Wipe Data/Cache - myTouch 4G Themes and Apps

What does wiping data/cache actually do, whats does it wipe? Is there like a list or something of what it erases? I just want to install new rom and don't want to erase stuff I need. Thx to anyone that can help me understand.

Payaso1 said:
What does wiping data/cache actually do, whats does it wipe? Is there like a list or something of what it erases? I just want to install new rom and don't want to erase stuff I need. Thx to anyone that can help me understand.
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Click to collapse
It wipes all your user data. If u want to keep your apps go get titanium back up and back up all your apps. Then wipe data and cache then after flash a new rom download titanium again and restore apps with data.
Sent from Glacier with CM7

Hey thx so it doesn't wipe contacts, ringtones, or other info?

If you are installing a new ROM the best way to save contacts is to make them google contacts, sync, and then all of your contacts are kept with google, so when you log in with the new rom everything downloads to the phone. with ringtones as long as they are saved in media/sounds they are fine. It's difficult to install a new rom while keeping all of your current user data perfectly intact. Nothing is 100% guaranteed to work, and installing a ROM always comes with risks. If you are THAT dependent upon your userdata in it's current state, maybe you're better off where you are. Where there is a will, there is always a way, but if you are simply trying to save yourself time and effort, working with custom ROMs rarely affords you that comfort. Once you get it set up it can run like a dream, but getting there usually has a few bumps.

Related

[Q] HowTo : flash roms ?

sorry in advance if this is the wrong place for this....
i can't find out what i need to by doing forum searches and maybe this could help someone else too..
...and feel free to redirect me to another thread for some specifics.
any way i have my phone rooted and running kaos froyo v24
what do i need to do to best try other roms, or just update to v30?
how do i flash ? - and how do i know when to do a full wipe? - and what does that entail(should i do a backup , and does the back up need to be on my computer,not my phone?)
could flashing other roms make my current one unstable?
and lastly .....will i lose all my apps and contacts and stuff with each flash or full wipe?
any clarification on these matters would be awesome.
and thanks so much everyone..... you have given me a better phone
brendan
This would be better placed in Q&A, but I will be happy to help you. All you need to do to flash another rom is what you did for the first one. To move up from one version of a rom to another, you don't need to wipe unless the instructions specify you to do so. But when in doubt, wipe. That is if you dont mind losing all of your saved data. But when going to a new rom, then wiping is a must. Yes, you will lose all apps and contacts for each wipe. No, your phone will not be unstable because of the flash, though if the rom has bugs then it could be. Hope this helps
I suggest installing titanium backup from the market. It allows you to save your current apps and data to be reinstalled on your new rom.
Before flashing a new rom, create a nandroid of your current rom by holding vol up + power. Scroll to backup/restore and create the nand. If for any reason you dont like the new rom, you can wipe data, dalvik, and ext (if your sd card is partitioned) and restore the nand. Your phone will be exactly like before.
To flash a new rom, save the file to the root of your sd card (not in any folder), do a wipe if your going to a new rom or if you have problems updating the old one, and flash the file you downloaded. If your updating the same rom the developer will tell you if you need to wipe or not.
FYI- Nands are saved on your sd card in the nandroid folder. You dont need to mess with them. When you restore, amon ra will look in that folder for you. Don't rename your recoveries like I did and render them useless.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App
And your contacts should be resynced when you flash a new rom as long as you're using Gmail and allowing it to backup.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App
awesome !!!
thanks so much guys!

Migrating from Odex to Deodex

I want to move from stock odex ROM to a deoxed version. I am currently running odex rooted stock OTA 1.22.651.3 (from xHaus). Can I flash the deodexed ROM over mine without wiping? I know that I can TI Backup all of my apps if I need to wipe, but it would be simpler to flash over if possible.
Thanks.
tamas413 said:
I want to move from stock odex ROM to a deoxed version. I am currently running odex rooted stock OTA 1.22.651.3 (from xHaus). Can I flash the deodexed ROM over mine without wiping? I know that I can TI Backup all of my apps if I need to wipe, but it would be simpler to flash over if possible.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's wrong with wiping and flashing if your apps are backed up? You will be in a world of hurt if you don't.......skies will fall, unicorns will die.....lol just force closes etc....so wipe .
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
There really is no reason not to wipe data when flashing a Rom. Really Bad idea not to.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
neopolotin75 said:
What's wrong with wiping and flashing if your apps are backed up? You will be in a world of hurt if you don't.......skies will fall, unicorns will die.....lol just force closes etc....so wipe .
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Click to collapse
Things like contact linking are a pain to get right. There isn't a major problem with wiping; I was just asking to try to save myself some trouble if it was possible.
Wipe it is.
if your wanting to save yourself some trouble then always do a factory reset, wipe cache and dalvik cache. just a good way of making sure you always get a clean install. thats what i always do. and especially if im home on my wifi cuz all my apps and such download in about 3-4 mins and ur good.
tamas413 said:
Things like contact linking are a pain to get right. There isn't a major problem with wiping; I was just asking to try to save myself some trouble if it was possible.
Wipe it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something like this was what I was about to say.
jsonger121 said:
if your wanting to save yourself some trouble then always do a factory reset, wipe cache and dalvik cache. just a good way of making sure you always get a clean install. thats what i always do. and especially if im home on my wifi cuz all my apps and such download in about 3-4 mins and ur good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not saving yourself trouble, You're creating potential head aches in the future by not wiping. I always do a full wipe and I only use TB to restore a few apps like games that I don't want to lose data from. It takes a little longer but you'll have far less issues in the end. I'm convinced the majority of the issues people have in these rom threads are from just flashing without wiping anything and/or using TB to restore all apps + data.

A few questions

Hello, I'm brand new to these forums, but I've been browsing them for the past week, and Im thinking about making the plunge to CM7. I've never done anything like this before, so could you guys answer a few of my questions, and maybe put my fears to rest?
First off, let me say that I read the Moto Atrix noob guide and updated thread.
This is my phone info:
System Version: 4.5.141.MB860.ATT.en.US
Android Version: 2.3.6
I have had this phone for over a year, and everything is completely stock.
Questions:
1. I have seen various threads about the latest firmware from Motorola causing an inability to change the OS. Is this true? And if not, do all the guides I've read regarding flashing, roms, backup, etc. still applicable?
2. I want to run CM7, but is it better to install CM7 directly from their website, or use some of the versions that I have seen members offering here. What are the main differences? What do you recommend?
3. Is CM7 as stable as stock?
4. Is it possible to flash different kernels to see what type of battery life difference they make, and can you do this without changing the OS?
5. I've seen multiple times of the importance of backing everything up. My only concerns are the contacts and sms. My contacts are stored on "Motorola Services." How can I back them up? As for sms, I use an app called SMS backup and restore. It creates an xml file I think, so when I go to restore my sms messages, everything should be as i was before, right? I'm worried about formatting issues here.
I just want to make sure I understand everything so I dont mess anything up. Thanks for your help!
yep. being a virgin and knowing it has to happen gives ya them butterflies in the tummy. Don't worry, you'll be fine, WE were all virgins at one time also. There will be somone here to assist you if you need it.
1.Follow the automatic bootloader thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1182871
2. Read a little on the roms you are considering. The ones based on cm7 are basically the same. differences will be in themes, and extra/different features like diff apps and launchers & more or less customization options such as for settings. Have to choose which one appeals to you, and go with it. Beauty of this is if you want to try something else, only takes a matter of minutes and you can change to a differnt cm7 rom. In a lot of instances, once you are on cm7, flashing a different cm7 rom, you don't have to erase or lose your data, just wipe system and caches and load new flavor. Only takes a couple of minutes to flash a new rom, or kernal, or radio, and your data stays intact. Changing to a CM9 or a different base rom is when you will need to wipe the whole phone including data.
3. Yes, cm7 was the last revision when devs were still able to use OEM drivers, so they are stable.
4. Answered in #2
5. I don't recall which apps were good for saving your sms stuff on cm7. Seems like ages ago since I was using that! Might want to consider moving your Motorola based stuff over to Google. Contacts will be availabe there and will load automatically when you initiate your new rom. You don't need to do any formatting, but erasing will wipe areas, and will erase personal data if that option is chosen, so your concern is noted. Pay attention to what you are doing, don't wipe data from CWM when flashing if you intend on keeping your user data. You can wipe system and caches and not lose your data.
Yes back everthing up. Make a copy of your PDS folder and stash it away on your pc (do this before starting flashing), this has your phone id stuffs and a couple other valuables. Don't share that with anyone either. Make a nandroid b/u (an option in your new CWM) as soon as you can after installing CWM. You can reload that if things don't go good, and be back where you started. Install SuperuserSU (not the plain Superuser) from google play.
Just do it, you'll like it! become one of the elite!
If you ask me... You'll need a custom recovery to be able to flash CM7 anyway, so why not use it to make a proper full nandroid backup too?
I mean sure, you can try messing around with specialized apps to save and restore only the parts most critical to you (like contacts and texts), but if for any reason you'll want to completely go back, at least you'll know you can.
ravilov said:
If you ask me... You'll need a custom recovery to be able to flash CM7 anyway, so why not use it to make a proper full nandroid backup too?
I mean sure, you can try messing around with specialized apps to save and restore only the parts most critical to you (like contacts and texts), but if for any reason you'll want to completely go back, at least you'll know you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
wvcaudill2 said:
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
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Click to collapse
CWM will allow you to restore individual partitions. So you can, say, restore just /data and leave others intact. It won't let you restore specific folders in /data though. Basically such a backup is most useful if you need to restore the entire phone to a specific state.
wvcaudill2 said:
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use titanium backup to restore individual apps and their data...
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2
ravilov said:
CWM will allow you to restore individual partitions. So you can, say, restore just /data and leave others intact. It won't let you restore specific folders in /data though. Basically such a backup is most useful if you need to restore the entire phone to a specific state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what all is stored in the /data partition?
Also, is there some comparison of roms out there? I've been searching through the forum, and can't seem to find any. I see NottachAtrix4G alot. Is this based off of CM7? Also, does the fingerprint scanner work in cm7?
wvcaudill2 said:
what all is stored in the /data partition?
Also, is there some comparison of roms out there? I've been searching through the forum, and can't seem to find any. I see NottachAtrix4G alot. Is this based off of CM7? Also, does the fingerprint scanner work in cm7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The data partition is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go to.
I'm sure I saw some threads comparing ROMs, even though I recommend you try all the ROMs and see which one best fits your needs. Back when I had my old Milestone 2, everyone talked about the CM7 ROM, as it was the best to the device, but as soon as I tried the MIUI 2.3.7, never came back to CM7 (at least with M2, used it again with atrix)
Nottachtrix isn't based off CM7, it's a stock gingerbread ROM with modifications.
Yes, the fingerprint scanner works (at least on Neutrino CM7).
MaxK47 said:
The data partition is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go to.
I'm sure I saw some threads comparing ROMs, even though I recommend you try all the ROMs and see which one best fits your needs. Back when I had my old Milestone 2, everyone talked about the CM7 ROM, as it was the best to the device, but as soon as I tried the MIUI 2.3.7, never came back to CM7 (at least with M2, used it again with atrix)
Nottachtrix isn't based off CM7, it's a stock gingerbread ROM with modifications.
Yes, the fingerprint scanner works (at least on Neutrino CM7).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a good answer. I have yet another question though.
Some of the ROMS I have been looking at advertise that they are packaged with a certain kernel. Do all ROMS contain a kernel, or will I have to flash my own depending on which ROM I choose?
Again, sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure I dont screw this up!
Every ROM is a complete system, so it must come with a kernel. In most cases after flashing a ROM you're ready to go. You'd only want to flash a different kernel if for some reason you're not happy with the one supplied with the ROM.

[Q] How to install Jelly Wiz Rom MJ9 4.3 TW ?

I recently rooted/unlocked my Verizon GN2 using Casual, and I am interested in trying my first ROM. I saw the announcement of Jelly Wiz Rom MJ9 4.3 TW (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2564495), and it looks fairly interesting, so I'd like to give it a go. Before I jump in, I want to be sure I've got my process correct. Pulling in information from that thread and the [GUIDE][VZW Edition]How to Root/Rom/Return to Stock the VZW Galaxy Note II! thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024207), here's what I think I have to do:
Make sure I've got a good backup
Download the ROM to my internal SD card
Power device off, then hold the Volume up/home/power buttons until I get into TWRP)
Select wipe, then wipe cache. (If I get force close or other issues, boot back to TWRP and wipe data)
Select install, then choose the ROM
Reboot
At this point, I should have the ROM up and running. However, there will be some problem with the modem and WiFi, so I need to fix that by doing the following:
Grab the "Recovery Flashable Modem and WiFi Parameters" from http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23252070760974850
Boot into TWRP
Select install, then choose the Flashable Model and WiFi Parameters zip file
Reboot
Is this all correct? Have I missed anything?
Everything seems to be in good order. You almost always want to perform a full factory reset/data wipe when going between different Roms. I know it's a pain to restore everything back to your liking but you'll regret not wiping 9/10 times. Also, consider keeping the .zips on an external SD Card just in case of accidental internal storage wipe.
Titanium Backup should be my friend, right?
Jiggabitties said:
Everything seems to be in good order. You almost always want to perform a full factory reset/data wipe when going between different Roms. I know it's a pain to restore everything back to your liking but you'll regret not wiping 9/10 times. Also, consider keeping the .zips on an external SD Card just in case of accidental internal storage wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips.
I've done a backup of all my apps (system and user) using Titanium, and I can do another before doing my reset/wipe. In theory, I should be able to restore the apps I want to recover, after I'm all done installing the ROM and the patch, right? So it shouldn't be too much of a hassle.
Or am I being naive?
Well all of your Google apps back themselves up to the cloud, so you're good there. In my experience, it's best to only restore Market Apps, games etc... apps that aren't already synced with your google account. But I've always had pretty good luck with Titanium. I pretty much only ever backed up game progress, far too many hours into angry birds to lose it to a wipe.
Jiggabitties said:
Well all of your Google apps back themselves up to the cloud, so you're good there. In my experience, it's best to only restore Market Apps, games etc... apps that aren't already synced with your google account. But I've always had pretty good luck with Titanium. I pretty much only ever backed up game progress, far too many hours into angry birds to lose it to a wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. Sounds like the smart thing to do is to grab all the apps I actually use, give them time to re-sync, and then use Titanium to restore everyone else's data.
Thanks very much!
Exactly! You got it, glad I could help.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
ya i wanna try this but have spent last 2 hrs unbricking my phone after trying to install another tw rom following directions exactly. may just wait to get back to tw rom and stay at cm 11 unofficials

Ultimate wipe?

Hi guys!
I've been fiddling around with different ROMs. With every new rom I install, I always wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache + Dalvik cache.
However, it seems there still are files lingering from earlier versions (eg. wallpaper settings).
Is it possible, and if so how, to do an ultimate reset, to make the phone as bare as possible before installing a new rom?
I've tried using CM recovery, TWRP, CWM, and others based on earlier mentioned recoveries. Right now I'm running the latest Candy 5 (infected) + CWM
It's not quick but if you encrypt before wiping it that is one way. I've always reccomended doing this when selling your device.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
usually I do a full wipe with TWRP (go advanced wipe and check everything including internal sdcard), this will wipe everything you have on the phone like pics and other stuff, so make sure TO COPY THEM FIRST, the are not included in a nandroid backup, had to learn that the hard way
There's no better wipe then what you do (except formatting sd card).
I think the settings that stay between flashing are the one restored by your Google account.
Uncheck backup / restore from Google settings next time you install a rom and it should be all new !
pec0ra said:
There's no better wipe then what you do (except formatting sd card).
I think the settings that stay between flashing are the one restored by your Google account.
Uncheck backup / restore from Google settings next time you install a rom and it should be all new !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm quite sure it's more than just the google back-up files lounging around, but I'll make sure to try and set it up as a new phone next time around. Thank you for your help
munte89 said:
I'm quite sure it's more than just the google back-up files lounging around, but I'll make sure to try and set it up as a new phone next time around. Thank you for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean files that are on your sd (internal or external) they are not Google's backup but have no big effect on your settings (except for some apps). If you want to get rid of this, just format your sd.
Now if you mean some settings like the wallpapers, they are restored by Google automatically but the setting is stored on the data partition (which you wiped).
Do you have other examples of things that stay between wipes?
pec0ra said:
If you mean files that are on your sd (internal or external) they are not Google's backup but have no big effect on your settings (except for some apps). If you want to get rid of this, just format your sd.
Now if you mean some settings like the wallpapers, they are restored by Google automatically but the setting is stored on the data partition (which you wiped).
Do you have other examples of things that stay between wipes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing that comes to mind, only the reoccuring feeling of "Huh? That shouldn't be there anymore". However, I'm quite sure I solved it using PhilZ to advance wipe and wiped everything but the boot.

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