to your pc and give it a try. Hope this helps :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking the same thing as well but just had to ask because I have never processed the format /system action before. I am currently running a TW ROM ATM and looking through ES File Explorer my sdcard (which is the same as emmc on AOSP ROMs) isn't located located in the /system folder either.
Thanks for your reply, I tried to give you a thanks but I have reached my limit today
sinfulgray said:
Now i could be wrong as i am no Dev by any means but i do not think it will wipe your emmc as well. Reason i think it will be fine if you wipe /system is if you go in with root explorer and go to your /system folder your emmc is not located there so therefore if you were to wipe your /system patition it sould leave the emmc partition in tact.
But as always i would backup your emmc to your pc and give it a try. Hope this helps :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm no Dev either, but your right. Formatting system will not touch your emmc or sd cards. If you format system when flashing a new nightly (which I do every 3rd flash), you won't lose any user data at all. Only ROM and system apps, this is why you need to reflash Gapps as well if you format system.
When you use TDJ's wipe script, it formats everything (including system) except emmc and external sd cards.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
RikkKeith said:
I'm no Dev either, but your right. Formatting system will not touch your emmc or sd cards. If you format system when flashing a new nightly (which I do every 3rd flash), you won't lose any user data at all. Only ROM and system apps, this is why you need to reflash Gapps as well if you format system.
When you use TDJ's wipe script, it formats everything (including system) except emmc and external sd cards.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much, I run TDJ's wipe script with each install of a new ROM and completely didn't realize that is also wipes the /system partition. I just re-read his Superwipe thread and right in the OP it says
"This exceeds anything that CWM is capable of from the menu options. This will format and erase EVERYTHING on your /system, /data, /cache partions with EXT4 file system. It WILL NOT wipe SD CARD or EMMC... After it is complete with format and e****, it will align all disks partitions properly."
I was up extra early this morning, forgive me, I need to learn how to read better as well :laugh:
Thanks again.
Remember guys, wiping doesn't wipe everything. However, not wiping everything can bring its own issues.
Sorry for bumping up an old thread but it was very relevant to this topic. If I wipe the system before flashing a new ROM will my apps remain intact with their data? I know system apps will be gone but they will come back anyway so it doesn't matter.
Chochiwpg said:
From my understanding formatting the /system partition through CWM will remove the android OS completely from your device and you would have to flash a new one to replace it. Found the following information on the below website:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...plained-boot-system-recovery-data-cache-misc/
/system
This partition basically contains the entire operating system, other than the kernel and the ramdisk. This includes the Android user interface as well as all the system applications that come pre-installed on the device. Wiping this partition will remove Android from the device without rendering it unbootable, and you will still be able to put the phone into recovery or bootloader mode to install a new ROM.
My question is, if I format the /system partition, does it remove all my currently saved pictures and videos on my internal memory? When I install a new ROM I typically wipe data /factory reset, then perform TDJs super wipe before installing the new ROM.
However, the instructions for installing the newest CM10 ROM also says to wipe /system partition. I know this will remove the OS, but will this also remove my pics and videos or should I back them up first before performing this step? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I flash all the time and always format system, you will not lose your internal or SD memory
Inagalaxyfaraway said:
Sorry for bumping up an old thread but it was very relevant to this topic. If I wipe the system before flashing a new ROM will my apps remain intact with their data? I know system apps will be gone but they will come back anyway so it doesn't matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they will stay intact with a /system wipe. However, with a factory reset or /data wipe, your apps will be gone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Sorry to bump old thread. I just deleted system, data, cache etc everything. Now when i attempt to
Reboot it warns that no OS installed. I m using TWRP. is it safe to power off the device? Will i be able to get back to recovery to flash a new rom afterwards, as i dont have one ready now??
Btw i hav nexus 7 , but didnt find this discussion there so i am posting here.
Thanks in advance for help....
I accidentally formatted system on my HTC desire HD. but i'm unable to install rom in it. If anyone can help me make it working(instruct how to install ROM in it) i'd be grateful.
Sawrose said:
I accidentally formatted system on my HTC desire HD. but i'm unable to install rom in it. If anyone can help me make it working(instruct how to install ROM in it) i'd be grateful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to post your question here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=754
Careful with that with new versions of TWRP and CWM! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1966887
I format my system through xrecovery but after that first it stuck in sony ericsson logo.. sometimes it doesnt boot and the red light flashes
Accelerator00000 said:
I format my system through xrecovery but after that first it stuck in sony ericsson logo.. sometimes it doesnt boot and the red light flashes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're lost friend. LOL.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
kj2112 said:
I think you're lost friend. LOL.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it stucks at the sony ericsson and i cant enter the xrecovery sorry it just low battery thats why red light flash.. LOL
Accelerator00000 said:
it stucks at the sony ericsson and i cant enter the xrecovery sorry it just low battery thats why red light flash.. LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buttttt...this is the t989 S2 forum.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

Is it true that formatting your internal SD card will brick your phone?

I have avoided formatting my internal SD card via clockworkmod since day one out of fear that I will brick my phone. I format it all the time when its connected to my PC....but I heard it shares some system partitions with the internal storage? .....and formatting via CWM will brick your partition map?
Is there any re-partition files available for the galaxy s3 if corruption ever did occur?
This area is something I dont know much about, so please bare with my classifications if they are inaccurate.
Thanks!
RealTic said:
I have avoided formatting my internal SD card via clockworkmod since day one out of fear that I will brick my phone. I format it all the time when its connected to my PC....but I heard it shares some system partitions with the internal storage? .....and formatting via CWM will brick your partition map?
Is there any re-partition files available for the galaxy s3 if corruption ever did occur?
This area is something I dont know much about, so please bare with my classifications if they are inaccurate.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can, as long as you install a rom before rebooting. I think i did it before but I can't say I'm sure.
RealTic said:
I have avoided formatting my internal SD card via clockworkmod since day one out of fear that I will brick my phone. I format it all the time when its connected to my PC....but I heard it shares some system partitions with the internal storage? .....and formatting via CWM will brick your partition map?
Is there any re-partition files available for the galaxy s3 if corruption ever did occur?
This area is something I dont know much about, so please bare with my classifications if they are inaccurate.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done it before on CWM. I currently use TWRP though. Just load your ROM and anything else you need to flash on your extsd card. Format internal storage then flash your ROM of choice. I do this every time I flash a new ROM. I find it helps cut down on freezing and other issues.
As long as you flash a ROM after you wipe the internal storage your fine.
Sent from my Clean Bean v2.6 Galaxy S3
TheSocalGuy79 said:
I've done it before on CWM. I currently use TWRP though. Just load your ROM and anything else you need to flash on your extsd card. Format internal storage then flash your ROM of choice. I do this every time I flash a new ROM. I find it helps cut down on freezing and other issues.
As long as you flash a ROM after you wipe the internal storage your fine.
Sent from my Clean Bean v2.6 Galaxy S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. Formatting through recovery will not affect the boot or recovery partitions, so it's safe to do... but as SocalGuy79 said, just make sure you have the Rom zip you want to flash on your extSDCard.
I do that every time I install a new ROM. So no, it's perfectly safe, just make sure you flash a new ROM before you reboot lol.
Joe0113 said:
I do that every time I install a new ROM. So no, it's perfectly safe, just make sure you flash a new ROM before you reboot lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I use TWRP 2.4.4, Format data usually too, I never backup and restore data for apps ever. And I very, very rarely ever have problems that others have with ROMs.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
TheSocalGuy79 said:
I've done it before on CWM. I currently use TWRP though. Just load your ROM and anything else you need to flash on your extsd card. Format internal storage then flash your ROM of choice. I do this every time I flash a new ROM. I find it helps cut down on freezing and other issues.
As long as you flash a ROM after you wipe the internal storage your fine.
Sent from my Clean Bean v2.6 Galaxy S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done something really stupid here. I formatted my /system and /data & /data/media using CWM and the rom i had loaded for flashing on the internal storage is now gone. I do not have an external sd card. I tried using adb to sideload or push the file but in vain since /data/media folder is missing. Will this be fixed if I flash stock ROM using Odin.
I can still boot into CWM and download mode.

[Q] Problem with the partitions on TabPRO?

I own a Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1" Wifi (SM-T520).
I have the stock ROM, rooted and with TWRP. And SDfix...
I have tried fat32 and ext4 on MicroSD, and without MicroSD. No difference.
I cannot boot any custom rom (Stuck at Samsung logo). Sometimes when I try to install a rom, it fails, or reboots TWRP.
I also encountered problem when trying to restore a nandroid. No DATA partition can be written to, restore fails. (after reboot recovery, its no problem to restore)
Angry Birds Epic does not work. It stops at "Loading Levels", and sometimes it fails to start, and says its not installed.
Spotify says that that it cannot be used because it has no storage.
I can access the partitions, but they are not writable. A reboot is getting the internal/external SD to be writabe again.
So, what is the problem with the partitions on TabPRO? or is it the Samsung android rom thats the problem?
Can it be fixed?
Regards,
-Exlo
Try installing FolderMount from the PlayStore. It can detect and fix issues with your partitions. You just need to run it, then reboot. I seem to get issues writing to my data partition after I install TWRP, on my SM-P900. FolderMount fixed it quickly and easily.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devasque.fmount
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
FolderMount did find an error, and fixed it, but same result
And it "fixed" the same problem as the SDfix app did.
But, I still made some progress. I managed to install a custom rom without error, and fully booted.
Team Freeze Rom installed fine. The rom is just under 800Mb. So i thought maybe it was some faulty memory sector on my tab.
Then I tried to flash GigaWatts ROM, and it failed. Same with ProPlus Rom.
When restoring my last nandroid, it fails when writing DATA partition.
Then I tried to restore my first nandroid, from "stock" rom, and it restored just fine.
First nandroid was from internal SD, and latest was from external SD. Made me wondering, so switched yet again another MicroSD, took a nandroid to it, and tried to restore. It fails again at DATA.
Then I tried t install GigaWatts ROM from internal SD, instead of external. Works without error.
Sooo.... I can flash custom ROM`s from Internal Memory, and restore from Internal Memory
Not from external SD.
Still, I do get internal/external SD dropouts, and getting "no space left/no memory to install on", which can be "fixed" by a reboot.(Still, it should`t be like this, and are quite annoying.
But, still no luck on getting past the "Loading Levels" on AngryBirds Epic
Where is the root of the problems? Faulty device? Android ROM? TWRP making trouble?
Please guide me if any logs should be provided to find out where the problems is, if i`m not the only one with these problems.
Regards,
Exlo
You can try flashing a stock ROM via Odin, and start from scratch. Factory Reset, Reroot, install twrp, etc. If you still can't write to /data properly, you may need to find a .PIT file and repartition your internal memory using Odin.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
I have had to reflash stock with Odin 4 times by now, and it has been the same pain every time.
I was hoping not to use re-partition, so I will wait and see if some new info will come by from other users, as I see there are more of the users that struggles with flashing custom rom. (Stuck at samsung logo, installation fails)
So, will hold off for a few days, and if no new info about partitions, rom flashing, low memory, sd cards not mounting correctly, etc, then I will try re-partition...
meanwile, I`ll investigate som more on my own, read overall the internet
Ok, so i have tried and failed, and learned something on the way
Ext SD is useless for flashing rom, nandroid, etc within TWRP. It does not mount partitions correctly.
If I make sure DATA partition is mounted in recovery, and only use Internal SD, everythin flashes, backups and restores just fine
(Mabye an issure with TWRP?)
SDfix, or FolderMount fixes write permissions to Ext SD in rom to use TitaniumBackup, games, downloads, etc.
Hopes this can help others in simular problems.
And thanks to all that have helped on the way
Regards,
-Exlo

[Q&A] [Mod][Guide] Re-Partition Internal Memory For T-989! (Confirmed Working)

Q&A for [Mod][Guide] Re-Partition Internal Memory For T-989! (Confirmed Working)
Some developers prefer that questions remain separate from their main development thread to help keep things organized. Placing your question within this thread will increase its chances of being answered by a member of the community or by the developer.
Before posting, please use the forum search and read through the discussion thread for [Mod][Guide] Re-Partition Internal Memory For T-989! (Confirmed Working). If you can't find an answer, post it here, being sure to give as much information as possible (firmware version, steps to reproduce, logcat if available) so that you can get help.
Thanks for understanding and for helping to keep XDA neat and tidy!
Works great!
I just wanted to report back saying that the pit file provided in the original post works great! For any interested in my setup/procedure, it was:
1) Flash the provided pit file using Odin 3.09
I wanted to switch to a Lollipop ROM, and another person in the main thread had good results with Validus, so I used that. Validus supports and recommends the F2FS filesystem, which requires a different recovery to install. So I followed the instructions found on the XDA Thread and the Google+ page for Validus install instructions.
2) Flash Chet's recovery
Chet's recovery, as downloaded from the above link, can be flashed from inside your current recovery. At least, I could from flash it from inside TWRP 2.7.1.0. Flashed it, rebooted back into recovery, and it loaded up the new one, nice as you please.
3) Format data, cache, and internal sdcard as F2FS. TWRP also gave me an error about preload, so I formatted that as ext4.
If you switch to a different ROM in the future, you'll have to remember to check if the new ROM supports F2FS. If it doesn't, you'll need to reformat those partitions to EXT4, or another filesystem the new ROM does support.
4) Flash Validus
5) Flash Gapps
Validus recommends the Paranoid Android Gapps, but the XDA threads have been closed. You can find the appropriate Gapps packages with a Google search; my search led me here. Since the /data partition is now so large, I don't have to try and squeeze apps into the /system partition just to save space, I can install them normally. Thus, I installed the pico gapps, and just installed the other apps via the market. I recommend you do the same.
The result is a dark themed lollipop ROM that already seems pretty stable. I've been using it for less than a day, but I've noticed very few stability problems or other hitches. My thanks to Lorien_Silmaril and chris4284!
How to change Recovery in semi-bricked phone?
Hello, Noob here and was trying to re-partition my T989 T-Mobile S2 memory. It would appear I need to properly reformat the partitions however the recovery I am using does not support the more advanced "wipe" options the "Re-Partition Internal Memory For T-989! (Confirmed Working)" thread discusses.
As this phone will not boot into Android anymore but I can get into the recovery mode, how would I put something like TWRP onto my phone? It would appear that I can only do it through ODIN if the recovery file is a .tar file rather than a .zip file. So are the various TWRP recovery files available anywhere as .tar files? And if not, then what is my other option (as I can not get the phone to show up as a USB drive to load in the .zip versions)?
Thank you,
P.
EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT
Yes, I am an idiot. After posting realized that I could put the zip files onto a SD card and then use the recovery file currently on my phone to install the zip off the SD card.
Confirming Pit file sizes
I never did get to work correctly but I might give it another go. One thing I noticed was after un-zipping the two ZIP files in the main thread (the stock PIT and the 8GB partitioned one), the 8GB PIT file was only 4k while the back to stock one is 500k. Makes me wonder if the modified one being only 4k means I got a bad file/download? Can anyone who has successfully installed the Modified_8GB pit verify that it is indeed only 4k in size?
Thank you,
P.
Can i flash this on the AT&T variant and if so how do i repartion ?
Everything seems work,but only problem is my laptop does not recognize my phone anymore. I installed driver and the phone is on debug mode. I tried different cables and laptops. Still does not work, at least Odin recognizes it.
patrick2015 said:
Everything seems work,but only problem is my laptop does not recognize my phone anymore. I installed driver and the phone is on debug mode. I tried different cables and laptops. Still does not work, at least Odin recognizes it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to reinstall the usb drivers and disable debug
Tried it on a at&t variant and works fine and connects to pc aswell
Which partitions do I have to reformat
Great guide!... Please, I need help. I got confused at the moment I have to format the partitions. Which partitions do I have to reformat after the process? I see "dalvik cache, data, system, cache, internal sd card, android secure, micro sd card, and preload"... Do I have to reformat all of them? or just "data, and internal sd card"?.... do i have to reformat with file system "ext4" or with another one?
BTW, do you know what are the default file system for the partitions?... in case I do something wrong, this might help me to factory reset my t989...
Sorry, my english it's not that good, i know.
Please help me.
So I did this using your modified pit file, and it seems to have worked. I'm having a few issues now though. When I start google camera it tells me to mount an sd card first. I rebooted, unmounted and mounted the external sd card, and cleared data/cache. Nothing works. I also can't create a folder on the internal SD.
edit: I fixed it by formatting the internal SD to FAT. Now to look into increasing the /system partition size
mike.weiss503 said:
Great guide!... Please, I need help. I got confused at the moment I have to format the partitions. Which partitions do I have to reformat after the process? I see "dalvik cache, data, system, cache, internal sd card, android secure, micro sd card, and preload"... Do I have to reformat all of them? or just "data, and internal sd card"?.... do i have to reformat with file system "ext4" or with another one?
BTW, do you know what are the default file system for the partitions?... in case I do something wrong, this might help me to factory reset my t989...
Sorry, my english it's not that good, i know.
Please help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't let you do davlik. I was a bit confused by this, too, so I hope the OP clarifies. For me, formatting system, preload, cache, and data to ext4, and internal sd to FAT seems to work. I didn't touch micro sd.
Keep it simple!
Hi,
This is my very first post on this forum and what brought me to this thread was a Google search on increasing memory on my Galaxy SII.
My Galaxy SII is an SGH-T989D that can't get any app updated for a while because of insufficient memory. Put simple, all I want to do is re-partition so I can get more "/data" memory. I don't want to install any fancy ROM or root or anything else, anyway I don't have a clue of what that means lol! So I'm not expecting having any trouble following the instructions or getting the PIT file as really I'm good with computers and that kind of stuff, but here come the newbie questions:
- Do I have to perfrom any kind of backup of my device before performing the re-partition steps? If yes, then how do I do this? And once done, how do I restore the backup back into the re-partitioned device?
- If there is no need to perform a backup, does that mean that once the re-partitioning and wipe and reformatting is done, all I have to do is reboot in normal mode again and everything should be fine and as before? If not, then what steps are missing to get my device as it was before re-partitioning (with the exception that now the partitions are different sizes, of course)?
- The last step states: "After you have done the above steps, you can then proceed with ROM installation or recovery. " What does that mean and what should I do then?
Please advise... Thanks for your help!
Regards,
Pat
New PIT File
Is it possible you could create a PIT file that repartitions only 5 gb from the internal sd card, so that the internal memory is at 5 gb rather than 2?
If not, could you redirect me to a working PIT Magic Tool download as the original link doesn't work.
unpartition.
Hi I'd like you to help me un partition my phone.. I want to re install the rooting process a fresh but I found out when I tried reinstalling my stock ROM I couldn't start it up it would go to stock recovery and show data error,cache error . I tried using your un modified pit it didn't help .. Please help me unpartition .
Only Dalvik partition after PIT file flash
All of the posted info and files were much appreciated. I flashed the OC PIT file provided with success according to ODIN and rebooted into TWRP but only the Dalvik cache is showing so I can't partition anything. I tried flashing different variants of the PIT file but I never have any other partition show up. Has anyone come across this?
I can not see system cache data partitions after flash
I am using twrp 2.8.7.0. I did flash SGH-T989-PIT.pit after,but I still can not see system cache data partitions in twrp.
---------- Post added at 10:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 PM ----------
agaliarept1 said:
All of the posted info and files were much appreciated. I flashed the OC PIT file provided with success according to ODIN and rebooted into TWRP but only the Dalvik cache is showing so I can't partition anything. I tried flashing different variants of the PIT file but I never have any other partition show up. Has anyone come across this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same problem. I am using twrp2.8.7.0. I only can see Dalvik cache in twrp. I even did flash the unmodified pit ,but it is still doesnt work.
t989 re-partition - not recognized by windows
Hey! Thanks for the guide! This is the perfect solution. I was able to flash the new PIT with no obstacles. Phone is working fine.
My only issue is that my new internal storage is not recognized by windows when I use USB mount in TWRP. It says the partition must be formatted to be used, and of course Windows wants to format it into FAT or ntfs. It opened fine before the re-partition, even as ext4.
Any thoughts on how to get it readable by windows again?
Chet's Recovery F2FS
Hey does anyone have a copy of Chet's Recovery mentioned in the post. I have the same issue as most now that only the dalvik is showing up, but i think we need that recovery to mount and repair the partitions.
Predicus said:
Hey does anyone have a copy of Chet's Recovery mentioned in the post. I have the same issue as most now that only the dalvik is showing up, but i think we need that recovery to mount and repair the partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same issue here

Categories

Resources