So I constantly read people say when you go back to stock use the pit file to repartition, I myself have never done it, but for those who have, what have you seen it fix?
repartitioning the internal memory is similar to reformatting and installing windows on a pc. Its a fresh start and everything is wiped clean. Its a must when coming from a mtd rom back to touch wiz because the file systems are different between the roms. I even do it when switching to any rom. I dont like flashing over the top of something existing, it usually leaves error behind...which causes wierd issues like the touchscreen freezing etc...
Just to clarify, it' s the internal memory that is re partitioned when you're using the pit file. Like Droidstyle said is like re partitioning your hard drive before making a fresh windows install
PWGB,TKSGB10-05, adren shot xv, honeycomb2.02, ec09 radio.
Sorry, I know what re-partitioning is, I just havn't really seen many issues, I might just need to do it on my phone tonight just to see if it will run better for me.
laureanop said:
Just to clarify, it' s the internal memory that is re partitioned when you're using the pit file. Like Droidstyle said is like re partitioning your hard drive before making a fresh windows install
PWGB,TKSGB10-05, adren shot xv, honeycomb2.02, ec09 radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct...atlas 2.2 pit file is used to "map" the files into the correct location and having repartition checked leaves a blank partition for the files to be written on. Edited post, thanks!
---------- Post added at 01:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:58 AM ----------
jazzyjames said:
Sorry, I know what re-partitioning is, I just havn't really seen many issues, I might just need to do it on my phone tonight just to see if it will run better for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It fixes issues like freezing touch screen and random force closes etc... only if its not known issue with the rom/kernal that your currently running. if your not experiencing any abnormal behavior like this, than there is no reason to do it.
The pit file does not repartition the memory having the option checked does. The pit has the instructions of where files go on a blank partition.
good day.
Thats correct although anytime I have ever used the pit in odin, repartition normally auto checks. Thanks for carifying this!
chopper the dog said:
The pit file does not repartition the memory having the option checked does. The pit has the instructions of where files go on a blank partition.
good day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the process of odin wipes while the pit instructs the files where to go?
PWGB,TKSGB10-05, adren shot xv, honeycomb2.02, ec09 radio.
laureanop said:
So the process of odin wipes while the pit instructs the files where to go?
PWGB,TKSGB10-05, adren shot xv, honeycomb2.02, ec09 radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep... if you watch the log in odin it's referred to as "mapping".
If you "repartition" make sure you also install bootloaders. The bootloader mapping is different on different ROMs. If the partition tables say something other then the location of the actual bootloaders, then you may end up with a dead brick.
It's best to be safe and think of the PIT as another bootloader. If everything works, then don't mess with it. Otherwise, flash the PIT, IBL+PBL, SBL, and PARAMS as a group.
Related
I check repartition when using odin and all my folders were still there is that normal.I thought that by checking repartition everything would have been wiped clean.
mike216 said:
I check repartition when using odin and all my folders were still there is that normal.I thought that by checking repartition everything would have been wiped clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is normal. Clicking re-partition does not wipe your entire sdcard. It only repartitions your /system, /data, /dbdata and /cache.
Moved of: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant Android Development
To: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant Q&A
Please put your questions to: Vibrant Q&A
thanks for clearing that up for me and sorry about posting in develepment section.so odin isnt doing anything different then if i installed a rom like bionix.when we flash roms they wipe the sd.ive heard people say that using odin to return to stock and reflashing can fix things like lag because there are ghost left behind other roms or is that bull ive read this by others when the would have wierd problems
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the wipes from Clockwork just erase those file systems and doesn't actually re-create them. This would not change the file system used if, for example, you were using voodoo and had ext4 file systems. I think Odin re-creates them and formats them as RSF when you select re-partition.
That's a very good question I disabled voodoo before reformating with print and im not sure I would.have been able to use odin to reformat without disabling voodoo
While there are many how to threads on pretty much everything, theres not much going into deeper details. While ofc any of us wishing to learn has google and can find many answers, its just from here the the answers mean a little more. My fear is, my self included, is that there are many of us with misconceptions on some of the inner workings or just bad knowledge. Just to be clear this is to clear up exactly what some of the terms we hear and use actually mean as well as some of the practices.
For example
Regarding Odin
How many partitions exist on the internal memory, and what are there functions.
What exactly does the PIT file do.
What all does the TAR file contain (full package) and how does it write to the partitions.
What is the csc option?
What else should we know about odin?
Why has nobody removed the phone option for our purposes here?
Voodoo, exactly what partition is it changing and how is it actually converting.
Which cache is used for what and where is it stored?
Just some things off the top of my head that i don't have a complete understanding of and wish to learn more. Again for this thread at least i am looking for some details from people that actually do understand. There are many of us that can spew out answers to these and more that are just close to right without a full comprehension.
This is for learning and not just getting enough to get you through a problem as im sure many of us are guilty of
I found the same problem when I first got into Android but this is more a forum for developers who know what they are doing.
MattRussNC said:
How many partitions exist on the internal memory, and what are there functions.
What exactly does the PIT file do.
What all does the TAR file contain (full package) and how does it write to the partitions.
What is the csc option?
What else should we know about odin?
Why has nobody removed the phone option for our purposes here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are I think about 10-11 partitions on the internal storage. You have /system, /data, /cache, /dbdata, modem, bootloader, secondary bootloader, kernel, recovery, there is a partition dedicated for OTA updates, and another one as well, though I'm not sure what it is for. There may be more as well.
The PIT file is the partition information table, which tells Odin where each partition starts/ends.
The TAR file can contain any of a number of items for flashing, and they'll get flashed to the appropriate partitions based on their name.
factoryfs.rfs=/system
dbdata.rfs=/dbdata
cache.rfs=/cache
movinand.bin=/data
param.lfs=the .lfs partition, not sure exactly what it does
boot.bin=bootloader
sbl.bin=secondary bootloader
modem.bin=modem/radio/baseband
zImage=kernel
recovery.bin=recovery kernel
Adding a md5 sum to the tar file and renaming it to .tar.md5 allows for built in error correction.
Not sure what csc mode is, but I've never seen it used, so I'd avoid it.
Odin is a tool created by Samsung as far as I'm aware for flashing their phones. No one has the source, or knows exactly where the tool came from, so that is also likely why no one has removed the phone button, because you'd have to HEX edit the executable to remove it, and there is no telling what effects it may have, so it's better to just leave it alone.
MattRussNC said:
Voodoo, exactly what partition is it changing and how is it actually converting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Voodoo converts the primary partitions of the phone, /system, /data, /cache, /dbdata. It converts by backing up the data to a file, reformatting the partition, then restoring the data from the file. If it didn't backup the data, it'd just be formatting the system.
MattRussNC said:
Which cache is used for what and where is it stored?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cache is similar to a temporary storage area for files that are created and used frequently/semi-frequently. The files there aren't fully needed, but help speed up the system.
phonefiend said:
I found the same problem when I first got into Android but this is more a forum for developers who know what they are doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I do believe I would have to argue that most people that visit this forum knows what they are doing. While a great many here including myself that knows enough to get by, we would all be better off knowing more. Also since this is q&a forum I thought it would be a good place to ask and learn more then "how do root"
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Had no idea there was that many partitions. What was the reason that radios couldn't be flashed to the proper partition along with everything else? (as in why we always have to flash the modems on thee own)
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
MattRussNC said:
Had no idea there was that many partitions. What was the reason that radios couldn't be flashed to the proper partition along with everything else? (as in why we always have to flash the modems on thee own)
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one is completely sure how to flash a full modem file via recovery, and it may not be possible without using stock recovery. The only tried and true method that is know for flashing full modem.bin files is Odin (and Heimdall), so that's why it's always a separate step.
MattRussNC said:
Well I do believe I would have to argue that most people that visit this forum knows what they are doing. While a great many here including myself that knows enough to get by, we would all be better off knowing more. Also since this is q&a forum I thought it would be a good place to ask and learn more then "how do root"
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you misinterpreted my post. I'm just saying I also was looking for the same information you want but it didn't seem that the people in the know wanted to explain all the details you're looking for. It seems in your case someone at least tried to answer some of you questions, which is great.
phonefiend said:
I think you misinterpreted my post. I'm just saying I also was looking for the same information you want but it didn't seem that the people in the know wanted to explain all the details you're looking for. It seems in your case someone at least tried to answer some of you questions, which is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People are much more likely to answer questions when they're posted in the correct section. You also tend to get questions answered if you join IRC and ask things, but don't expect to get everything handed to you, there is likely to be some work/searching on your own part as well.
imnuts said:
People are much more likely to answer questions when they're posted in the correct section. You also tend to get questions answered if you join IRC and ask things, but don't expect to get everything handed to you, there is likely to be some work/searching on your own part as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the answers to those first off. My apologies if i placed this in the wrong section, i thought this part was open for these types of questions.
Im sure irc is a great place to learn a great deal, however i fear asking in irc things that have been discussed many times. While searching will absolutely give you a very basic knowledge it is often repeated from those that don't fully understand it and may have it a little off. This isnt a cut at anybody as it should fall to the lower tiers to answer to the common issues that arise. However that kind of information is normally only good for solving a problem. For when there is no trouble and one wishes to know more about what they just did instead of how they did it, things fall short. Just about every member here can root, cwm flash, and odin but how many of us truly understand the process in detail. i know i dont, but i would like to. Thats what im looking for in this thread. Not how to do what we do, but whats taking place underneath.
Thanks again for the answers so far.
if this is in the wrong area and doesn't getting removed please let it fade.
imnuts said:
People are much more likely to answer questions when they're posted in the correct section. You also tend to get questions answered if you join IRC and ask things, but don't expect to get everything handed to you, there is likely to be some work/searching on your own part as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right about IRC being the place where questions may be answered. As far as searching, I can tell you a lot of the technical details aren't answered here.
MattRussNC said:
Thank you for the answers to those first off. My apologies if i placed this in the wrong section, i thought this part was open for these types of questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the proper place for questions. The problem is that many people will post their questions similar to this in the development forum, and that just gets the thread no where. And searching for technical info is difficult because usually you get flooded with useless stuff in your search.
imnuts said:
There are I think about 10-11 partitions on the internal storage. You have /system, /data, /cache, /dbdata, modem, bootloader, secondary bootloader, kernel, recovery, there is a partition dedicated for OTA updates, and another one as well, though I'm not sure what it is for. There may be more as well.
The PIT file is the partition information table, which tells Odin where each partition starts/ends.
The TAR file can contain any of a number of items for flashing, and they'll get flashed to the appropriate partitions based on their name.
factoryfs.rfs=/system
dbdata.rfs=/dbdata
cache.rfs=/cache
movinand.bin=/data
param.lfs=the .lfs partition, not sure exactly what it does
boot.bin=bootloader
sbl.bin=secondary bootloader
modem.bin=modem/radio/baseband
zImage=kernel
recovery.bin=recovery kernel
Adding a md5 sum to the tar file and renaming it to .tar.md5 allows for built in error correction.
Not sure what csc mode is, but I've never seen it used, so I'd avoid it.
Odin is a tool created by Samsung as far as I'm aware for flashing their phones. No one has the source, or knows exactly where the tool came from, so that is also likely why no one has removed the phone button, because you'd have to HEX edit the executable to remove it, and there is no telling what effects it may have, so it's better to just leave it alone.
Voodoo converts the primary partitions of the phone, /system, /data, /cache, /dbdata. It converts by backing up the data to a file, reformatting the partition, then restoring the data from the file. If it didn't backup the data, it'd just be formatting the system.
Cache is similar to a temporary storage area for files that are created and used frequently/semi-frequently. The files there aren't fully needed, but help speed up the system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering some of those terms my self.
thanks for all the Great info,
One thing been bugging me lately. Most likely every one has experienced the need to either wipe the caches more then once or flash multiple times for success. How is it that wiping cache is not 100%. Why does flashing a rom more then once sometimes yield different results when done the exact same way?
i believe the phone button in odin is to flash radio/modem alone
which we unfortunately do not have (yet)
the phone button and other buttons are still there because the gsm ones, like the captivate and vibrant, are using it
jk0l said:
i believe the phone button in odin is to flash radio/modem alone
which we unfortunately do not have (yet)
the phone button and other buttons are still there because the gsm ones, like the captivate and vibrant, are using it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've only flashed the modem/radio by itself in the PDA button like everything else. As far as I know, we only flash things for the Fascinate through the PDA button (except of course for the atlas v2.2 PIT file.) That includes ROMs bundled in an ODIN package, modems/radios, and recoveries.
jk0l said:
i believe the phone button in odin is to flash radio/modem alone
which we unfortunately do not have (yet)
the phone button and other buttons are still there because the gsm ones, like the captivate and vibrant, are using it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone button is for completely different devices, likely their regular, non-smartphone, devices. It is not meant for flashing anything for the Fascinate.
Could have found a better place i guess but this will do. Noticed we are still without a FAQ aside from the outdated one as well as the guide. I thought perhaps some discussion on what should be included in a FAQ was in order to fill the gap.
Simple basic guides are important and have there place, however as one can use links to more details there is no reason not to have a comprehensive guide.
Just a thought. Most of us know the basics of what root is and how to gain that access. Most of us also has no idea exactly how get root manually without following instructions either. So what i was hoping for in the next guide
Q= What is root ?
A= Super user access needed for apps that need more control over your device like titanium backup
For more information click here
Then give the full out dev definition including the details that require reading up to understand. For those that want to learn.
Q= How do i root ?
A= Flash this package in odin (and give the dl link as well as a odin guide link)
For more information click here
Have the full process laid out by what needs to be done in shell without giving the copy and paste instructions. For those that want to understand what they are doing more than just doing it.
Just thought it would be nice if our next guide could be useful to more then just beginners.
Odined DI01package3.tar.md5 without any special manuvers when coming back to stock from both CM7 and MIUI MTD.
Allowed OTA update to get back to EDO4.
Is this a viable option or was I just lucky? I have had no problems.
Posted this under stickies thread in Fascinate Development relating to stock recovery from CM7 but no answers. If this works generally for everyone it is much simpler than the method proposed. I wouldn't claim to be able to say so for sure however.
It's viable, but why not use the DL09 package that is floating around here? You'd have one less update to download and go through.
Simplicity
Simplicity. No worries regarding extra steps, no pit file used, no repartitioning checked. Just DIO1 and done. I made a sandwich while the extra step occured in OTA. (believe me I look like I've had a few sandwhiches)
thedoman said:
Simplicity. No worries regarding extra steps, no pit file used, no repartitioning checked. Just DIO1 and done. I made a sandwich while the extra step occured in OTA. (believe me I look like I've had a few sandwhiches)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are taking an unneeded chance of not properly re-partitioning your phone doing it that way. If CM7 reformats partitions to yaffs2 (which it does), and currently we have no utility that converts from yaffs2 to rfs, why in the world would you NOT put a check in the re-partition box in Odin and take that chance? The PIT file is used for proper partitioning.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
So, if odin the di01 worked, does that mean it does the repartioning and doesn't require a pit file?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Grimis said:
So, if odin the di01 worked, does that mean it does the repartioning and doesn't require a pit file?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the PIT file and checking the repartition box does the repartitioning.
I'm starting to wonder if repartitioning is actually necessary as it seems a lot of people have been flashing back to DL09 as well without using the PIT and also haven't had any issues. Does anyone know the actual reason for repartionining? I'm not saying it isn't necessary, mind you -- this is an honest question. I'm just wondering if there's a technical explanation other than "because you don't want to take any chances," or to put it another way: what could specifically go wrong if you don't repartition?
I'd like to know this answer as well.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Falcyn said:
I'm starting to wonder if repartitioning is actually necessary as it seems a lot of people have been flashing back to DL09 as well without using the PIT and also haven't had any issues. Does anyone know the actual reason for repartionining? I'm not saying it isn't necessary, mind you -- this is an honest question. I'm just wondering if there's a technical explanation other than "because you don't want to take any chances," or to put it another way: what could specifically go wrong if you don't repartition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id like to know... it doesn't make a difference since you just odin 2 files .. not time consuming or anything but id like to know the reason and maybe those partitions can even make TW run faster ...idk speaking outta my ass lol
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Kidserious is right. I had problems later and ended up odining DLO9 as described and everything has been smooth. Heed the advice in the stickies regarding this. There is no shortcut.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Hello,
I have strange defect in my phone: after every power cycle phone wakes up in state it was at about February 13 2012. I can not permanently change anything. I also can not change firmware. I even have made full three stage recovery from broken nand write, as described elsewhere here, without changing anything.
What is strange: no warnings or failure notices. Phone is working normally. Flashing is also seemingly working okay. But after restart nothing is changed. Only when I work with big files, random apps start to crash. I discovered this when downloading maps.
My question is: can sgs2 with Android 2.3.3 seemingly work O.K. with totally nonfunctional nonvolatile memory writing?
Because I don't know your history....
Did you full wiped that is
Format cache data system sdcard
Dalvik.
atifsh said:
Because I don't know your history....
Did you full wiped that is
Format cache data system sdcard
Dalvik.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did. Nothing gets erased. If you know, how Android system works: in your opinion is it possible that system under light usage works O.K. in spite that nonvolatile storage is effectively read only?
Strange issue, but yes in theory, if your storage is busted in a way that it actually works as a read only, but when an application need to write something it fails and crashes.
atifsh said:
Strange issue, but yes in theory, if your storage is busted in a way that it actually works as a read only, but when an application need to write something it fails and crashes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When an application needs to write something it does not fail, at least when it does not write large amounts of data. I can do everyday tasks: add or remove contacts, add few apps (which then actually work), move icons on screens and so on. Is all this possible with NVmemory working as ROM? Because after power cycle all that is gone and all reverts to February 13 2012 state.
Just a thought but have you tried erasing all the contents of your phone?
Using ODIN you can install an odin Cyanogenmod rom, use the pitfile and select repartition. This I believe wipes everything except the 14gb user data portion. Then, just format that under settings.
Perhaps a full wipe would fix it.
MikeMurphy said:
Just a thought but have you tried erasing all the contents of your phone?
Using ODIN you can install an odin Cyanogenmod rom, use the pitfile and select repartition. This I believe wipes everything except the 14gb user data portion. Then, just format that under settings.
Perhaps a full wipe would fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I think too, but didn't told him because using pit got a high chance of bricking.
And the way he is using suggests he is out of warranty.
MikeMurphy said:
Just a thought but have you tried erasing all the contents of your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone does not effectively wipe at all. After any wiping or installing new roms/bootloaders/pits/anything the phone wakes up in state it was 2012/02/13, except date and time, which is current.
If you have used pit and tick repartition, and still nothing erased, boy your internal storage is shouting get rid of me fast or I'll go dead on you soon.
Or I could be wrong and your phone will out lived you
I am pretty much convinced that my phone is irreparable. I do not look for solution to make it work normally again (although I would very much welcome one if I'm wrong).
I seek an answer from somebody who intimately knows, how Android filesystem works: Is it possible, that phone works seemingly O.K. under very light usage in spite that it cannot in fact write to flash memory? And work like this for 2 months without giving warning/error messages?
I compare my situation to a PC with ram-disk setup and an unwritable hard disk. This would not work long. Can Android?
Hey Zie, you may not get this notification of reply, but I wanted to ask, did you ever reach a solution with you SGS II? I'm on the Skyrocket and the same thing happened to me a few days ago. So far nothing has worked and I just upgraded. This was my second Skyrocket coming from an Infuse 4g.
Can't return the phone because all can tell its a rooted device with a custom rom on it. AOKP Milestone 6. Let me know what u did to get around this if u can....
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda premium
Thanks Mr Cook for the Hard work in making the ROM that fixed my problem, for restoring the baseband, The rom works great, but my new problem is no internal memory, witch I think is do to flashing the wrong .PIT file, witch is in my original post, is there any way to get the proper .PIT file for this phone, Its previous contents were,16gigs,of memory,4 witch were dedicated to system, and 1gig,to running memory......I am beyond grateful that your rom brought my phone back to life, but I still have these issues witch stop me from being able to do anything, i cannot receive text messages, nor anything from Google play because, no internal memory......again thank you for your help.......
.PIT is not in efs folder where can I get the correct one. or one that will work???
Pscarpulla said:
Thanks Mr Cook for the Hard work in making the ROM that fixed my problem, for restoring the baseband, The rom works great, but my new problem is no internal memory, witch I think is do to flashing the wrong .PIT file, witch is in my original post, is there any way to get the proper .PIT file for this phone, Its previous contents were,16gigs,of memory,4 witch were dedicated to system, and 1gig,to running memory......I am beyond grateful that your rom brought my phone back to life, but I still have these issues witch stop me from being able to do anything, i cannot receive text messages, nor anything from Google play because, no internal memory......again thank you for your help.......
.PIT is not in efs folder where can I get the correct one. or one that will work???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your phone SGH-I777 or SGH-S959G?
SGH-S959G
creepyncrawly said:
Is your phone SGH-I777 or SGH-S959G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I did not post that info in the message is, Is a SGH-S959G
Pscarpulla said:
Sorry I did not post that info in the message is, Is a SGH-S959G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a pit for that phone. Maybe mr-cook or razen-kain would know.
SGH-S959G Pit Needed
creepyncrawly said:
I don't have a pit for that phone. Maybe mr-cook or razen-kain would know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking for a SGH-S959G Pit file if anyone has one can you please sent it to me or post me a link so I can go get it..
You need to check/ask in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1982571
Which is conveniently located beneath this one!