[Q] Recover Data From Formatted Internal Storage Raw Dump? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Before I start, I'm aware there are great data recovery guides on this forum and elsewhere. Unfortunately, I was unable to find one pertaining to Nougat and my specific circumstances. Thank you for bearing with me.
How the Data Was Wiped
I ran "fastboot format userdata" to fix a "Decryption Unsuccessful" error message after going from LineageOS 14.1 to 15 on a Xiaomi Mi 5 Pro. Because I was in a hurry to get my phone back online, I foolishly assumed the wipe would leave /data/media intact, just like TWRP, without making sure of it. I know the assumption was wishful thinking at best and I can see the irony in then spending the rest of the day trying to undo the damage.
How the Data Was Dumped
Immediately after finishing the fastboot format, I booted back into TWRP 3.1.1-0 where I discovered the extent of the data loss. Since I hadn't flashed a ROM and didn't want to write anything else to my /data partition, I did a "adb pull /dev/block/sda14 sda14.img" on my computer over USB with my phone still in recovery. With a 128GB phone, the process took a whopping 8102.059s to finish.
How I attempted to Recover Data
I let both R-Studio 8.3 and UFS File Explorer Professional Recovery 5.23.4 scan through my dump to no avail. All they found were meaningless, small files, mostly in a .txt or .so format. I also attempted to mount the image using DiskInternals Linux Reader 2.6, but PhotoRec didn't recognise the volume.
Where do I go From Here?
Christian Weiske wrote about his attempt at recovering photos from a Galaxy S5 mini, running Marshmallow. He noted that data he pulled in Windows was broken using various commands until he tried "adb exec-out". Does the problem lie in my pulled data also being broken/incomplete, or is "fastboot format" actually capable of completely destroying more than 100GB worth of data in mere seconds on TRIM-enabled devices? If I am to do a second /data dump using a different method, I would have to do it directly to my computer as my phone doesn't have a microSD slot. I should add that, to the best of my memory, I never encrypted the storage, as I went directly from CyanogenMod to LineageOS using the experimental migration build.
To anyone who chimes in, if only to tell me that I should suck it up and stick to whatever data I have backed up and move on, I'll be most appreciative! Even more so if anyone can shed some light on modern-day Android data recovery/wiping and limitations.

I'm going thru a recovery process myself. Using a few guides. First I completed a raw dump of the whole phone w/out installing any os over the phone. I'm about to check that and see if testdisk can find something via https://roubert.name/joakim/androidfilerecovery/
In the background, I have another dump going on from https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...de-internal-memory-data-recovery-yes-t1994705 guide. Hopefully, something comes up.

Related

Clear Cache and Data from Stock Recovery

I've seen a number of requests for this functionality and recently it became necessary for one user who had a disabled Home Key to clear cache and data without the use of ClockworkMod. I have reserached two methods to address this issue. These instructions require some familiarity of android, computer and tablet terminology and usage. Feel free to ask for clarifications in comments. Here we go...
Method I - Stock Recovery Command File
Technical: Stock Recovery command file can be used to perform a few additional functions as well as to alter the path to update files. These commands will execute with all privileges available to recovery mode.
Advantages: Very easy to use. Very little technical knowledge required. No third party software is required for use.
Prerequisites: You will need a MicroSD card formatted FAT32 and a method for transferring files from your computer to the MicroSD.
Usage:
1) Prepare a text file named "command" (no file extension) with one of the following commands on a single line. The wipe data command will wipe both data and cache. Wipe cache will wipe cache only.
--wipe_data
--wipe_cache
2) Place the file in a folder named "recovery" in the root directory of your MicroSD card.
3) From a powered down state, insert the MicroSD card into your tablet and boot into recovery by powering it on while holding down the Volume Up key.
4) Allow the command to execute completely then the tablet should reboot (this may not occur automatically depending on firmware installed).
Method II - Updater Script
Technical: The attached "Updater Scripts" perform delete commands (recursively if necessary) on the named directory or file(s). The directories are mounted automatically by the system before the script executes but it could be easily revised to include that step if necessary. The partitioning, formatting and directory structure are left untouched. Only files are deleted.
Advantages: No third party software is necessary for execution. Relatively easy to modify for more surgical precision (i.e. leaving installed apps but clearing possibly corrupted system data). Included example: "Clear Battery Stats"
Prerequisites: You will need a MicroSD card formatted FAT32 and a method for transferring files from your computer to the MicroSD.
Usage:
1) Download the attached archive (ClearData.zip) to your computer.
2) Extract the files to your computer. You should then have a folder named "recovery" (which contains a file named "command") and an additional archive named "update.zip"
3) Place the recovery folder and the update.zip in the root directory of the MicroSD card.
4) From a powered down state, insert the MicroSD card into your tablet and boot into recovery by powering it on while holding down the Volume Up key.
5) Allow the script to execute completely then reboot the tablet (this may occur automatically depending on firmware installed).
This will become handy someday.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You're welcome. One quick note... the new stock recovery adds a menu simiilar to ClockworkMod. These methods will still work since the recovery folder/command file are checked first but it really isn't as necessary any more.
Need Help
Tried both methods above but either way I get to the viewsonic splash with the message "Booting recovery kernel image" in the upper left and it just stays there, stuck there, I left it for a long time to see and it never leaves that screen.
Any ideas?
Me too
I can't get into clockworkmod either. My machine is running faster. I almost hate to mess it more.
lrgche said:
Tried both methods above but either way I get to the viewsonic splash with the message "Booting recovery kernel image" in the upper left and it just stays there, stuck there, I left it for a long time to see and it never leaves that screen.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an indication that you may have more serious problems. nvflash will be required. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=861950
Once done you will likely need to install ClockworkMod and repartition your internal storage.
Loukoebel said:
I can't get into clockworkmod either. My machine is running faster. I almost hate to mess it more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your tablet boots properly but you can't get into CWM then it probably isn't installed properly (or at all). http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
Keep in mind that CWM is NOT compatible with all ROMs. Make sure the developer for your chosen ROM recommends it before installing it.
Does your method in opening post have to be run from external micro sdcard?
Both methods are performed with an external MicroSD card. They will work from internal also but it is a little more difficult to get the files in place if your tablet is not booting properly.
K J Rad said:
Both methods are performed with an external MicroSD card. They will work from internal also but it is a little more difficult to get the files in place if your tablet is not booting properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so your method is a simple way to replace one of the main uses of Clockword MOD?--Plus you stay stock more or less.
That is correct. Method II can also be modified to be less intrusive (leave user apps installed) or embedded into update scripts to perform a wipe during new ROM installs.
K J Rad said:
That is correct. Method II can also be modified to be less intrusive (leave user apps installed) or embedded into update scripts to perform a wipe during new ROM installs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wipe data does what--remove the apps installed?
And the partitions?
Your post is very interesting. It implies that you have a knowledge of the g-tabs partition structure. I have played with Linux off and on for the last 10+ years. When I began, I used Slackware and when you set it up you had to manually create partition tables using fdisk. You were only required to create two - the data partition and a swap partition but it was often recommended that you create several others - one to contain the home directory to prevent users from using all the disk space (in the days of small disks) for example. It appears that there are a lot of partition on the g-tab. Up to now, I have used various wiping tools like clockwork or calkulins wipe all on faith. I would really like to know what all the partitions are and what is in them. I have used terminal to get to the root folder and tried to do an fdisk to display the partitions but try as I might everything remains hidden. It would seem that a script like yours could be adapted to do many things but I would certainly want to understand the structure a little better before I did anything. I have searched and been unable to find that information. Can you point a way for the curious to learn more about the partition structure on the g-tab?
Wish I had a direction I could point you in. What I've found so far has mostly been stumbled upon while looking for something else. What I can tell you is this...
1) When using fdisk in Android you must specify the device to look at. Try something like: fdisk /dev/block/mccblk3 That should list the current partitions as defined by CWM or whatever was used originally.
2) Within one of those partitions in the list generated above are sub-partitions holding the bootloader, system, data, etc partitions. You can see how they're described in the .cfg files in the nvflash restores that are lying about.
lsu205 said:
Wipe data does what--remove the apps installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Removes user apps and their associated data as well as system related data and settings.
K J Rad - any idea if the partition size can be set with these methods (2048 & 0) in case I can't get clockwork installed?
CodeNamePapa said:
K J Rad - any idea if the partition size can be set with these methods (2048 & 0) in case I can't get clockwork installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for a solution to that problem. Unfortunately these methods still require the ability to get into recovery mode which likely won't work if you're having trouble getting CWM installed.
If, however, you can get into recovery... then it is theoretically possible to create a script that would accomplish that. As soon as I have one I'll be adding it to the mix ;-)
Edit: I've found something I think will work. Will do some testing tonight. It will still require access to recovery.
I wasn't sure if you saw my other post but I am seeing no partition 0 when I NVFlash with a verifypartition.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13059520&postcount=57
I haven't yet but I will. Let's try to keep this thread on topic. Thanks.
More thoughts:
because I went w/ cyan7 is it possible i have a "bad" kernel and that the stock bekit-1105 or the roebeet-3588 files are crashing w/ the kernel in place already?
I know custom ROMs can have a custom kernel applied separately, but I have no idea whether cyan7 loads it's own kernel...
I have yet to try the nvflash_gtablet_46 version, as I see the img files w/in are different from the original 1105 .zip
Also:
read on another thread that part 2 and part 3 aren't loading for other users when doing nvflash - I did notice that it pauses, runs some stuff, then starts loading part 4 through to the last part, then success. - do part 2 and 3 run for you?
edit: I see a 4349 downgrade.zip in another thread for those who got the OTA update but want to go back to stock 3588 prior to jumping off somewhere else - I can't expect that would help me as I can't do squat w/ recovery yet, but could that possibly "reset" any bad kernel problems? - again, I'm just thinking out loud.
This is well outside the scope of this thread but I find some of what you mention interesting so I'll address it and then end any further off topic discussions.
I did not build nor have I ever used Cyan7 so I have no basis for an opinion on the matter other than this... Each ROM comes with a kernel installed so if properly done an nvflash should overwrite any "bad" kernel.
Part2 and Part3 do indeed load, they are just displayed differently than the other Parts. Just minutes ago I flashed down from Mountain Laurel (4349 based with the new bootloader and recovery) with absolutely no trouble. I can, and have, read back those partitions after an nvflash to prove that point.
The 4349 downgrade will only work for you if recovery is working. Having never used it I don't know that it would "reset" the kernel but any subsequent flashing of a new ROM image would.
I am working on a stock recovery solution for partitioning but it isn't likely to help anyone who is stuck in an APX loop. I do have some ideas on what might help for that condition but I haven't been able to get my hands on one for testing and trying to help people here is like being a consulting mechanic for a car repair that's in someone else's shop having work done on it that you're not being told about.
I'll be happy to address any further comments or questions regarding your specific issue in an appropriate thread or via PM. Thanks.

[Q] Internal SD Card "Read Only"

I am having a rather challenging issue. I moved from branch 1.1 and Vegan GE-7.0.0.0 RC1 to 1.2 NVflash 20110508 CWM5504 and flashed the TeamDRH-AOSP-Preview-1F-LDPI. So the issue is that I cannot write to, wipe, reformat or partition my internal sdcard. I had to flash the ICS ROM from my external sdcard and reboot system, but the screen locks on the TeamDRH title graphic page after loading all of the apps. I tried different releases of CWM55XX, but no difference.
Running CWM, I have re-partitioned to 4096/0, then 2048/0, formatted/cleared/wiped every partition, run the keycheck and tried pretty much every function CW has but nothing can touch the files on the drive!
I can get into APX and CWM. I can mount the USB port and view the internal drive. I can move, add and delete files and windows explorer shows that each action is completed. I renamed the old Update.zip to Update-Old.zip and it changes in explorer. But as soon as I unmount USB the changes are lost. When I go into CWM and try to install the zips, the only zip files showing are the update.zip and Vegan…zip. I tried to go back to Vegan, but it boot loops.
I tried rr5678’s G-Tablet Format utility that completely erases all traces of anything in the G-Tablet's ROM storage space. It showed all of the steps as completed. I got the red letter message at power on, immediately flashed the 1.2 NVflash/CWM and it functioned perfectly. But, still, no change or effect on the old files on the internal sdcard.
At this point, after way too many hours researching, reading and rereading, it may be that either I have a corrupt config file, (which is beyond my limited expertise to determine) or a bad microdrive.
I would appreciate any thoughts or ideas on resolving this. I want my GTab back!!! (It would be extra nice to have ICS, as well!)
Cheers,
Geary
galyons said:
Running CWM, I have re-partitioned to 4096/0, then 2048/0, formatted/cleared/wiped every partition, run the keycheck and tried pretty much every function CW has but nothing can touch the files on the drive!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a known problem that sometimes develops on some gTabs with a non-standard kind (compared to the majority of gTabs) of internal SD card.
There is no known "fix" for the problem. There is a workaround on page 5 of that thread, though.
But, first, I'd like you to get me the output of a dmesg command and then run through a set of tests (see posts #88 and #66) and get me their exact output.
Ok, I will read enough to see if i can figure out how to get the test results. Gonna take me a couple of days. Thank you for the guidance!
Cheers,
Geary
Well, I downloaded the Knoppix image, burned a bootable CD, booted Knoppix, hassled through getting connected to the internet, reread the threads and gave it a "go". Got buried in abd...dmesg and bailed. I would love to provide all of the diagnostic messages, but quite honestly, do not want to invest more time to become marginally able to do so.
So...RMA and boxed off to US Merchants. Hopefully you can discover a fix, rather than a work around for this issue. But the work around is infinitely better than an ever boot looping tablet!!
Thanks again for your help to me and others!!
Cheers,
Geary

NT8 boot ONLY via SDCard - RESOLVED!

This issue was resolved by Meghd00t's new REPART.IMG file. See this post on that thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26060323&postcount=151cool:
I have the 8gb model Nook Tablet and (mistakenly) tried to flash CWM & CM7a to the EMMC of my tablet. At that time, there were no warnings about how the internal flash version would brick the NT8.
Now, my tablet will not boot to ANYTHING on the internal memory. I do NOT get the stock "reset" warnings - or even a flash of light. No matter how I try to boot it (with or without cable, with or without the Nook button) or how long I hold the buttons down, it still remains with a BLACK SCREEN.
However, the SDCard will boot properly.
I followed the instructions on this thread ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1515788) precisely to reset the BootData. I did NOT receive any errors. However, it still will not boot internally.
I then tried sigmabeta's process to flash CM9 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25661314) to the internal emmc (which is supposed to work on NT8). The flash process (via SD/CWM) went properly and I did not receive any errors. However, I still cannot get anything to boot (except my SDCards).
If I put my CM7a (bootable) SDCard (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1481826) into the NT8, it boots and runs great! Likewise meghd00t's recovery/CWM sdcard boots and runs properly.
I can do ADB & FASTBOOT and I have even done the dd to download my partitions (for backup) and then dd copies from online onto the device's partitions. Still no joy.
However, even after dd'ing a downloaded copy of p5 to the device, ADB still reports my TRUE serial number? It seems that the dd to part5 did not take?
The only other thing that I have found, that seems significant, is the fact that when I am in CWM, I cannot mount the EMMC. I can ADB/shell into the device but that did not allow me to mount the emmc either.
Any ideas how I can get this thing to boot internally? How can I force the device to mount the emmc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have tried all the unbrick methods out there with no luck, then throw it to the wall and see it is fixes .
~ Veronica
Final "fix"
lavero.burgos said:
If you have tried all the unbrick methods out there with no luck, then throw it to the wall and see it is fixes .
~ Veronica
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure that I have tried ALL of them, that is why I am still searching. Also, people come up with new ideas that have not previously been published.
Thanks for all YOUR help. Especially the dd to fix bootdata.
Sure wish someone would come up with a solution for this problem. There seems to be quite a few of us who are looking for answers.
Sent from my Nook Tablet using XDA
I have been reading for a while and I didn’t want to the answer because the answers are already in the Dev. area. I rather have people do some research and learn to solve their own problem rather than listen to someone else that might misled to do something even worse.
NT already has a recovery in place; factory restores (eight failed boot method). Most people do not know this and try something in an environment that they are not familiar with, Ubuntu. If you are using Windows, then you can resolve it in Windows. You do not need to repartition, format, or delete partitions. I have learned that many people like to format things apparently.
The most common problem seems to be; my NT does not turn on or my nook only boot with sdcard. It is not technically true; your NT actually turns on. The backlight just doesn’t turn on because you format/replace the x-loader/bootloader. X-loader loads the bootloader. You know the bootloader work if you see the “n” logo screen. If your NT restart after the "n" logo screen, it mean bad recovery.img/boot.img.
How did this happen? You flash the wrong MLO file to your x-loader, you used an old CWM (experimental one) and formatted your sdcard or you like to format things.
How do I resolve this? First thing is to make a proper CWM sdcard, one with proper partition table. You can compile your own CWM recovery when you compile CM7. Second, flash stock 1.4.2 rom, which contain the latest x-loader, bootloader, boot, and recovery files that works on both 8GB/16GB NT. This will restore your NT to stock android gingerbread.
If you happen to format the rom partition, you need to restore it with a backup and perform the eight failed boot method. This will restore your proper rom partition data along with the stock android. It is all in my thread in the Dev. area.
If you happen to screw up your partition table, obviously this will not help you until you fix your partition table.
Existing solutions
succulent said:
I have been reading for a while and I didn’t want to the answer because the answers are already in the Dev. area. I rather have people do some research and learn to solve their own problem rather than listen to someone else that might misled to do something even worse.
NT already has a recovery in place; factory restores (eight failed boot method). Most people do not know this and try something in an environment that they are not familiar with, Ubuntu. If you are using Windows, then you can resolve it in Windows. You do not need to repartition, format, or delete partitions. I have learned that many people like to format things apparently.
The most common problem seems to be; my NT does not turn on or my nook only boot with sdcard. It is not technically true; your NT actually turns on. The backlight just doesn’t turn on because you format/replace the x-loader/bootloader. X-loader loads the bootloader. You know the bootloader work if you see the “n” logo screen. If your NT restart after the "n" logo screen, it mean bad recovery.img/boot.img.
How did this happen? You flash the wrong MLO file to your x-loader, you used an old CWM (experimental one) and formatted your sdcard or you like to format things.
How do I resolve this? First thing is to make a proper CWM sdcard, one with proper partition table. You can compile your own CWM recovery when you compile CM7. Second, flash stock 1.4.2 rom, which contain the latest x-loader, bootloader, boot, and recovery files that works on both 8GB/16GB NT. This will restore your NT to stock android gingerbread.
If you happen to format the rom partition, you need to restore it with a backup and perform the eight failed boot method. This will restore your proper rom partition data along with the stock android. It is all in my thread in the Dev. area.
If you happen to screw up your partition table, obviously this will not help you until you fix your partition table.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I do appreciate it and I will be trying some of your suggestions later today when I get home.
One problem (that seems to be easing up a bit) is the fact that few posters distinguish WHICH version of the NT that they are working with. The NT16 "solutions" became the NT8 "problems." It would be great if everyone posted WHICH version they have.
The other issue is (as you stated) when you follow a guide to fix an issue, it CAN mess up your device even worse that it was. Then, you have TWO issues to deal with - rather than just one as before. I am afraid that is where I am now.
One question: You mention "compiling" CWM. Are you referring to the technical term of compiling code into an executible? Or, are you simply referring to the process of putting a working image onto an SDCard? I can do the latter without issue but I have never compiled code.
I do use Ubuntu Linux so many of the Windows driver issues are moot for me. However, I do have a dual boot with XP in on the other side - just in case I need to do some Windows-only stuff.
I really appreciate the help. I am no novice but I am not a developer either. I can usually search, read, try, and work out the problems that I (and other less technical users) experience. That is what my website is all about - translating the really "tech" jargon into everyday language for non-techies to follow. But this one has stumped me (and at least a few others) for the past couple of months.
succulent said:
I have learned that many people like to format things apparently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my NookTablet using Tapatalk
I've noticed this as well. People really need to do more reading before randomly selecting/flashing things.

Force Updating STF-L09

Hello! First post here!
Just got a new STF-L09 on the amazon cyber Monday sale (had an iphone before) and in my excitement to start messing with it, I managed to brick it.
I was following this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/honor-9/development/beta-twrp-3-1-1-0-t3654355 and did a full format through TWRP to try and get rid of the encryption in order to root it. Now my device is in a bootloop. I've been looking through older posts here on XDA, boycracked and a few other places but there seems to be quite a bit of contradictory information and I don't want to make anything worse.
What I have:
- An unlocked bootloader
- Working TWRP 3.1.1
- ADB and fastboot (over USB from my laptop running linux)
- A microSD card
- Ability to boot to force update process
What doesn't work:
- my TWRP backup (I didn't realize the one I tried to make failed/got deleted).
- the stock eRecovery tool. Even on stable wifi it cannot retrieve package information from server. I'm assuming this is because Huawei hasn't made the recovery firmware available over this channel for this model.
I'm now trying to do a force update using a stock ROM and my external SD, but I'm having trouble for two reasons:
1. I'm not exactly sure what my initial firmware was, so I'm not sure which ROM to pick.
2. I can't successfully transfer the contents of the update.zip I'm trying to use into a dload folder on the root of my sd. I'm assuming this is because the sd card is formatted to vfat and the UPDATE.APP file is larger than 4GB and therefore not supported on vfat.
Can anybody tell me:
A. How to find out what my initial firmware designation would have been? Phone was recently purchased for UK market, blue colour, 64GB internal memory. Came with EMUI 5.1. I have S/Ns and so on if that helps.
B. How to perform force update with microSD in my situation? Can I format the card to NTFS or another format that supports >4GB filesizes? Am I using the wrong ROM (This is the one I'm trying to use: http://androidhost.ru/v5 )? What files exactly should go into /dload/ at the root of the sd?
C. Is there another procedure I should try in my case? I am able to use fastboot, and I understand it would be possible to flash files onto the device using that, but I'm just getting started with Android and I'm not really sure about the functions of the various images/partitions (eg. data, cust, boot etc.). Is there any hope of the eRecovery tool coming online?
I know some of you have had some success coming from similar situations. I'd really appreciate any help you guys could give. Happy to throw some dosh to anyone who can help put me back in business!
Fixed my own problem 5 minutes later with help from this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/honor-9/help/help-to-restore-l09-bootloop-t3651641
Wrote up my procedure there. But thanks anyways guys!
:victory:

Restoring an android phone back to its original factory state if EMMC corrupted

Is it possible to restore an android phone back to its original factory state if all of its internal EMMC flash memory has become corrupted?
Firstly, I apologise for the verbose way in which I’ve phrased the question. However, there are literally hundreds of guides on the web that misleadingly claim to show how to backup and restore everything on a phone, but which actually do nothing of the sort. So I felt it best to try and be as precise as possible.
When I buy a new PC, the first thing I generally do is to boot into a Linux live USB distribution and save an image of the entire hard disk. This enables me to restore the PC back to its factory state if something goes horribly wrong.
[As an aside, this is a massive pain in the ass to do and shouldn’t really be necessary. But since PC manufacturers stopped providing separate OS install disks with their computers (presumably this is a deliberate Microsoft policy), a disk image has become the only 100% reliable way of restoring a PC back to its factory state when something goes wrong.]
Anyway, I would like to do something similar with my Android phone (which is a Motorola Moto G4). But what is a relatively simple (if time consuming) task in the PC world is proving to be surprisingly difficult in the Android world. What I’ve done to my phone so far is the following:
I unlocked the bootloader, and installed TWRP.
I then booted into TWRP and created a ‘nandroid’ backup.
I assumed this would be enough to enable me to restore it back to a factory state. But I’ve since done some more research, and it turns out that TWRP does not actually allow you to backup all the partitions on the internal flash memory. And at least one of the excluded partitions stores important stuff like the phone’s IMEI number! So whilst a nandroid backup is useful, it is definitely not a backup of the entire phone.
I’ve noticed that there are some guides on how to copy the entire EMMC flash drive (mmcblk0) to an image file. This process seems somewhat similar to how I would take a disk image on a PC. However, no one explains how to flash the image file back to mmcblk0 if the phone gets bricked.
It also throws up some other question that I can’t find definitive answers to. For example, where is the bootloader actually stored? Is it somewhere on mmcblk0, or is it stored on an entirely separate (and hopefully read-only) flash chip in the same way that a PC’s BIOS would be? If it’s the former, then how would you boot the phone if the mmcblk0 chip became entirely corrupted? Also, where is the Android Debug Bridge utility stored? Is that also on the mmcblk0 chip, or somewhere else?
It’s frustrating that, despite hours of googling, I can’t find definitive answers to these fundamental questions. I would be grateful if anyone here could point me in the right direction.
Thnaks in advance.

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