So after years of flashing roms, installing apps, saving junk to my phone I think it is time to completely wipe it. I've searched and come across a few threads but I want to look at some of the CWM Mounts and storage options to be sure. Here is one I came across:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/general/ref-cwm-clockworkmode-menu-options-t1542857
If I wanted to do a compete wipe including all internal SD data, but not lose Root, I would do the following???
wipe data / factory reset
wipe cache partition
wipe dallvik cache
format /system
format /cache
format /data
format /preload (unsure about this one, can't find info)
format /storage/sdcard0
install rom then from my ext sdcard1
install gapps then from my ext sdcard1
reboot into a clean phone and start installing stuff again.
That should be enough correct? I'm not sure where CWM Recovery lives but I would assume that would be on the /boot partition and that is the one section that I don't want to format, correct? I'm also not sure of where the modem is set/installed and would that need to be reinstalled again?
With this device, recovery lives with the kernel in the boot partition. Everytime you install a kernel, a fresh image is installed to the partition.
I'm not sure what your actual goal is, but the process you've outlined process is very redundant.
factory reset wipes /data & /cache (which includes dalvik-cache)
A factory reset plus manually wiping /system (and /preload if using samsung-based firmware) promises a clean installation of ANYTHING.
jackal2001 said:
[...]
If I wanted to do a compete wipe including all internal SD data, but not lose Root, I would do the following???
wipe data / factory reset
wipe cache partition
wipe dallvik cache
format /system
format /cache
format /data
format /preload (unsure about this one, can't find info)
format /storage/sdcard0
install rom then from my ext sdcard1
install gapps then from my ext sdcard1
reboot into a clean phone and start installing stuff again.
That should be enough correct? I'm not sure where CWM Recovery lives but I would assume that would be on the /boot partition and that is the one section that I don't want to format, correct? I'm also not sure of where the modem is set/installed and would that need to be reinstalled again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to have a fresh install. Basically wipe everything including whatever junk is installed on the SD card. Like a new phone pulled out of the box. I'm sure there is tons of junk on the SD card due to apps being installed/uninstalled over the years.
Yes I understand some of the options may be redundant, but it only takes a second.
So as long as I don't "format /boot" you saying that should be OK?
If you prefer to take the extra steps, then I don't see any harm in your procedure.
It may seem obvious, but make sure you have everything you'll need on that ext-sd card, before you format /system.
mr.cook has some scripts that will format preload, if the option isn't present in your recovery.
jackal2001 said:
I want to have a fresh install. Basically wipe everything including whatever junk is installed on the SD card. Like a new phone pulled out of the box. I'm sure there is tons of junk on the SD card due to apps being installed/uninstalled over the years.
Yes I understand some of the options may be redundant, but it only takes a second.
So as long as I don't "format /boot" you saying that should be OK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Related
Whats the best way to do a FULL wipe of the device? including ALL user data/files/rom leftovers/battery stats/binary counter/everything!?
I am talking about as clean a slate as possible.
*2767*3855#
Extra wipe probably overkill .
Connect phone in mass storage mode and format the phone drive .
Boot to recovery wipe cache Advanced wipe dalvik cache .
Mounts and Storage format system data and sd card .
Use Odin to flash stock firmware as phone is empty .
jje
Thanks Guys appreciate it!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Flash CWM Recovery. Then select every option called "Wipe xxxxx" in every menu and submenu. Then flash a stock rom.
I have a question by full wipe u mean-
in cwm format system ,data,cache
wipe cache, dalvik cache. Anything else.I dont want to lose sd card contents so i did not do format sd card.Is it ok when installing a new rom?
abhiwltya said:
I have a question by full wipe u mean-
in cwm format system ,data,cache
wipe cache, dalvik cache. Anything else.I dont want to lose sd card contents so i did not do format sd card.Is it ok when installing a new rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if u wipe with this way u just loss contact and apps that u installed them on your phone but other things like musics,movies and photos .
thanks button
wipe data factory reset and go to mount and storage and format system
To me complete wipe means complete not part wiped .
System Data Cache and internal SD card .
Though no need for wiping SD Card unless data corruption on it .
jje
Wiping by means of formatting won't destroy all of the data, formatting an ext4 partition simply overwrites the file tables. With the right tools it is still possible to retrieve lots of your personal information from a re-formatted partition, including stored passwords, pictures, etc.
tanseerj said:
..including../binary counter..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the named procedures does not, don't they?
So either old bootloader and jig or easier use triangle away.
Erasing user data there is an additional option: settings-device-storage-erase USB-storage.
Full wipe. How??
aydc said:
Flash CWM Recovery. Then select every option called "Wipe xxxxx" in every menu and submenu. Then flash a stock rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also do this when the instruction says "full wipe". Aside from this I also format the internal SD(to delete extra folders created from the previous ROM) since all my installers are inside the external SD.
Aside from the above instruction, I also read some posts that you have to mount to a specific folder(not internal/external sd) and clear/format that location. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks in advance.
I do this:
Wipes:
- Factory Reset
- Cache Partition
- Dalvik (Advanced)
Format:
- System
- Data
- Cache
- Internal Storage (No SD)
austick said:
I do this:
Wipes:
- Factory Reset
- Cache Partition
- Dalvik (Advanced)
Format:
- System
- Data
- Cache
- Internal Storage (No SD)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you care to elaborate on how to do the ones in bold?
What I normally do is that I mount points like /system, /data, /cache, /emmc and format all of them. I'll do all of this using ClockworkMod Recovery.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Hye everyone, my name is toby and I have a question..
Long a go after I bought sgs2 I try to remember, I think I've formatted this phone once using my laptop via usb. I plugged the phone, right click on my computer and format, I think it was NTFS file system. do you guys think this will have impact on the phone performance r/w or ROM? or will the sd partition won't work at all?
I'm asking this because I have installed ROM's and It lag and crashed a few times.. I think maybe this two connected.
Thank you..
p/s:f5,f5,f5,f5 waiting for some rom to update.
Yes the two are likely to be connected. If you formatted your sdcard as ntfs then I would presume that it is using the ntfs support in the Linux kernel to access it. However, NTFS is not a light fs, it is intended for heavy duty file work, and definately not suited for mobile devices. I'm not surprised it's causing your phone to lag.
I suggest you enter your phone's recovery mode and reformat your /sdcard partition, and if you have CWM just to be sure, do a full factory wipe, and format ALL partitions in the advanced section.
So...
mrnaz said:
Yes the two are likely to be connected. If you formatted your sdcard as ntfs then I would presume that it is using the ntfs support in the Linux kernel to access it. However, NTFS is not a light fs, it is intended for heavy duty file work, and definately not suited for mobile devices. I'm not surprised it's causing your phone to lag.
I suggest you enter your phone's recovery mode and reformat your /sdcard partition, and if you have CWM just to be sure, do a full factory wipe, and format ALL partitions in the advanced section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So... everytime I wipe cache partition in cwm recovery mode, it reformat my /sdcard? so, I have nothing to worry right, because I always do the 4 steps of cleaning before installing, sorry, flashing new rom.
No. Wiping the cache does exactly that, wipes the cache. If you do wipe the cache, you'll find the first boot after you do it will take a bit longer than normal while the cache is rebuilt.
If you want to format your /sdcard, you need to go into mounts & storage in CWM.
thegreatdead69 said:
So... everytime I wipe cache partition in cwm recovery mode, it reformat my /sdcard? so, I have nothing to worry right, because I always do the 4 steps of cleaning before installing, sorry, flashing new rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm...
MistahBungle said:
No. Wiping the cache does exactly that, wipes the cache. If you do wipe the cache, you'll find the first boot after you do it will take a bit longer than normal while the cache is rebuilt.
If you want to format your /sdcard, you need to go into mounts & storage in CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okkkaay... Thank you sir..
Need Help with cwm
Hye, I can't find format /sdcard option in cwm Mounts & Storage Menu..
only have this formatting option:
format cache, system, data, secondrom_cache, secondrom_data, secondrom_system, external storage, internal storage.
and I can't mount /sdcard it say Error mounting /sdcard!
I am using CWMR Touch 5.5.0.4 btw.
P/S:Im not using any external mmc.
How much of the ritual of rom management is actually necessary and how much is just passed on wisdom based ultimately on nothing? Is there really any benefit to wiping a partition more than once, fo example? Some people suggest all sorts of voodoo to make sure a rom gets installed right and everyone is quick to blame a failure to follow the ritual perfectly for any shortcomings of the rom.
Just curious. Either way - it is interesting to have these flashing rituals. The ritual is different for each device.
Steps to flashing ROM -
1. Wipe all partitions ONCE (but make sure you wipe them all).
2. Flash ROM first, flash gapps if not included, then flash any other zips of apps/mods/whatever else that you need.
3. Done.
A lot of the tips that people give are misleading. You DO NOT need to wipe more than once. When you format a flash drive on your computer, do you format it 2-3 times just 'to make sure everything is wiped' or do you just format it once? Same thing for the NAND flash memory of phones/tablets. One format of the partitions will wipe them clean.
There's no such thing as a wait time for 'letting the ROM settle in'. You flash a ROM, reboot, wait for dalvik cache to rebuild, wait a minute or two after boot for all the auto-start apps to load (especially if you have a single core phone with low RAM) and use away.
You don't have to wipe cache+dalvik cache each time you flash an update of your ROM. Android automatically detects which apks have changed and rebuilds the dalvik cache only for them, rather than unnecessarily deleting the whole dalvik cache and rebuilding the same stuff again. Google 'android auto dexopt-ing' for more info.
You don't have to wipe cache+dalvik after flashing a new kernel, because those are for apps and aren't related to kernel.
The correct wiping order is -
1. Format /boot
2. Format /system
3. Format /data
4. Format /cache
Some devices have additional partitions so you would need to format them too if necessary, but for most devices these are the standard partitions to wipe. Some recoveries have a 'format all partitions (except SD card)' option which does all this at once, most recoveries require you to format them manually. In most recoveries, the option for formatting data is called 'Format data/Factory Reset'. This does the same thing as running Factory Reset in the phone settings, i.e. it formats /data and /cache. So depending on your recovery, you might not need to format /cache after formatting /data. Many people advise to format dalvik cache after formatting data. This is completely unnecessary. Dalvik cache is just a folder in /data and in /cache, so when you format /data and /cache or do a factory reset, it is wiped too. If you wipe dalvik cache after formatting those partitions already, you're doing nothing other than deleting a non-existent folder.
You don't need to 'calibrate' the battery after a new ROM flash. Battery calibration as it is called does nothing but delete a system file called batterystats.bin which contains info about the running apps, percent of battery they use and the battery history. This file is anyway reset whenever you charge the device fully, so you're essentially 'calibrating' your device each time you fully charge it.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/105051985738280261832/posts/FV3LVtdVxPT
Last one, you don't need to fix permissions each time you flash a ROM/ROM update. Only run it if you're getting a lot of app FCs.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
I agree with Sashank, use the order but personally (again my own personal preference) I boot the ROM first after flashing ROM /or GApps then I reboot back into recovery to flash anything that needs to be flashed. Also when using 4EXT Recovery (preferred/best recovery for our Desire HD) there's an option to wipe all partitions except for SD Crad, I usually use that 3 time to make sure my device is as clean as possible
Hi everybody. First time poster. After 4 hours scouring forums and other sites yesterday, I never saw this precise question asked or answered.
I have an HTC DNA that I'm selling on Swappa soon. Of course, I wanted to wipe the internal storage. [I promise this isn't going to be a "What's the best way to wipe my device" thread,]
I ultimately went with:
1. Encrypt device
2. Fastboot Erase Boot, System, Data, and Recovery
3. Flash CWM Recovery
4. Format all partitions in CWM Recovery
4. Sideload ViperDNA.zip
5. Install ViperDNA.zip
And so here comes the question, in the future, shouldn't I just be able to format the /Data/ partition and be done with it? After all, if internal storage--the /SDCard/ partition---is found at /Data/Media, shouldn't a format of /Data/ wipe the internal storage?
If the answer is "yes," then why is there a second option in CWM for "Format /Data and /Data/Media (/SDCard)"? The second option seems redundant of simply formatting /Data/ (which would include /Data/Media). However, when I run the second format option--the one that explicitly references /SDCard/, it takes noticeably longer than simply formatting /Data. And that suggests that there's more going on with the second option.
Perhaps the answer is that when you Format only /Data/, the phone leaves /Data/Media alone. If that's the answer, then that all makes sense. But I haven't seen that stated definitively anywhere.
Thanks in advance!!
ThisAndroidDude said:
Hi everybody. First time poster. After 4 hours scouring forums and other sites yesterday, I never saw this precise question asked or answered.
I have an HTC DNA that I'm selling on Swappa soon. Of course, I wanted to wipe the internal storage. [I promise this isn't going to be a "What's the best way to wipe my device" thread,]
I ultimately went with:
1. Encrypt device
2. Fastboot Erase Boot, System, Data, and Recovery
3. Flash CWM Recovery
4. Format all partitions in CWM Recovery
4. Sideload ViperDNA.zip
5. Install ViperDNA.zip
And so here comes the question, in the future, shouldn't I just be able to format the /Data/ partition and be done with it? After all, if internal storage--the /SDCard/ partition---is found at /Data/Media, shouldn't a format of /Data/ wipe the internal storage?
If the answer is "yes," then why is there a second option in CWM for "Format /Data and /Data/Media (/SDCard)"? The second option seems redundant of simply formatting /Data/ (which would include /Data/Media). However, when I run the second format option--the one that explicitly references /SDCard/, it takes noticeably longer than simply formatting /Data. And that suggests that there's more going on with the second option.
Perhaps the answer is that when you Format only /Data/, the phone leaves /Data/Media alone. If that's the answer, then that all makes sense. But I haven't seen that stated definitively anywhere.
Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see the point to encrypt the device
and second in twrp there is a "wipe internal storage" option that wipes the internal storage, cwm i think they just call it data
.torrented said:
I dont see the point to encrypt the device
and second in twrp there is a "wipe internal storage" option that wipes the internal storage, cwm i think they just call it data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. The reason I think encrypting is good, is that it serves the purpose of overwriting the sectors with data (in this case, encrypted data). Of course, I know solid state memory isn't necessarily as susceptible to data recovery for failure to overwrite as magnetic media, but I wanted to be safe.
With regards to TWRP's "wipe internal storage" option, I'm sure that works well. CWM has something similar in the "format /data and /data/media" option.
However, my main question still remains. If Internal Storage is found on the data partition at /data/media, then does a format of /data (in CWM or fastboot) take care of the internal storage? I don't think it does (based on the two different options in CWM and the fact that formatting /data/ and /data/media takes longer than simply formatting /data), and I'm just trying to understand why.
ThisAndroidDude said:
Thanks for the input. The reason I think encrypting is good, is that it serves the purpose of overwriting the sectors with data (in this case, encrypted data). Of course, I know solid state memory isn't necessarily as susceptible to data recovery for failure to overwrite as magnetic media, but I wanted to be safe.
With regards to TWRP's "wipe internal storage" option, I'm sure that works well. CWM has something similar in the "format /data and /data/media" option.
However, my main question still remains. If Internal Storage is found on the data partition at /data/media, then does a format of /data (in CWM or fastboot) take care of the internal storage? I don't think it does (based on the two different options in CWM and the fact that formatting /data/ and /data/media takes longer than simply formatting /data), and I'm just trying to understand why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, since the sdcard is not external, one wipes everything but the sdcard and then the other will wipe everything including data/media
if you are doing a fresh rom install, you dont want to wipe the sdcard if you have any backups or the rom you are installing. thats where the wipe data comes into play, however when you want to go ahead and restore it to stock or just clean out the sdcard thats where the second one takes over.
Thanks for the additional thoughts. In my case, since I wanted to wipe everything, it made sense to do the /data and /data/media wipe.
I think we both agree about the difference between the two wipes. I think it's just a bit confusing that CWM's option to wipe /data doesn't really wipe that entire partition--instead, it leaves /data/media alone.
I know this was probably asked many times.
But I'm not being able to find a solution.
I'm on the search of the right rom for everyday use, so I have a few on my external SD card.
So, I restart my Atrix.
Go into recovery mode.
Wipe data/factory reset.
Wipe cache partition.
Wipe Dalvik cache (under advanced menu).
And finally install zip from SD card to choose a rom.
This works, but, the phone doesn't seem to be fully wiped.
I still have folders, older files and even pictures (on the internal storage) so this kinda confuses me.
Because I'm trying to do a fresh install to check the real performance on each rom.
alechair said:
I know this was probably asked many times.
But I'm not being able to find a solution.
I'm on the search of the right rom for everyday use, so I have a few on my external SD card.
So, I restart my Atrix.
Go into recovery mode.
Wipe data/factory reset.
Wipe cache partition.
Wipe Dalvik cache (under advanced menu).
And finally install zip from SD card to choose a rom.
This works, but, the phone doesn't seem to be fully wiped.
I still have folders, older files and even pictures (on the internal storage) so this kinda confuses me.
Because I'm trying to do a fresh install to check the real performance on each rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The wipes you describe won't wipe internal storage, where pictures, etc are stored. Wipe internal storage to delete that stuff.
LāvLab / HostileSlothRecords
LavLab said:
The wipes you describe won't wipe internal storage, where pictures, etc are stored. Wipe internal storage to delete that stuff.
LāvLab / HostileSlothRecords
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer. I don't seem to have any wipe internal storage option on the recovery menu.
So I assume it's the format /sdcard option (under the mounts and storage menu).
Is it safe to format the internal storage before the install zip from sdcard?
Or do you have any other recommendation?
Thanks again
It isn't necesary to delete internal storage nor sdcard when you flash a new rom. If you want to start fresh, delete the folders android, data and android.secure
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andresrivas said:
It isn't necesary to delete internal storage nor sdcard when you flash a new rom. If you want to start fresh, delete the folders android, data and android.secure
Enviado desde mi MB860 usando Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I delete those folders.
I don't see any file browser on the recovery menu...
Either from android or via adb, cwm enables it. Also. I do recall seeing the option to format those on the mounts and storage menu of cwm
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andresrivas said:
Either from android or via adb, cwm enables it. Also. I do recall seeing the option to format those on the mounts and storage menu of cwm
Enviado desde mi MB860 usando Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to keep bothering you with this, but all I have is...
format /cache
format /data
format /osh
format /system
format /preinstall
format /emmc
format /sd-ext
format /sdcard
Thanks in advance!:good:
alechair said:
Sorry to keep bothering you with this, but all I have is...
format /cache
format /data
format /osh
format /system
format /preinstall
format /emmc
format /sd-ext
format /sdcard
Thanks in advance!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory reset = wipe data, cache, and I think also android.secure
format /cache do before installing new ROM/part of full wipe
format /data do before installing new ROM/part of full wipe
format /osh do before installing new ROM/part of full wipe
format /system do before installing new ROM/part of full wipe
format /preinstall
format /emmc wipes internal storage
format /sd-ext
format /sdcard wipes SD card
palmbeach05 said:
Factory reset = wipe data, cache, and I think also android.secure
format /cache do before installing new ROM/part of full wipe
format /data do before installing new ROM/part of full wipe
format /osh do before installing new ROM/part of full wipe
format /system do before installing new ROM/part of full wipe
format /preinstall
format /emmc wipes internal storage
format /sd-ext
format /sdcard wipes SD card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, thanks for clarifying every function.
But, well... there's where I'm getting lost.
If Factory reset wipes data and android.secure, how come when I install a new rom I still have folders of previously installed apps?
Also if i do a format /emmc or the internal storage, won't do any harm?
I got to this last question because since I still have some old stuff around on the folders after the factory reset, I wondered if actually some of that info wasn't erased on the full wipe because it was mandatory for roms to work or something....
It should not harm the phone in any way, but ypu will loose everything: music, photos, BACKUPS, etc.
It doesn't get deleted because either is important data for the user or the apps places data where they souldn't.
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