complete format - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

hi,
first off, apologies is this has already been discussed..
i have a sgs2 and have rooted it and installed miui, and then recently installed cyanogen 7.
im having signal problems and my data signal is also poor.
i also find my memory is cluttered with old app data.
i would like to completely remove all data off my phone and install a clean and reliable rom (any recommendations of the best one?). i would also like to update my kernel and firmware to the most reliable one.
can you please advise me on how to do so.
once again apologies if this is already been covered.
thanks
azam

Always use data wipe/factory reset option in CWR.

iv decided i want to go back to stock rom. what is the correct proccess?

Yeah just do data/reset or if u unsure ucan use
Moun then format data cache n system

check the sgs2 forums as there are some guides available and even some odin one-click restores which accomplish the task.
back up any data to pc/external sd and when you do a factory data reset in the rom chose format usb storage as that will clean off any other remnants you may be seeing.

Related

Nandroid Advanced Restore (User Data Only) + navenedrob's format utility

Yeah, I just flashed from EB01 SC 292 to ED01 MIUIWiz after full Data, Cache, Dalvik, and voltage double wipes, and restored all my old EB01 user Data and apps over MIUIWiz, all in under 17 minutes.
Edit: adding navenedrob's utility method has cut this down to under 10 minutes, plus navigation and reboot time. See post #5
How? Just followed what the Devs have taught us, plus Nandroid Advanced Restore in CWM.
I have been doing this for every ROM I have flashed since I discovered what a Nandroid backup was.
But this is not just a Nandroid Backup. This is a partial restoration called “Restore data” under “Advanced Restore.” All in CWM recovery.
Here is the method I use:
Charge to 100% (At this point, I started the timer)
Boot to Recovery
Wipe Cache and Dalvik (and Voltage for MIUIWiz) x2
Make a Nandroid backup
Wipe Data x2
Flash the new ROM (of your choice) in CWM
Let it boot
Boot to Recovery
Select “backup and restore”
Select “Advanced Restore”
Select the Nandroid Backup file you wish to restore from (probably your latest one)
Here is where it gets cool, and less scary…
There is yet another page, with options:
Restore boot
Restore system
Restore data
Restore cache
Restore sd-ext
+++++Go Back+++++
So no sweat yet
Select “Restore Data”
Reboot completely
Turn off phone (here is where I stopped the timer at 16.5 minutes)
Charge to 100%
Boot and enjoy.
BAM! All the old data is back. On top of the new ROM. Except for stuff that no longer applies, like maybe in-ROM launchers that no longer exist.
My ROM flashing evolution path has been:
Stock
Odin DXC DB/DO tar
EC01 DB/D0 (zip i think, can't remember)
Full ED01 (Adrynalyne method, not OTA)
ComROM 1.0 zip
Evil Fascination, all variants in sequence. Zip
EB01 SC 2.9.2 zip (Why? To see if it would work. Because it means restoring ED01 Nandroid data over an EB01 ROM. Without compromising the ROM. (Thanks for the assistance with this, Lttlwing16.)
ED01 MIUIWiz
Seems to work flawlessly so far. No forced closes, no hiccups, just sweet functionality. Every time so far. And so quick, I sometimes actually have time to use my phone between flashes.
As I said, I have been doing this for just about as long as I have been flashing through CWM. Your backup may overwrite some ROM theme elements, so that is something to think about.
Any other drawbacks? Not that I have found, but…Not completely sure yet, So… You know the drill…
DO NOT TRY THIS UNLESS YOU ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND ARE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES!! YOU MAY LOSE DATA OR FUNCTIONALITY!! YOU MAY EVEN MANAGE TO BRICK THIS THING!
But you just made a complete clean-wiped Nandroid Backup, right? So you can always restore the whole thing. Or worst case, do the Odin recovery method. (or even worse case, Heimdall).
I suspect that there is some reason that this method has not been widely promoted already. It seems unlikely that it has not been experimented with, so maybe someone can help show a newbie the error of his ways. Or we may need someone with a thorough knowledge of Fascinate ROMs to add some warnings, caveats, or guidance around potential problems, etc. But it does seem to work just fine for me, and all of the ROMs I have worked with seem smooth and stable. All my apps always work, and update properly. Unless I get stupid and screw something up.
It does seem that Android should be able to pull this off if sufficient attention is given to file structure and dependencies, and if everything data can be kept where a data only restore would look for files. I suspect that I have been having success because of the good work of all the great ROM builders and developers working to fix the Fascinate, and make our experience all that it is. So if this works for you, they are the ones that really deserve the credit and the thanks. They made it work. I just followed instructions, got curious about Nandroid Advanced Restore, and pushed the right buttons. Oh, and wrote it all down.
Wiping data and dalvik cache is kinda pointless because it gets overwritten and replaced by the restore anyway. Dalvik cache is located in the data partition, not the cache partition, ironically.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Well, I am expecting to learn something from posting this. So thanks. However, it raises more questions for me.
Does it mean that I never have actually needed to wipe data? I could have flashed all those ROMs without wiping data and without issues?
My understanding was that at least the cache would be re-written as needed by the new ROM, rather than trying to work with data created by the old one.
It sounds like it means that if bringing back the old data works, keeping the old data would have worked, too. So even Dalvik could have been left every time?
My thinking was that cleaning the cache and Dalvik before making the backup would mean that when restoring, they would come back blank, and not confuse the new ROM. I was under the impression that something was more likely to go wrong if all that stuff was left in there, and it was safer to bring it in later, after the ROM boots up, and give the new ROM a chance to properly recognize and deal with it.
Is there any logic in that logic? Just asking, because I really don't know. It sounds good.
If not, this thread is for educational purposes only.
But dang, either the Devs are even more awesome than we thought, or I must get lucky a lot. Because I have flashed quite a few ROMs without issues, force closes, etc.
Interested in more feedback on this process.
OK, I did have a couple of FCs of Gmail this last time flashing MIUIWiz, going from EB01 to ED01. It seemed to fix itself after I closed it twice, but I updated Gmail anyway. No repeats.
I have a new preferred method of backing up, cleaning the files, flashing new ROMs and restoring my data. Flashed MIUIWiz 111 over EF 360, the whole process taking about 10 minutes altogether plus navigation and boot time.
(Always create a clean Nandroid Backup (with wiped cache and Dalvik, possibly voltage) 4-5 minute process, not included. This should ensure that the new ROM will create its own compatible cache data after the restore.)
1. Run navenedrob's reformat utility [UTILITY]EXT4/RFS Formatter (CWM3 recovery packages) - xda-developers as a CWM zip from sd card <1 minute process.
2. Flash the new ROM in CWM <1 minute process.
3. Flash new Kernel if needed (before allowing ROM to boot) in CWM <0.5 minute process
4. Allow ROM to boot (3-4 minute process)
5. Nandroid Advanced Restore in CWM (Data only) (3 minute process)(Restores all User Data and apps)
From navenedrob: “Understand that this [format utility] will completely wipe your system, data, datadata (dbdata), and cache. This is a "full" wipe of the device.” But it also puts things back in order if they have gotten screwed up. This could be the solution to issues you are having. Thanks, navenedrob! Very cool.
If there are particularly desirable user setups in the flashed ROM, be advised they may get lost in the restore.
The only issue I seem to have is the need to update/install Gmail. Then all is smooth.
Works for me, but you may totally bork yours. You are responsible for what you decide to do.
times_infinity said:
Wiping data and dalvik cache is kinda pointless because it gets overwritten and replaced by the restore anyway. Dalvik cache is located in the data partition, not the cache partition, ironically.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that means wiping data also wipes Dalvik. So Dalvik wipe is redundant when wiping data. Good to know about the partition info. Seems to support the idea that wiping Dalvik before making the backup would ensure that when the restored data is brought back, it brings no Dalvik data with it, avoiding potential issues with the new ROM.

Quick question about doing a wipe and flashing new ROM when using link2sd

Hi, i'm going to be trying the new ICS ROM that was posted today and i'm currently running Mirage. because of all the framework changes in the new ROM along with some other weird stuff that's come up, i'm going to do a full wipe.
now i already learned the hard way not to choose "wipe data" in recovery because it wipes the sd-ext. so i'll just choose the format options in mount/storage.
my question is, do i still need to back up the apps in TB, or will they all still be technically installed once i mount the sd-ext after installing link2sd.
just hoping someone that uses it can offer advice of the cleanest way to go about this.
thanks!

[Q] Wiping Data

I noticed that after wiping data & cache and installing a new rom using CWM recovery, my device still knows my name. I have a US SGP5 (YP-G70) and I'm running the latest BeanStalk ROM. Is there a user friendly way to COMPLETELY wipe the device of all user data prior to installing a new or updated ROM ?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions/replies.
Why does it matter if it still knows your name?
Inquiring minds want to know
TheKryptonite said:
Why does it matter if it still knows your name?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure that it does matter, but being a student and having the desire to learn about this stuff prompted me to ask the question. Also, I think it is counter intuitive that the device owners name and other user data (e.g. old alarm clock data) would still remain after instructing CWM to "wipe data".
The funny thing is that right after I posted this question, a newer release of BeanStalk came out, and I don't think my name was displayed upon initial boot after install, like it had been in previous versions of the ROM. I believe that data is still on the device, but just not shown.
So I think I figured out the answer...Wiping data/factory reset in CWM does NOT clear internal storage, and some user data is stored there.
So to rephrase the question, is there an easy way to clear internal storage? Is clearing internal storage an option in TWRP or PHILZ ?
In cwm, go to mounts and storage, and you can format everything from there
In TWRP, go to Wipe > Advanced Wipe, and select every everything

Help with a total wipe for new ROM install.

Hey everyone, I am looking for a little clarification on something. I have a Canadian Rogers i717r. I am running the stock Rogers Jellybean ROM I717RUXMD1_I717RRWCMD1_RWC, with root. Recently, I have been noticing some issues with it hanging, and doing other odd things, so I just think it is time for a reinstall. I may have installed a bad app or something along the way, because it does happen from time to time. My main question is this: How do I do a complete system wipe? Now I am talking every old file, so there are no remnants of the old information left. I have done the factory wipe and dalvik wipe, along with the cache wipe, prior to installing a ROM, every time I have done a new ROM install.. It always seems to leave files behind though. Old game files will still be there and such. Is there a way to get rid of it all, so it is a complete clean slate for the install?
Now, I use TWRP, but the idea is generally the same when it comes to this procedure, and I have found these instructions online;
-- The correct procedure for doing a full wipe is below.
Go to clockworkmod recovery.
Volume up, power button, and home button all pressed together for a couple of seconds.
Go to Advanced menu and wipe the dalvik cache and batt stats if present!
Go to mounts and storage and select it.
Go to format / system and select it.
Scroll down to format system and select yes.
Go to format / data and select it
Scroll down to format data and select yes.
Go to format / cache and select it.
Scroll down to format cache and select yes.
Now go back and install the rom from the internal or external sd card.
This is the correct way of doing a full wipe everything is erased and formatted ready for the new rom, no old system files, old kernel remnants etc....
I am curious as to what will have to be done after the install is complete. I am going to lose ALL of the info. I would basically need to redo all the programming on the phone, including the IMEI and all the info for the networks and what the phone needs to recognize what network it is allowed to access and such. Is this what it will boil down to? I will basically need to reprogram the behind the scenes info also, or no?
Thanks in advance!
Shad
ShadNuke said:
Hey everyone, I am looking for a little clarification on something. I have a Canadian Rogers i717r. I am running the stock Rogers Jellybean ROM I717RUXMD1_I717RRWCMD1_RWC, with root. Recently, I have been noticing some issues with it hanging, and doing other odd things, so I just think it is time for a reinstall. I may have installed a bad app or something along the way, because it does happen from time to time. My main question is this: How do I do a complete system wipe? Now I am talking every old file, so there are no remnants of the old information left. I have done the factory wipe and dalvik wipe, along with the cache wipe, prior to installing a ROM, every time I have done a new ROM install.. It always seems to leave files behind though. Old game files will still be there and such. Is there a way to get rid of it all, so it is a complete clean slate for the install?
Now, I use TWRP, but the idea is generally the same when it comes to this procedure, and I have found these instructions online;
-- The correct procedure for doing a full wipe is below.
Go to clockworkmod recovery.
Volume up, power button, and home button all pressed together for a couple of seconds.
Go to Advanced menu and wipe the dalvik cache and batt stats if present!
Go to mounts and storage and select it.
Go to format / system and select it.
Scroll down to format system and select yes.
Go to format / data and select it
Scroll down to format data and select yes.
Go to format / cache and select it.
Scroll down to format cache and select yes.
Now go back and install the rom from the internal or external sd card.
This is the correct way of doing a full wipe everything is erased and formatted ready for the new rom, no old system files, old kernel remnants etc....
I am curious as to what will have to be done after the install is complete. I am going to lose ALL of the info. I would basically need to redo all the programming on the phone, including the IMEI and all the info for the networks and what the phone needs to recognize what network it is allowed to access and such. Is this what it will boil down to? I will basically need to reprogram the behind the scenes info also, or no?
Thanks in advance!
Shad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, If you're currently using TWRP I'd suggest updating to the latest version, if you haven't already. There's a few of the newer ROMS which specifically require it. On the question of wiping, before you get too carried away it might help you to backup a few things. Within TWRP (ver 2.8.1.0) you have the options to backup EFS (anywhere you please, Internal storage, internal SDcard or MicroSD card) by clicking on the Storage: bar just above the swipe icon. Your IMEI >> located within EFS folder. Also, search the TWRP website for more specific instructions. What you posted is CW instructions. Hope it helps!
LOOK HERE!!
TWRP version 2.8.1.0: http://teamw.in/project/twrp2
TWRP XDA post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2551499

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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