Android Non-Volatile location? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I was wondering if the so called NV 'memory' is actually stored on the file system as well. It is normally shortened as NV or NV-items.
I see there is /efs in the file system. So the question is, is NV stored somewhere in file system too?

idoit said:
I was wondering if the so called NV 'memory' is actually stored on the file system as well. It is normally shortened as NV or NV-items.
I see there is /efs in the file system. So the question is, is NV stored somewhere in file system too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can check with many imei or EFS or partitions backup tool developers, NV Items are stored in modemst1 and modemst2 partitions for MSM89xx. It is changed to mdm9kefs1 mdm9kefs2 and mdm9kefs3 for APQ80xx +MDM96xx based models. Sammy android userdata have very litmited items mapping with "efs", only BT and WiFi mac address are too far from hundreds of NV items for a normal android phone.

Thank you @Azlun.
So now a simple question: How come I can read and write on modemst1 and modemst2 partitions without having root access? (My phone is absolutely untouched).

No,I think no way in generally in case you have a locked bootloader and unrooted.
Even,in some case, you are lucky to own a motorola phone, and know its SPC, then you can use PC tools such as QPST to read/write NV items by items after boot from bootloader BP tool mode. No other workaound as my knowlege since partition s are only accessable by root user.

Related

[Q] Huawei IDEOS X3 (U8510) - How to backup EFS data?

Hallo,
before flashing to a custom rom i want to make sure i really have all data backed up. I read about EFS folders on Samsung devices that hold essential data like IMEI and such that need to be saved manually but can't find one on u8510.
What i've installed so far is root, adb, busybox and ClockWorkMod Recovery v4.0.1.4. When i create a backup with CWM i get these files:
.android_secure.img
boot.img
cache.img
data.img
nandroid.md5
recovery.img
system.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can i make sure i have successfully saved the essential files?
Are these *.img images raw backups of all mtd blocks? No chance for any hidden partition or data?
You haven't backed up any of the radio stuff.
Not that it easy without a way to get into qualcomm mode.
The phone has a service menu (*#*#2846579#*#*) that allows changing some persistent data (like enabling logcat) surviving nandroid restores. If this is another memory unit (eprom or sth) and is r/w i really want to backup that as well (beside the fact that i want to enable/disable logcat without always flashing back to stock for that since cyanogen doesn't support that service menu on my phone).
This is the kernel code snippet for reading the flag.
Code:
#ifdef CONFIG_HUAWEI_KERNEL
struct log_ctl ctl_info;
unsigned nv_log_ctl_info = LOG_CTL_INFO_ITEM;
/*read log on/off flag from modem side*/
msm_proc_comm(PCOM_NV_READ, &nv_log_ctl_info, (unsigned*)&ctl_info) ;
printk("logger.c: log on/off=%d\n", ctl_info.on_off_flag);
/*if log nv(NV_LOG_CTL_INFO_I) is 0 , we don't init the logger driver*/
if(ctl_info.on_off_flag != USER_LOG_ON)
return 0;
#endif
What about the IMEI. Is it safe in an OTP (one time programmable) memory or could it get deleted by accident or malicious code?

Pulling Partitions

Ok guys I've rooted my Droid Xt910 Rogers, now I need help on how to pull the rest of the images out of the partitions. The partitions are named differently than the Samsung phones, they are listed as mmcblk1p1 etc. all the way up to 26. Not sure what the rest are, misc, cid, kpanic, preinstall, cdrom, utags, pds, etc. There are also ones that don't have labels on them such as 1 - 6 blks. 9 to 13 blks. THere is also the webtop, emstorage?
Anyways if anyone could shed some light on these partitions or should I just pull all of them so I have some kind of backup in case I end up figuring out how to creat an Odin?
Thanks.
Partition softlink with mmcblk can be view under /dev/block using root explorer
Just for info, not all partition can be restored using fastboot if the bootloader is locked, e.g. recovery & boot. I am not so sure about system.
Thanks, just wanted to figure out how to pull as much as I can. This way if anyone needed the Rogers system files I would have them. Also when ever we get a way to flash these back it would be available for use.

S3 won't boot after app gone wrong - need opinion plz

Hey. I tried this swapper2 app from the market and this little thing formated some partition from my phone thinking it was the swap one. Now phone won't go pass the samsung logo with sound.
I can get into recovery and into download mode. I tried flashing a brand new pcodin EMB5 flash, with no .pit nor repartition. No go. Rooted with CF-root (which also gives me CWM recovery). Recovery gives me the error: can't mount /efs so i'm guessing my /efs got formated. I have a backup made by copying the /efs files to another folder when all was working. What i'm guessing needs to be done is get my /efs partition created again (or at least mounted, not sure it's state) so i can copy it's contents there again.
What's the best way of doing this? I've seen people saying they can just use adb, mount /efs with the commands:
mke2fs /dev/block/mmcblk0p1
mount -w -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /efs
and copy it's contents. But i need my phone to boot first to use adb, right? Doesn't seem to be working from recovery or download mode.
Would reflashing with odin using the pit file, repartition option or even the Clear ESF option work? I'm not very clear about what "clear efs" does.
Any other ideas?
Thanks!
EDIT:
I've managed to solve my problem, phone's up and running again. I'll post the entire process later for anyone else, god knows i'd have loved to see this written somewhere instead of all the inconclusive bits and pieces scavenged around the internet.
Update:
On recovery (CWM) /efs is the only partition it can't mount.Log says
"w:failed to mount /dev/block/mmcblk0p3 (invalid argument)
Error mounting /efs"
From what i understand, mmcblk0p3 is the /efs partition. Would restoring an image of mmcblk0p3 work? I have my /efs contents but not an image of it. Would it be possible to get an image from some other phone, restore it on mine and just replace it's contents later?
If so, would anyone be so kind to send me one image of mmcblk0p3 for the gt-i9000?
Thank you.
adb works from recovery.
no, no one will send you their efs folder
Yes, i managed to get adb working with recovery. i figured as much. to be honest, but i though if someone had an image from a broken phone or simply wouldn't mind sharing, it wouldn't hurt to ask since i've seen them around for other phones before. I couldn't care less about other phone's contents, just want to replace them with mine.
I will try to recreate this partition via adb with fdisk or something. Can anyone share the details of the mmcblk0p3, like size, blocks, etc?
Any other ideas are also appreciated.
efs contains fragile data, like the IMEI. Having it, it is relatively easy to unblock the phone locked as the result of stolen one claim.
I doubt if someone would share this content, first. Second, any effort related with IMEI cloning is not welcomed here.
spamtrash said:
efs contains fragile data, like the IMEI. Having it, it is relatively easy to unblock the phone locked as the result of stolen one claim.
I doubt if someone would share this content, first. Second, any effort related with IMEI cloning is not welcomed here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm well aware and not trying to clone anything. But I'll change my request then: think it's possible for someone to extract the efs image, mount it elsewhere (in linux or something, should be an ext4, right?) delete it's files, save and send it to me? The partition structure should still be there (which is what i want) but no delicate files for me to use. I can then restore it to my phone, hopefully mount it manually in adb and copy my /efs contents.
Think this would work?
Thank you

Can someone share their /persist contents with me?

Hi all,
Did something stupid that erased my /persist folder. The folder exists now and most of the sensors and data has been restored but for wifi. The wifi bin files are missing, so if someone is kind enough to share the contents of their /persist it will be really helpful thanks.
On a rooted device, use a root capable File manager to access the /root folder of your moto z.
in system/persist, copy the contents and share it here.?
XT 1650 3
And also their system/etc/firmware/wlan folder please?
That doesn't work. The binaries are bound to the device serial number and the whole thing is then signed by motorola.
For now, don't do anything more to your persist folder! First, you need to save what's left to save.
Try this: connect your phone with the PC, boot into TWRP recovery..
Code:
adb shell "dd if=/dev/block/sda3 of=/tmp/sda3_persist.bin"
adb pull /tmp/sda3_persist.bin
This is the current partition image. You may be able to reconstruct the missing files and filenames.
However, chance is that you removed just the mount point of the persist partition.
Reinstall system partition and see if that brings back the persist folder...
benzinerwin said:
That doesn't work. The binaries are bound to the device serial number and the whole thing is then signed by motorola.
For now, don't do anything more to your persist folder! First, you need to save what's left to save.
Try this: connect your phone with the PC, boot into TWRP recovery..
Code:
adb shell "dd if=/dev/block/sda3 of=/tmp/sda3_persist.bin"
adb pull /tmp/sda3_persist.bin
This is the current partition image. You may be able to reconstruct the missing files and filenames.
However, chance is that you removed just the mount point of the persist partition.
Reinstall system partition and see if that brings back the persist folder...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
/persist is now mounted and phone is booting and everything else is working (bluetooth connects, sensors are working etc) only wifi is not working.
Log Cat is not too helpful, just says wifi driver cannot load. System status gives IMEI number, bluetooth MAC address are shown. But Wifi is shown as 02:00:00:00. Not sure what is wrong! Hardware gone?
Thanks
Hm, you should backup your modem partition:
Code:
adb shell "dd if=/dev/block/sda16 of=/tmp/sda16_modem.bin"
adb pull /tmp/sda16_modem.bin
Afterwards, maybe you want to try this modem backup image from another moto-z...
I have no idea wheather that's locked a serial number or if it is just genereic. Make sure you have a backup of your current modem parition!
Flashing is just the commands slightly reversed...
Code:
adb push other_modem.bin /tmp/other_modem.bin
adb shell "dd if=/tmp/other_modem.bin of=/dev/block/sda16"
No Luck
thanks, can you confirm what is the contents of the /persist/wifi and /system/etc/firmware/wifi/?
Just want to check
anilisanil said:
No Luck
thanks, can you confirm what is the contents of the /persist/wifi and /system/etc/firmware/wifi/?
Just want to check
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My booted system contains a /persist/wifi folder, but with no content
/system/etc/wifi contains 5 files: p2p_supplicant.conf, p2p_supplicant_overlay.conf, WCNSS_qcom_cfg.ini, wpa_suuplicant.conf, wpa_supplicant_overlay.conf.
Are you sure, you redtored all partitions properly? Maybe FSG as well, though I think it's just cellphone related & erased modemst1/2+cache?
benzinerwin said:
My booted system contains a /persist/wifi folder, but with no content
/system/etc/wifi contains 5 files: p2p_supplicant.conf, p2p_supplicant_overlay.conf, WCNSS_qcom_cfg.ini, wpa_suuplicant.conf, wpa_supplicant_overlay.conf.
Are you sure, you redtored all partitions properly? Maybe FSG as well, though I think it's just cellphone related & erased modemst1/2+cache?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is booting without any errors at all, so I am not sure!
Same for me, so issue is not with persist. The etc/firmware/wifi is different for different people? I have 3 files, one .ini and 2 bin files- one for 2G and other for 5G- both are empty! Beats me!
I dont suspect wifi hardware going kaput so easily! But there are quite a few people who raised this in other device forums, but no one seem to have succeeded!
edit: I am assuming /etc/firmware are changed when we flash a new rom and the fact that I flashed the stock ROM a couple of times did not help means that the problem is not with /etc/firmware folder? Really clueless!
benzinerwin said:
My booted system contains a /persist/wifi folder, but with no content
/system/etc/wifi contains 5 files: p2p_supplicant.conf, p2p_supplicant_overlay.conf, WCNSS_qcom_cfg.ini, wpa_suuplicant.conf, wpa_supplicant_overlay.conf.
Are you sure, you redtored all partitions properly? Maybe FSG as well, though I think it's just cellphone related & erased modemst1/2+cache?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just realised, the contents are hidden, can you please ensure you are looking for hidden files as well?
anilisanil said:
just realised, the contents are hidden, can you please ensure you are looking for hidden files as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes & I did..
BTW, my phone runs on LineageOS.

IMEI in Filesystem? Apps keeping IMEI in logs? oneplus 8

I dont have box. Phone shows IMEI Unknown. Need to find it in filesystem to write it back
I am trying to find my IMEI in my filesystem, oneplus 8.
Is it somewhere encrypted?
Any APPS that save it in Logs? or /data/opdiagnose logs maybe?
Does *#06# work?
Otherwise this may be useful:
[GUIDE] Recover your IMEI in 9 steps.
If you did not make any backup of your EFS folder, and your IMEI is messed up, this could be your solution to recover your lost IMEI. NOTE THAT AT LEAST YOU MUST HAVE THE SHIPPED ORIGINAL EFS FOLDER ON YOUR PHONE ( even if you didn't make a...
forum.xda-developers.com
Twrp backup? Efs restore
OnePlus community you search
OnePlus Community
Introducing our new OnePlus Community experience, with a completely revamped structure, built from the ground-up.
community.oneplus.com
chrysopra said:
Otherwise this may be useful:
[GUIDE] Recover your IMEI in 9 steps.
If you did not make any backup of your EFS folder, and your IMEI is messed up, this could be your solution to recover your lost IMEI. NOTE THAT AT LEAST YOU MUST HAVE THE SHIPPED ORIGINAL EFS FOLDER ON YOUR PHONE ( even if you didn't make a...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that post is 11 years old........... what is the EFS folder in op8 even?
and no I dont have backups or original box..... thats why i make this post.....
i searched the entire internet for entire days now..... pls answer if you have a solution
The efs folder is in the root directory of your phone. While almost every year a new verison of Android appears, the basic structure didn´t change.
With a normal file manager, the efs isn´t accessible, not even visible.
That´s not a bug, it´s a (security) feature, protecting this essential folder from being deleted or overwritten accidentially.
FYI:
Android from A to Z: What is the EFS folder?
The EFS folder contains important system files. It is advisable to make a backup, and not modify it if we do not have advanced knowledge.
androidayuda.com
chrysopra said:
The efs folder is in the root directory of your phone. While almost every year a new verison of Android appears, the basic structure didn´t change.
With a normal file manager, the efs isn´t accessible, not even visible.
That´s not a bug, it´s a (security) feature, protecting this essential folder from being deleted or overwritten accidentially.
FYI:
Android from A to Z: What is the EFS folder?
The EFS folder contains important system files. It is advisable to make a backup, and not modify it if we do not have advanced knowledge.
androidayuda.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it;s not there.... I'm root with adb shell su. if it's there how to access it? are you sure it's there?
the efs consists mainly of two files: modemst1 and modemst2.
Read his:
How to Fix Corrupt EFS/No IMEI/Network Issues [3 Methods]
In this comprehensive guide, we will show you various methods to fix corrupt EFS, No IMEI, No SIM card detected, and network-related issues
www.droidwin.com

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