Flashing ROM vs. Clear Storage - Wing, P4350 ROM development

Is using the "Clear Storage" feature the same as re-flashing the ROM?
Thanks.

AFAIK, Yes.

I don't think so.

Clear storage just removes all the things that you added/changed to your phone. Reflashing also restores the rom. So for removing your junk use clear storage, and if you have a bad flash use reflash.

You can think of clearing storage similarly to a quick format on your computer. It clears the ExtROM on your device, effectively removing all customizations/data placed there since the ROM was loaded to the NAND flash. The device returns to it's original state and brings up the "first-time" Windows Mobile welcome/customization screen.
Flashing a ROM actually re-writes over the NAND flash. Depending on the ROM Update Utility (RUU) used, this may or may not also do a hard-reset afterwards. This is why many custom ROM chefs and users suggest doing a hard-reset after flashing a ROM.

Related

Can't format G-Tab, nvflash does nothing, all apps and settings are still there!

Okay I am super confused. I've successfully used FORMAT utility and also nvflash restore...but the tablet won't format!!! All my apps and settings are still there when I nvflash restore it!
I ran the nvflash_gtablet.bat from the Format utility..and it looked liked it worked: at the end of the process the tablet showed the red font with the kernel mismatch and bootloader not found, or something along those lines..
Just to be safe, I did it a second time. lol
Then I used nvflash restore to restore it back to original shipping.
I noticed right away something was wrong when as soon as it booted to the tap and tap home screen, the screen started to go dim after 15 seconds (that was the screen timeout time I'd set before formatting and all that).
But I thought maybe it was a fluke, so I checked the app drawer, and all my apps are there!!!! Not only that, it connected to my password protected wifi right away!!
Can someone please help me delete the f_ck out of this thing? I want there to be NOTHING left, so I can get a clean start.
The reason I wanted to format is because, I'm having a sound issue with my gtablet (whenever entering the volume control and adjusting the volume the processes always force closes...no matter what ROM I'm on). I wipe data, try to start fresh, but the problem always occurs after a few hours of use on any ROM (even the brand new TNT 5).
And I don't know if this matters or not, I'm on Windows 7, 64 bit...but I obviously have the USB drivers working because I'm using these utilities.
Please somebody? Today is my only day off work for a long long time.
I "THINK" I remember reading that you could flash CWM and from there wipe user data, then run nvflash to get back to stock recovery. Never tried it myself & I'm new here, so take the info for what it is worth.
Don't panic....
I don't think you have anything to worry about. If you read the post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974422), it states in rather large red letters at top :"This fully erases the ROM but this will NOT affect the internal SD card. You MUST be able to use nvflash to restore the stock firmware."
Since your apps are installed on the internal SD, that's why you see them when you reload the ROM.
Edit: If I were you, I'd run the Format and load stock, then reload Clockwork and format the internal SD. That should get you back to a rather vanilla slate.
You can also refer to the posting below as another source. If you go down to the Homebrew link found in the posting, it's is used to revert the gtab back to it's original TnT state.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842000&highlight=stock
format and nvflash do not erase personnal data, a full reflash of difference firmware might format your personnal data, if you want to wipe out data, use the Factory wipe in the CW menu
Ronin916 said:
I don't think you have anything to worry about. If you read the post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974422), it states in rather large red letters at top :"This fully erases the ROM but this will NOT affect the internal SD card. You MUST be able to use nvflash to restore the stock firmware."
Since your apps are installed on the internal SD, that's why you see them when you reload the ROM.
Edit: If I were you, I'd run the Format and load stock, then reload Clockwork and format the internal SD. That should get you back to a rather vanilla slate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you all for your replies. But I am a little confused still. AFAIK the apps aren't on the sd card...wouldn't I be able to see them when I mount the sd card on the computer?
ksc6000,
Storage devices on the G-Tablet are named as follows:
/sdcard -- main memory
/sdcard2 -- external mini-SD card
/usbdisk -- USB key
Rev

[GUIDE] Prep for App2SD and why do a "Wipe data / factory reset"

I put this short guide together because I tend to see a lot of confusion regarding what a "wipe data / factory reset" does to your phone.
These are the steps you should take before loading a new ROM:
1) Download your new ROM and relevant supporting or needed files like modem, alternate kernel, etc., and place them on your internal SD.
2) Backup your applications, settings, messages, etc., with a backup tool like Titanium Backup, image specific backup tool, etc.
3) Boot into recovery and run a “wipe data/factory reset"
4) Follow the developers ROM loading instructions.
When you perform a “wipe data/factory reset” the content of the following directories are deleted :
/data
/cache
/datadata
/sd-ext
/sdcard/.android_secure
Nothing else on your SD card (internal or external) outside of these directories is modified so it is safe to leave files outside of the above mentioned directories without fear of losing them. Your external SD card and SIM do not need to be removed. The goal here is load a new or updated ROM in as much a clean environment that you can. Files left behind in these, especially cache and davlik-cache can cause some of the strangest problems. The kind that nobody can really resolve.
/cache - This is the partition where Android stores frequently accessed data and application components to make these, as implied, respond much faster as well as faster to retrieve / access.
/datadata – This directory contains the library, database, user specific configuration files as well as log files for its specific application installed in the /data directory.
/data directory is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go. Wiping this partition essentially restores it to the way it was when you first booted it, or how it was after your last custom ROM install.
If your ROM uses an /sd-ext partition on your SD card for data storage your /data directory is mapped to /sd-ext and wiping the /sd-ext directory will result in losing your data.
/sd-ext is used for apps moved to your SD card. Your Android OS runs natively in an ext format while your SD card has a fat32 format, which is used typically for USB storage devices, Windows computers, etc.
The sd-ext partition is an additional partition on your SD card that acts as the /data partition when used with certain ROMs that have APP2SD or data2ext enabled. It is popularly used on devices that have little memory allotted to the /data partition. A misfortune that in my experience, Captivate does not partake in. Still, users who want to install more programs than the internal memory allows can take advantage of this partition and use it with a ROM supporting this feature.
The folder named .android_secure is where apps are stored when you perform the "move from phone to SDram/SD card" operation.
Consider this, Apps2SD uses the fat32 portion of your SD card, which is obviously limiting because it isn't Androids native file system. However, if you format your SD card, or partition a part of it as a ext file system, you can trick the phone into thinking it's part of the Android OS native environment. This will allow you to move applications, widgets, even cache and davlik cache over to it.
Disclaimer! I am not responsible for any damage you may cause to your phone or SD Card if you try to enable/use sd-ext.
To enable sd-ext in ClockWork Mod (ROM Manager):
Boot into CWM
Go to Advanced
Then to "Partition SD Card"
Choose an sd-ext size
Then choose a swap size, or not. Swap is just like windows' virtual memory. The system will use it when you're running low on RAM and use it as temporary RAM storage. This is where you'll probably see an increase in speed.
Just for fun I put sd-ext at 512MB and Swap at 64MB which is probably more than plenty for the swap. The swap will assist a little with memory and with the extra space I can move my apps over to it with a program like App2SD or in most custom ROMs nowadays just use the "move to USB" option in "Manage Applications". Titanium Backup will also move apps to SD for you and I'm sure you can find plenty more in the market.
You can also use a tool like Minitool Partition Wizard:
1. Open Minitool Partition Wizard
2. Delete Existing Partition from SDCard (Backup data first!!)
3. Create Fat32 Partition
Note: Set all partitions to PRIMARY (Steps 3 - 6)
4. Create EXT2 Partition (System) about 150MB-200MB depend on ROM
5. Create EXT2 Partition (Data) about 150MB-250MB
6. Create EXT2 Partition (Cache) about 50MB
Personally I don't see a need to do any of this on either of my Captivate phones though I have played with it on my DEV phone.
And since it does play a big role and needs to be cleared at times...
Davlik-Cache - dalvik cache is a program cache area for the program "Dalvik". Dalvik is a java based virtual machine that is the base for running your (.apk) programs. In order to make access times faster (there wasn't a JIT compiler installed by default until Android 2.2), the dalvik-cache is the result of dalvik doing a optimization of the running program/s. This optimization is kept so that it is then re-used every time you use your application/s. By default, davlik-cache is located in your /data partition.
No, I'm not looking for donations. Just trying to clarify things for some.
Great info, but a "guide" assists you in doing something, this is just straight info.
While I initially intended on writing it to guide flashers into the benefits of a wipe data / factory reset, and avoiding the myriad of strange issues experienced, I can see now where it can more construed as informational. Hmmm... maybe I'll add more to it or ask a mod to change the title topic for me.
Regardless, my hope is that some people get some benefit out of it otherwise I've only wasted my time.
Thanks, I've been wondering for a while what that actually did.
Great start for a guide that should clear the boards up a bit. I vote it to be stickied after adding a bit more info on backing up, partitioning the sd card, dalvik cache, etc.
I think it is important to explain that a reset should not be done after flashing a custom ROM because it deletes the Dev's settings/data/non-system apps. Instead flashers should either reset after flashing back to stock or before flashing a custom ROM over the current custom ROM.
Cozmo1 said:
I put this short guide together because I tend to see a lot of confusion regarding what a "wipe data / factory reset" does to your phone.
When you perform a “wipe data/factory reset” the content of the following directories are deleted :
/data
/cache
/datadata
/sd-ext
/sdcard/.android_secure
/cache - This is the partition where Android stores frequently accessed data and application components to make these, as implied, respond much faster as well as faster to retrieve / access.
/datadata – This directory contains the library, database, user specific configuration files as well as log files for its specific application installed in the /data directory.
/data directory is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go. Wiping this partition essentially restores it to the way it was when you first booted it, or how it was after your last custom ROM install.
If your ROM uses an /sd-ext partition on your SD card for data storage your /data directory is mapped to /sd-ext and wiping the /sd-ext directory will result in losing your data.
/sd-ext is used for apps moved to your SD card. Your Android OS runs natively in an ext format while your SD card has a fat32 format, which is used typically for USB storage devices, Windows computers, etc.
The folder named .android_secure is where apps are stored when you perform the "move from phone to SDram/SD card" operation.
Consider this, Apps2SD uses the fat32 portion of your SD card, which is obviously limiting because it isn't Androids native file system. However, if you format your SD card, or partition a part of it as a ext file system, you can trick the phone into thinking it's part of the Android OS native environment. This will allow you to move applications, widgets, even cache and davlik cache over to it.
Nothing else on your SD card (internal or external) is modified so it is safe to leave files outside of the above mentioned directories without fear of losing them.
If you plan on trying several different ROM's and/or updating your favorite ROM every time a new version is released you need to invest in an application like Titanium Backup or one that comes with your ROM if it's supplied with one. MIUI includes one that works extremely well. Performing a “wipe data/factory reset" after loading your new ROM and before booting into it should provide you with a smoother transition to your newly chosen or upgraded ROM. Having a standard backup and restoral process should help you enjoy it quicker too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is something I keep in a word file to help answer what you are also trying to answer. It is a bit shorter and simplified but it may help to polish your thread for us simpletons.
Dalvik cache is a place where the Android OS re-compiles the executable programs the first time to optimize them. It does this when you make a major change like replace the kernel/modem. Clearing the Dalvik cache will force Android OS to recompile the apps for the the new kernel/modem. This can take time on the first boot after clearing the Dalvik cache.
Also the main data Cache is used by the Android OS at run-time to write temporary files for specific reasons. You want to clear this out so it doesn't re-use the old cached data.
Manually clearing both caches allows the new kernel/modem to be installed in a "cleaner" environment. It's just preventative maintenance.
snowake said:
I think it is important to explain that a reset should not be done after flashing a custom ROM because it deletes the Dev's settings/data/non-system apps. Instead flashers should either reset after flashing back to stock or before flashing a custom ROM over the current custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This actually makes perfect sense to me. I have modified my OP because of your input. Thank you very much, snowake!
Cozmo1 said:
This actually makes perfect sense to me. I have modified my OP because of your input. Thank you very much, snowake!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do u have more info about "format your SD card, or partition a part of it as a ext file system" or how to do that.
i have read someone format part of the sdcard (class 10)to ext 2 or 4,to make the write n read faster.is that what you mean.can u guide me to the right direction.thank in advance.
? ? ? about this......(However, if you format your SD card, or partition a part of it as a ext file system, you can trick the phone into thinking it's part of the Android OS native environment. This will allow you to move applications, widgets, even cache and davlik cache over to it.)
Cozmo1 said:
This actually makes perfect sense to me. I have modified my OP because of your input. Thank you very much, snowake!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I struggled with all of this my first first few flashes.
xpakage said:
...Dalvik cache is a place where the Android OS re-compiles the executable programs the first time to optimize them.
...
Also the main data Cache is used by the Android OS at run-time to write temporary files for specific reasons.
Manually clearing both caches allows the new kernel/modem to be installed in a "cleaner" environment. It's just preventative maintenance.[/I]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is much more boiled down. I looked back at the "how to flash" threads and a couple good explanations on custom roms. None explain this that I found.
Cosmo, here are some more thoughts on misunderstandings I have had and seen posted. Like post above I pasted from my notes, so may be incorrect.
Bootloaders: Same for Froyo/Eclaire in both i897 and i9000 roms. GB requires new bootloaders, but i897 are apparently cross-compatible. However, issues seem to pop up on i9000 roms with GB i897 bootloaders. If flashing back to Froyo, use the full jf6 stock, not cezar's stock eclaire without bootloaders.
Using Tibu: If no useful data (i.e. Bookmarks on dolphin) then simply click data only when restoring user apps. Typically no issues when restoring user apps after switching Android versions. However, system apps should not be restored because of the rom customizations. Especially when switching to GB because it uses different directory structure. I do not seem to have issues when staying on same version and restoring foreground (user accessible) apps with data only or restoring green text color sys apps with Tibu as icon (i.e. Accounts).
Rom manager: really only need the app if flash to stock and need to flash rom directly from cwm. If so, then flash cwm (top button in menu) and choose phone. This places update.zip in /sd, which is opened after selecting "reinstall update" in stock recovery. Usually have to select it twice for it to work. This will replace ATT stock 2e recovery (blue text) with cwm 2.5 (froyo).
Voodoo color, lagfix, sound: must either be included in kernel. Lagfix simply allows user to format sd as ext4 (linux). Color balances display so less blue iodes are used and color is more realistic. Sound allows clearer sound through headphones through tweaks enabled in voodoo app. If sound is not in kernel then purchase voodoo pro in market and it will install it into the kernel (if rooted, even if stock).
Thanks for clearing that up!
- Aaron
Updated with more details.
Really, really useful. Had no idea partition options were available to this extent! Especially swap. By mini tool are you referring to Easus' program? I am definitely checking this out tonight. Thanks!
Great guide. In order to clear
/sdcard dir I master clear it after flashing to stock. Is there an alternate method besides deleting dirs myself?
snowake said:
Great guide. In order to clear
/sdcard dir I master clear it after flashing to stock. Is there an alternate method besides deleting dirs myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is probably the safest way to do it within the phone itself. An alternate way would be to mount it to your computer:
In Windows right click the drive that was assigned to your internal SD card and then click on format. By default it'll most likely set you to Fat32 and if you click format it'll say its complete, but nothing will be deleted. Android being a Linux OS doesn't use fat. You can format it by choosing exFat, but by doing this...
!!!WARNING!!! be aware that you will lose everything on your internal SD card AND your external SD card.
Emphasis placed mainly for others that read this and might not know.
Safer and easier to do it within the phone.
snowake said:
Really, really useful. Had no idea partition options were available to this extent! Especially swap. By mini tool are you referring to Easus' program? I am definitely checking this out tonight. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one is from MiniTool, though I wouldn't be surprised if Easus owned them. I didn't investigate to confirm. You can get the free home edition of MiniTool Partition Wizard here.
Very nice infos. Deserves a sticky, although, probably in a different thread.
Some information on what "Master Clear" in Odin would also be helpful - I have never trusted my phone to 'truly' clear everything on the phone, I have found the Odin Master Clear option to be much more complete.
It is a bit odd, I do this with my PC every six months, I back everything up and format the drive and start over again (after running Spinrite on all the drives) - I do this on / around New Years and again over 4th of July weekend and I decided this past weekend to also do the same with my smart phones (4 Cappies) and tablets (Ipad and 2 Android tabs) this past weekend.
It gives me that sort of squeaky clean feeling and seems to make my devices run smoother. Maybe its all in my head, dunno *shrugs*.
One thing I can say however, I have not had a hard drive go bad on me since I started the Spinrite thing 10 years ago (I still have an 8 GB hdd in my desktop that is working!!).
Any decent update(r)-script will do this for you.
Sent from my Infuse 4G
littlewierdo said:
Very nice infos. Deserves a sticky, although, probably in a different thread.
Some information on what "Master Clear" in Odin would also be helpful - I have never trusted my phone to 'truly' clear everything on the phone, I have found the Odin Master Clear option to be much more complete.
It is a bit odd, I do this with my PC every six months, I back everything up and format the drive and start over again (after running Spinrite on all the drives) - I do this on / around New Years and again over 4th of July weekend and I decided this past weekend to also do the same with my smart phones (4 Cappies) and tablets (Ipad and 2 Android tabs) this past weekend.
It gives me that sort of squeaky clean feeling and seems to make my devices run smoother. Maybe its all in my head, dunno *shrugs*.
One thing I can say however, I have not had a hard drive go bad on me since I started the Spinrite thing 10 years ago (I still have an 8 GB hdd in my desktop that is working!!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can run some tests on Odin's master clear to confirm what it does. Initially I would believe it does the same as a "wipe data / factory reset", but testing should let us know for sure. I'll test it this weekend. Maybe sooner.
Awesome to hear that I'm not the only advocate for SpinRite and I still use it a lot though not every 6 months like you do. It's definitely worth having and using.
MikeyMike01 said:
Any decent update(r)-script will do this for you.
Sent from my Infuse 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally 100% agree with you, MikeyMike01. Unfortunately, not all update scripts are created equally Asides from teaching people how to script themselves or parse through it, a task I do not have the time or patience to tackle, this it probably the easiest and best way to have users try to avoid the many and strange issues posted that possibly / most likely could've been avoided by using the tools at their disposal.
On a side note... I didn't notice you got yourself an Infuse 4G. Congrats! How do you like it? I've been out of contract for almost a year now and wouldn't mind upgrading (my wife is in contract), but I haven't seen anything really worth upgrading to or that does something I really need/want that the Captivate cannot, atm. I haven't looked up any specs and reviews on the Infuse yet tho.

[Q] Low internal Memory - Clean slate?

I am currently running CM12.1 on a 16gb version of Verizon GS3. I have less than 500MB (see attached screenshot) after updating from an older version of a JellyBeans ROM. I've gone through the normal steps to remove backup files, ROM files, clear cache, etc, but I still have low internal storage. What is the process wiping the internal memory in order to start with a "clean slate" and then re-install CM12.1? I want to make sure I don't do anything to brick my phone, so please be specific, I have some ROM flashing experience, but I'm not exactly a pro at this, so I need details or a video to help this dummy out. Thanks in advance!
p_patterson
p_patterson said:
I am currently running CM12.1 on a 16gb version of Verizon GS3. I have less than 500MB (see attached screenshot) after updating from an older version of a JellyBeans ROM. I've gone through the normal steps to remove backup files, ROM files, clear cache, etc, but I still have low internal storage. What is the process wiping the internal memory in order to start with a "clean slate" and then re-install CM12.1? I want to make sure I don't do anything to brick my phone, so please be specific, I have some ROM flashing experience, but I'm not exactly a pro at this, so I need details or a video to help this dummy out. Thanks in advance!
p_patterson
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would I be correct in thinking you have CWM recovery installed? I am not actually familiar with the capabilities of recent CM recoveries, the last I used was for my 5 y/o SGS Captivate.
First have a copy of your nandroid or a fresh zip of the ROM on your external sdcard, have GAPPS here also. If CWM will permit, wipe /system and /data in addition to cache and dalvik cache. I have seen some refer to wiping /system as formating the internal sdcard. (I have seen others state that doing a factory reset with the stock recovery gives the cleanest device, but most needing this were going back to a TouchWiz based ROM after being on LP.)
You then reflash your ROM and GAPPS.

Install OS with full wipe over magisk and modified boot

If I want to run the August os with full wipe, is there any reason to unroot or re-install stock boot before running the .bat? I want a complete return to stock and new set-up. Before Pixel/Pie, this was never an issue but wanted to be sure
Nope, when flashing the stock factory image with the "flash-all.bat" it automatically wipes everything (even the internal storage), and then it flashes the all stock system.
No need to do it manually since it does that itself.
Tenn3r is spot on.
Just to reinforce what he said however, you will loose ALL data on the "SD card" if you run the full install. Make sure you copy anything you want to keep to another device prior to wiping. I'm use to running phones with a physical SD card and you could wipe the main memory/drive without effecting the SD card. But since the Pixels don't have a physical SD card, that space is on the main memory/drive and it does get wiped.
Thank you both. I'm aware of what a full wipe does but the warnings are always applicable. This dual slot thing on Pie is new for me (owned most Nexus devices from GNex on) as is Magisk.
I've been having issues that I want to make sure do not relate to "stuff" I have done or installed. Safe Mode hasn't provided me with any clues so waited for this Aug update to wipe.

So many years on forum, still many times i manage to brick/bootloop my phone.. Help!

I need some explanation to make things clear..
1) First and most important. If you want to make a clean install, what you have to wipe? Should you format data also, and why? Format data affects system? Can you format data and still boot into rom? When you format/wipe all, is there something left in the phone? If no, then why still i can see in mount settings, that the folders still have Mb/Gb inside them? What are they? I guess you can';t delete everything from the phone? For example now i am stuck on custom animation bootloop. So there is still data left.
2) Format data make your encrypted or decrypted? Or just removes all encryption and if a) you install a rom you go automatically encrypted, b) you install a rom and flash no_verity you go decrypted?
3) If i go decrypted, the only way to go encypted is to install stock OS and why?
4) When is necessary to have the stock rom flashed in order to flash custom rom afterwards? If you want to install a different android version from the one that you have? Any other reason? Is it necessary to install the whole stock image, or just enough to install firmware + radio?
5) If you wipe/format all, the phone has some firmware,radio,vendor etc stored inside or it's empty 100%?
6) Is it 100% safe to install a TWRP through TWRP?
And now let's say the problem i had. But i think i know where was the problem.. I had installed android pie + xXx no_limits on my oneplus5 and i was decrypted. Some months later i decided to try something else, so i installed an AOSP android 10 version. I just wipe/format system,data,dalvik,cache then flashed rom, gapps, magisk. But i had some bugs on this version, lags and huge battery drain. Also whenever i was booting into TWRP it moved me on Mount --> Decrypt screen.. And i don't know why?
Now that i try to figure i know that the problem was i install a custom android 10 rom, without first installing the android 10 stock rom? In order to get the proper firmware etc? Or what? The instructions for installing the rom are the following, which i followed them 100% :
NOTE:
WE ARE ENCRYPTED (FILE BASED FORCED ENCRYPTION). So if you are unencrypted format data partition or use any no_verity solution you want. We don't support it.
1. Download the ROM and GApps and transfer them to your device.
2. Boot to recovery (TWRP recommended). Bluspark twrp recovery recommended.
3. Wipe the System, Cache, and Data (you might need to format the data partition in some cases!).
4. Flash firmware. Actual one is 9.0.11. Download.
5. Flash the ROM Zipfile.
6. Reboot to TWRP recovery.
7. Flash the GApps (optional, needed for e.g. Google Playstore to work) and Magisk (optional too if you want a root solution).
8. Reboot and set up your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ROM should contain everything you need to enjoy Android Q. You don't need to install any Add-ons, simply download the latest ROM and GApps, then follow the flashing instructions and go!
If you want the device to run the ROM "rooted", you can flash a root solution of your choice after the ROM Zipfile.
It is STRONGLY recommended to fully wipe your device before flashing and please avoid restoring system apps and system data with Titanium Backup (or with any backup/restore app) as this can cause stability issues that are very hard to debug, restoring regular apps is fine though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only system app i restored was the Vanced youtube, but i don't this is the source of my problems.
Thanks in advance!
Guys i think i cleared some things on my mind..
When you install a rom you go encrypted. So you have to FORMAT data RIGHT AFTER installing the rom and then flashing no_verity? Am i right? When you format data do you lose Magisk also?
lazostat said:
I need some explanation to make things clear..
1) First and most important. If you want to make a clean install, what you have to wipe? Should you format data also, and why? Format data affects system? Can you format data and still boot into rom? When you format/wipe all, is there something left in the phone? If no, then why still i can see in mount settings, that the folders still have Mb/Gb inside them? What are they? I guess you can';t delete everything from the phone? For example now i am stuck on custom animation bootloop. So there is still data left.
2) Format data make your encrypted or decrypted? Or just removes all encryption and if a) you install a rom you go automatically encrypted, b) you install a rom and flash no_verity you go decrypted?
3) If i go decrypted, the only way to go encypted is to install stock OS and why?
4) When is necessary to have the stock rom flashed in order to flash custom rom afterwards? If you want to install a different android version from the one that you have? Any other reason? Is it necessary to install the whole stock image, or just enough to install firmware + radio?
5) If you wipe/format all, the phone has some firmware,radio,vendor etc stored inside or it's empty 100%?
6) Is it 100% safe to install a TWRP through TWRP?
And now let's say the problem i had. But i think i know where was the problem.. I had installed android pie + xXx no_limits on my oneplus5 and i was decrypted. Some months later i decided to try something else, so i installed an AOSP android 10 version. I just wipe/format system,data,dalvik,cache then flashed rom, gapps, magisk. But i had some bugs on this version, lags and huge battery drain. Also whenever i was booting into TWRP it moved me on Mount --> Decrypt screen.. And i don't know why?
Now that i try to figure i know that the problem was i install a custom android 10 rom, without first installing the android 10 stock rom? In order to get the proper firmware etc? Or what? The instructions for installing the rom are the following, which i followed them 100% :
The only system app i restored was the Vanced youtube, but i don't this is the source of my problems. Formatting data does not effect system in most cases.
Thanks in advance!
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1) a clean install involves wiping system, data, cache and dalvik cache. All of these partitions must be wiped in order to remove data things that might conflict with the new software that you intend to flash. Yes, you can wipe data and still boot into your ROM. Yes, there are things still on the phone even after wiping the device, but, the things left behind are in partitions that are separate from what you can actually wipe, these other, separate partitions contain all the other stuff that is essential for your device to be able to function. These parts have nothing to do with the ROM that you are using and have nothing to do with what you have installed in your data partition. TWRP does not wipe /data/media partition(internal storage), /data/media is where your personal user data is stored, such as, photos, videos, downloaded files, data from apps such as games, etc. Basically, /data/media contains things that you have stored that are not apps. Your internal storage will still have all the files and folders that were there before you did the wipe. If you want to wipe internal storage, you have to specifically select your internal storage when you use TWRP to wipe the device, it will not wipe internal storage by default. If you still have a custom animation even after wiping the device, it is probably because the boot animation is in your system partition, that can only be removed by selecting the /system partition when using TWRP to wipe the device.
2) Formatting data "should" remove encryption. No, flashing a new ROM after removing encryption will not encrypt the device again unless you specifically choose to encrypt the device in its settings. Flashing no verity only eliminates issues involved with rooting a device and getting root to actually work without corrupting the device.
3)I'm not sure but I think you can encrypt a device without using stock.
4) It depends on which device you have, what your current firmware version is and what you are trying to flash. Some devices require a certain firmware to be installed before flashing certain custom ROMs but it is a case by case scenario. There is no specific answer to this, there is only the question of whether your specific device requires this or a question of whether the custom ROM that you are trying to flash requires this. This is best answered by reading the thread where the ROM is posted, if your device requires installing a certain stock firmware before flashing the custom ROM, it will tell you that somewhere in the thread for that ROM. Whether you need to install the entire firmware or just parts of the firmware also depends on which device you are using in some cases, you might only need the modem or only the bootloader or maybe both, or maybe none, or maybe the complete firmware.
5) As I stated above, there are partitions on the device that do not get wiped when using TWRP to wipe the device. If it wiped EVERYTHING, the device would no longer function at all, it wouldn't be able to power on, it wouldn't be able to boot into any of its modes and you wouldn't be able to flash anything at all on the device, not even it's original stock firmware. There are software elements that MUST remain on the device in order for it to continue to function.
6) It is perfectly safe to use your existing version of TWRP to flash another TWRP version, assuming the new TWRP is also built for your specific model number.
If you have installed a custom ROM and you are having issues, you need to go to the thread where you got the ROM and post your issues/questions there. The users there will know more about your device and what you actually need to do and the developer may also need to fix things in their ROM to solve the issues that you are experiencing.
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