[Q] Ext4 Formatter & Roms/Kernals Question - Fascinate Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have not been following development since the DJ05 days and I am trying to catch up a bit. I would appreciate if someone could give me some clarity on the ext4 formatter. I searched through some of the threads but there seams to be little detail/instructions on exactly how to use this formatter.
1) Does the full wipe version of ext4 formatter wipe the kernel? Basically, do I need to flash a voodoo kernel after using the ext4 formatter or do I only need to flash voodoo kernel before using formatter?
2) Can I flash any ROM after using the formatter as long as the kernel supports ext4 or do I need to use ext4 only ROMS. (I.E. would this work with a stock build using a voodoo kernel)
3) Can I change radio after using formatter and flashing rom or would I need to disable lagfix before changeing radio versions?
4) Lastly, can I install apps from the market and app updates while file system is in ext4?
Thanks in advance for your help!!! I greatly appreciate it

ibz41 said:
I have not been following development since the DJ05 days and I am trying to catch up a bit. I would appreciate if someone could give me some clarity on the ext4 formatter. I searched through some of the threads but there seams to be little detail/instructions on exactly how to use this formatter.
1) Does the full wipe version of ext4 formatter wipe the kernel? Basically, do I need to flash a voodoo kernel after using the ext4 formatter or do I only need to flash voodoo kernel before using formatter?
2) Can I flash any ROM after using the formatter as long as the kernel supports ext4 or do I need to use ext4 only ROMS. (I.E. would this work with a stock build using a voodoo kernel)
3) Can I change radio after using formatter and flashing rom or would I need to disable lagfix before changeing radio versions?
4) Lastly, can I install apps from the market and app updates while file system is in ext4?
Thanks in advance for your help!!! I greatly appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know the ext format utility is just a program to disable our enable voodoo lag fix based on whether or not the kernel supports voodoo (ext4) or not.
Yes you can flash any rom/kernel combination, rfs (non voodoo) or ext4(voodoo) and the utility will convert your files as needed, but you cannot go to an mtd format (ie. Cm7 or miui) with this...for those formats you should only use the Recovery that came with those roms.
You can only install a new radio by pushing it through with odin, and radios are rom and kernel independent so your build will not matter and people get different results using this or that, trial and error is the only way to tell which radio is good for you
Also you will be able to install market apps with no problem.
Keep in mind I do not use this utility because I'm on cm7 so for me this is useless, but this is what I've gathered just from reading and being a general flash-a-holic.
How that helps give you some info!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Related

How & when do you wipe to install new kernel & ROM????

I have used ODIN before to install the JI6 2.1 update but that left my data intact on the internal SDcard. So my question is the following as I'm about to flash a new ROM and kernel using ROM manager for the very first time (and from my point of view, flashing with ODIN has been a child's play versus with ROM manager):
Question #1: How do you wipe and when? Do you wipe before you flash the new ROM/kernel or after? And HOW do you wipe? Do you manually delete files, do you format the card, or is there some other magic option that you select?
Question #2: If you plan to flash both a new kernel AND ROM, can you do them at the same time? If not, does it matter which one you do first?
Many thanks for all answers in advance from all the brave souls that have already been there and done that. I'm about to join you.... hopefully without bricking my phone... LOL
OK, I personally try to ODIN to stock (with repartition) before flashing any new Rom.
Now if you are flashing a new rom with kerne included, you obviously flash it at the same time because is only one package.
If you want to install a Rom with a different kernel, and you are unsure about the ROM including a kernel or not, flash the rom, and after that without restarting, flash the kernel.
If you want to flash a new radio different than the one included with the kernel, then do the same with the radio after you installed the kernel.
You can also do one, restart, do the next one. It is a matter of choice most of the time, evcept when you are switching from 2.1 to 2.2
There you have to be sure that kernel and rom are both match pairs. a 2.1 Rom with a 2.2 kernel can get ugly, as well as viceversa.
always try to flash from let's say top to bottom
ROM first (if it includes kernel, will overwrite the kernel you have)
Kernel second (will overwrite any kernel and modem installed)
and finally the modem (only overwrite modem)
Thanks gagb. I have never used the repartition option of ODIN. Does that format and repartition the internal SDcard exactly how it was from the factory? And why is it called repartition rather than reformat? I woud think the whole SDcard should all be one partition. Or are there different partitions so that the OS would use some of the internal memory and the other would be for the user? Sorry for the many questions and thanks in advance for the answers.
larryvand said:
Thanks gagb. I have never used the repartition option of ODIN. Does that format and repartition the internal SDcard exactly how it was from the factory? And why is it called repartition rather than reformat? I woud think the whole SDcard should all be one partition. Or are there different partitions so that the OS would use some of the internal memory and the other would be for the user? Sorry for the many questions and thanks in advance for the answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does delete the existing app partition in Internal SD & recreate one. There is some system reserved space to install APPS.

Is voodoo 5 better than oclf

Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
If your a noob, stay with OCLF
but overall i say VOODO is THE best lagfix.
The latest stock kernels collection with the latest Voodoo from supercurio are the best there are, since the latest Voodoo lag fix concerts not only /data into EXT4 but /system, /cache and /dbdata as well.
Another benefit of Voodoo over the OCLF is the filesystem used, OCLF is EXT2 based, it is faster than EXT4 but less reliable and there are reports that the lag comes back up in a few weeks or even days after the install.
I just Voodoo fixed my Nero V1 install with JL4+latest Voodoo, and the thing flies off the charts. My experience was always good with the Samsung stock RFS, good but not great, and with Voodoo it is great!
P.S. Do not forget to RTFM or you will be a sad panda one day.
lqaddict said:
The latest stock kernels collection with the latest Voodoo from supercurio are the best there are, since the latest Voodoo lag fix concerts not only /data into EXT4 but /system, /cache and /dbdata as well.
Another benefit of Voodoo over the OCLF is the filesystem used, OCLF is EXT2 based, it is faster than EXT4 but less reliable and there are reports that the lag comes back up in a few weeks or even days after the install.
I just Voodoo fixed my Nero V1 install with JL4+latest Voodoo, and the thing flies off the charts. My experience was always good with the Samsung stock RFS, good but not great, and with Voodoo it is great!
P.S. Do not forget to RTFM or you will be a sad panda one day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whats RTFM?
xriderx66 said:
whats RTFM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read the effin manual; basically, just ensure you do your hw with any lagfix and backup with nandroid first
also: get comfortable with odin before embarking on any crazy adventures
Lol especially if u like to flash a new rom every other day like me.
Same here i only used OCLF with my roms, i never used Voodoo. I see some people dont like to use Voodoo, and it can be dangerous if you dont uninstall it. Im assuming to just disable Voodoo you make that folder in the voodoo folder and thats it right?
I also say Voodoo. I used to use OCLF but I like voodoo a lot better. And voodoo is as easy as pie to install these days. Just flash a voodoo enabled Kernel.
mystycs said:
Same here i only used OCLF with my roms, i never used Voodoo. I see some people dont like to use Voodoo, and it can be dangerous if you dont uninstall it. Im assuming to just disable Voodoo you make that folder in the voodoo folder and thats it right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very close, it is a file rather than a folder. Basically that is it though. There is even a flashable version you can do from Clockwork Recovery.
It is just absolutely imperative that you disable it before doing anything that will change these file systems (/system, /data, /dbdata, or /cache) outside of the running OS. Things that might do this will include: flash a new ROM, flash a mod that will write to any of those file systems, or clear the dalvik cache.

[UTILITY]EXT4 Formatter (CWM3 recovery package) UPDATED EC09 Gingerbread

THIS UTILITY IS FOR FASCINATE TOUCHWIZ FROYO/GINGERBREAD ONLY
UPDATED FOR EC09 GINGERBREAD
I have created a format utility that can be used from within CWM3 recovery. Just select the ZIP in CWM3 recovery, and the package will do ALL of the work for you.
These utilities come in two independent packages which will completely format your device with EXT4. As a bonus, it will create all directories and setup all ownership and permissions in accordance to the Fascinate.
Voodoo recovery does not currently allow you an option to select a format style, and furthermore does not truly format any partition unless it runs through the Voodoo "lagfix" transition upon booting the device.
There is one caveat in order to use EXT4: you need a kernel that supports it, and this would be using a "Voodoo" style kernel that has built in support. Luckily, most of the "good" kernels available have this ready to go.
Understand that this package will completely wipe your system, data, datadata (dbdata), and cache. This is a "full" wipe of the device. If you already have a ROM installed on your device and want to keep your device the way it is, and also want EXT4, then use the Voodoo method to switch to EXT4. The reason for this is because it backs up your data before it formats.
After you use this package, you can install any ROM of your choosing, as the package will already self-manage Voodoo's methods for "enabling" or "disabling" the "lagfix".
--------
Please report if the package is not working.
A good indicator of this is if you try to install the package and it only takes 1 second to work, then says it is finished. This means it is probably not working, however, if you are formatting the same type of file system over itself with no pre-existing data on the device, it will take the aforementioned 1 second to work.
To see if it worked: mount each partition in CWM3 recovery, then adb shell into your device and type the mount command, in the listing you should see what file system your partitions are using. If the big four all say EXT4, then the package install has been successful.
In order to assure that it will work correctly, use the latest version of a CWM3 recovery that you can find. I can personally vouch for nemesis2all's OTB CWM3 Recovery v3.0.2.8x.OTBv2. Unfortunately not all CWM3 recoveries are the same, and yours may not work with these utilities. If you find a recovery that works fine, post it here and I will update this.
--------
Packages updated: 6/28/2011 - 12:57PM EST
EXT4 Format ALL (formats everything): http://www.mediafire.com/?6hx7f8g7c8vv6xz
EXT4 Format CACHE: http://www.mediafire.com/?2621a888ydv41mg
EXT4 Format DATA: http://www.mediafire.com/?ck2bb340yybpe4z
EXT4 Format DBDATA: http://www.mediafire.com/?ahxzs8xsyyvemed
EXT4 Format FOTA: http://www.mediafire.com/?42ijpi67grdb6mm
EXT4 Format PREINSTALL: http://www.mediafire.com/?d42as1l3pdbhr2t
EXT4 Format SYSTEM: http://www.mediafire.com/?rgs46hhq8qd951t
--------------------
If you like my work, consider donating, or thanking me by clicking the thanks button
thanks for this
navenedrob said:
I have created two format utilities that can be used from within CWM3 recovery. Just select the type of file system you want to use, select it in CWM3 recovery, and the package will do ALL of the work for you.
These utilities come in two independent packages which will completely format your device with either RFS or EXT4. As a bonus, it will create all directories and setup all ownership and permissions in accordance to the Fascinate.
Voodoo recovery does not currently allow you an option to select a format style, and furthermore does not truly format any partition unless it runs through the Voodoo "lagfix" transition upon booting the device.
There is one caveat in order to use EXT4: you need a kernel that supports it, and this would be using a "Voodoo" style kernel that has built in support. Luckily, most of the "good" kernels available have this ready to go.
Understand that this package will completely wipe your system, data, datadata (dbdata), and cache. This is a "full" wipe of the device. If you already have a ROM installed on your device and want to keep your device the way it is, and also want EXT4, then use the Voodoo method to switch to EXT4. The reason for this is because it backs up your data before it formats.
After you use this package, you can install any ROM of your choosing, as the package will already self-manage Voodoo's methods for "enabling" or "disabling" the "lagfix".
Please report if the package is not working.
A good indicator of this is if you try to install the package and it only takes 1 second to work, then says it is finished. This means it is probably not working, however, if you are formatting the same type of file system over itself with no pre-existing data on the device, it will take the aforementioned 1 second to work.
To see if it worked: mount each partition in CWM3 recovery, then adb shell into your device and type the mount command, in the listing you should see what file system your partitions are using. If the big four all say EXT4 or RFS (depending on script used), then the package install has been successful.
In order to assure that it will work correctly, use the latest version of a CWM3 recovery that you can find. I can personally vouch for nemesis2all's OTB CWM3 Recovery v3.0.2.8x.OTBv2. Unfortunately not all CWM3 recoveries are the same, and yours may not work with these utilities. If you find a recovery that works fine, post it here and I will update this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I think I'm having a complete idiot moment here so please be patient with me. What would be the benefits of me running this on my device that is currently running jt's CM7 with OTB 1.5 kernel and EXT4 (voodoo for those who don't know) already converted? Thanks in advance.
It would be of no use. Unless you need to format your entire device.
So this would be a good thing to flash in place of wiping between rom flashes? Does it have any benefits compared to a regular data and cache wipe when you are already converted to ext4?
It would be a good idea to flash it in that scenario, yes. Currently no ROM will do the job that this package will for you, which is why a lot of ROM's say not to wipe your device, because you'll run into major issues if you do. When you do your "wipes" through recovery it doesn't really do anything besides a recursive delete of files, so it doesn't really format anything (even though it says "format" in the menu system). The only time it actually does any formatting is during the Voodoo transition. When you do wipe those areas, it does not leave the file structure intact and also does not leave the ownership and permissions intact. These packages completely solve that problem. Also, these packages are focused on performance so everything is done that is possible to make sure that your file system is as fast as possible.
navenedrob said:
It would be a good idea to flash it in that scenario, yes. Currently no ROM will do the job that this package will for you, which is why a lot of ROM's say not to wipe your device, because you'll run into major issues if you do. When you do your "wipes" through recovery it doesn't really do anything besides a recursive delete of files, so it doesn't really format anything (even though it says "format" in the menu system). The only time it actually does any formatting is during the Voodoo transition. When you do wipe those areas, it does not leave the file structure intact and also does not leave the ownership and permissions intact. These packages completely solve that problem. Also, these packages are focused on performance so everything is done that is possible to make sure that your file system is as fast as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so basically what you are saying is this would be ideal to use instead of data/cache/dalvik wipe for rfs to rfs and ext4 to ext4, correct? Thanks in advance.
That's correct.
I've teamed up with nemesis2all and we are thinking about adding all of these abilities to the OTB kernel, so you'll be able to choose different kinds of file systems and format options through CWM3 recovery instead of having to use these packages here. That will come when it comes, but for now this is the ideal solution.
EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/XFS/RFS etc...
Also, I've updated the attachments in the post.
navenedrob said:
That's correct.
I've teamed up with nemesis2all and we are thinking about adding all of these abilities to the OTB kernel, so you'll be able to choose different kinds of file systems and format options through CWM3 recovery instead of having to use these packages here. That will come when it comes, but for now this is the ideal solution.
EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/XFS/RFS etc...
Also, I've updated the attachments in the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to let you know, I ran the ext4 package and I got some serious lag issues after I installed my rom and it actually starting going into a soft boot loop. It began to act very weird and unstable. I booted back into recovery and I wiped everything the way I usually do and formatted the system/data/dbdata/cache manually in mounts and storage and reinstalled. It's better than it was but it still seems like it is kinda slower and more laggier than it was before I ran the package. Any ideas? Thanks man.
You'll need to give me more information than that to determine your problem.
What kernel are you using? What recovery are you using? What ROM are you running? What are the results of running the mount command with all partitions mounted?
navenedrob said:
You'll need to give me more information than that to determine your problem.
What kernel are you using? What recovery are you using? What ROM are you running? What are the results of running the mount command with all partitions mounted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTB 1.5, CM7. It's kinda weird. When I ran your package and then flashed cm7 and booted it, it was laggier than I have ever seen my phone and when I would try to do certain operations it would soft boot. At one point I couldn't even turn wifi on. So, I booted back into recovery and wiped and manually formatted everything and reinstalled everything. After that it was still kind of laggy but much better. I restored all of my apps and got my phone back to all my custom settings. Then I began to notice that it wasn't really lagging anymore, in fact it seemed pretty snappy. I ran quadrant to see if the numbers were the same as before to determine if I was in fact ext4 converted. Surprisingly the numbers were higher than normal. And I even noticed in titanium backup that some of my internal memory had been freed up. I can't explain it but everything seems to be running really good right now. It's almost like after running your package the phone had to be conditioned, and once it was conditioned it ran real good. But, that doesn't explain why it was soft booting and wifi wouldn't work. Who knows.
Not really sure exactly, it actually could have been a few different things causing the "issues". I'm going to try your exact scenario and see what happens.
kidserious said:
OTB 1.5, CM7. It's kinda weird. When I ran your package and then flashed cm7 and booted it, it was laggier than I have ever seen my phone and when I would try to do certain operations it would soft boot. At one point I couldn't even turn wifi on. So, I booted back into recovery and wiped and manually formatted everything and reinstalled everything. After that it was still kind of laggy but much better. I restored all of my apps and got my phone back to all my custom settings. Then I began to notice that it wasn't really lagging anymore, in fact it seemed pretty snappy. I ran quadrant to see if the numbers were the same as before to determine if I was in fact ext4 converted. Surprisingly the numbers were higher than normal. And I even noticed in titanium backup that some of my internal memory had been freed up. I can't explain it but everything seems to be running really good right now. It's almost like after running your package the phone had to be conditioned, and once it was conditioned it ran real good. But, that doesn't explain why it was soft booting and wifi wouldn't work. Who knows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible that since you wiped your market was trying to restore all your apps in the back ground which was taking all your memory up and making your phone lag. But after you restored all your apps it was all set
Coreyc1123 said:
It's possible that since you wiped your market was trying to restore all your apps in the back ground which was taking all your memory up and making your phone lag. But after you restored all your apps it was all set
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant was as soon as it booted (during setup wizard) it was super laggy. I download TB from the market by itself and it took forever to register. I was doing the GPS fix and it soft booted. I couldn't turn wifi on and it soft booted. All before I did a batch restore in TB. And I know that the market begins to sync automatically as it always does but this was much much different.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
kidserious said:
What I meant was as soon as it booted (during setup wizard) it was super laggy. I download TB from the market by itself and it took forever to register. I was doing the GPS fix and it soft booted. I couldn't turn wifi on and it soft booted. All before I did a batch restore in TB. And I know that the market begins to sync automatically as it always does but this was much much different.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had these same symptoms one time that I installed kasonate v7, but after reflashing, the next time it didnt.
I know you're not talking about the same cm version, but they might be related and not related to the format utility.
Ok, I ran this package again to make sure that I didn't do something wrong and to see if I would get the same results. I ran the package, flashed cm7 then gapps then OTB GB 1.5. all from the recommended recovery in your post. Again I ended up in a soft boot loop and wifi was acting up again and was causing a boot loop. So once again I booted into recovery and wiped data/cache/dalvik normally and formatted manually via mounts and storage and reinstalled again and she's running like a dream. Very weird but I must say I am very happy with the results I ended up with, regardless of how I got them. So obviously, this was not your intention for it to be done this way but I do see an improvement in responsiveness, speed and memory being freed up. Before, my free internal memory was 1.49 and now it is 1.52. Thank you sir, I appreciate this.
Thanks for this utility! Works great. Went from Jt's cm7 to the miui/touchwiz rom and ran the utility in between. My phone is running faster than ever and no issues. Thanks again!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Yeah running this on mesmerize with heinz 57 best my phone has ever run quadrant of 2250s @ 1.5 ghz
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
stephenj37826 said:
Yeah running this on mesmerize with heinz 57 best my phone has ever run quadrant of 2250s @ 1.5 ghz
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, the utility enables a few nice options as far as file system performance is concerned, that Voodoo doesn't at this time.
Do tell oh and thanks a million
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Installing CM7.1

I would like to install the CM7.1 Stable that just came out. I've read the cyanogenmodwiki instructions and the instructions here, but I find both to to be confusing and conflicting with each other. I also watched the mobiletechvideo.com installation youtube.
I am wondering if the following would work.
From JFD Stock 2.1 root the phone and download Rom Manager.
In Rom Manager Flash Vibrant MTD (not Galaxy S Vibrant) Clockworkmod Recovery
Boot into recovery.
Wipe/format and fix permissions
Flash Cyanogenmod 7.1 stable +gapps
Reboot.
I am confused though, in the cmwiki instructions it says to format - but if I format everything won't the cm7.1 zip file on the internal SD also be destroyed?
Thanks in advance.
No, that would be a good method. It will still be on your sd, weeping doesn't format your card. (formatting your card would, different things).
Technically, you could Odin to jfd, take the cm7.1 download and my option b update.zip (noob guide) and that's all you need... Move those 2 to your internal.
Odin
Let it boot
Hold in both volumes + power
At Vibrant screen (booting) release
Now in stock recovery, reinstall packages
Now in cwr, flash 7.1
Reboot
done.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
so no need to worry about the whole RFS vs YAFFS conundrum?
What issue? Even the main man himself (atinm) gives you both install methods.. The steps above are tested and work, much faster also. You could be booting 7.1 in under 10 minutes.
Looks like a nightly is already out too. I'd go stable.
http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=vibrantmtd
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

[Q] Returning to a stock rom after a custom rom/ restoring backup

Hi there, this will be a question that most people doensn´t know including me!
And for now will act as question and in future as an answer for many begginers like me!
There are rom in ext4 (many customs) and roms in rfs (all stock and some custom aswell)
Imagine the situation that i'm in a custom ext4 and i want to return to a sotck rfs or try a custom in rfs aswell! What should i do?
Format sytem before and do full wipe in cwm? or just simply flash with odin?
Other question is some people use clockwork mode to backup roms in rfs and then flash a custom in ext4 and then they want to return to the backup they made, since the system is in a different format what should they do?
Thanks in advance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
If this post helped you in some way hit "thanks" button
ITS FREE
SnowPluralism said:
Hi there, this will be a question that most people doensn´t know including me!
And for now will act as question and in future as an answer for many begginers like me!
There are rom in ext4 (many customs) and roms in rfs (all stock and some custom aswell)
Imagine the situation that i'm in a custom ext4 and i want to return to a sotck rfs or try a custom in rfs aswell! What should i do?
Format sytem before and do full wipe in cwm? or just simply flash with odin?
Other question is some people use clockwork mode to backup roms in rfs and then flash a custom in ext4 and then they want to return to the backup they made, since the system is in a different format what should they do?
Thanks in advance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
If this post helped you in some way hit "thanks" button
ITS FREE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
install ex4 manager tool from ketut's cf-root thread and convert between rfs and ext4 as you wish [must flash cf-root which is default in stock based custom]
Flash a stock rom with odin then restore your backup ...
It worked for me
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1437426
hope this might help

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