Wiping dalvik and fixing permissions - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

What exactly does this do? Every time I'm flashing a new ROM and I wipe/fix permissons I seem to hang at the boot screen. Am I hurting myself not doing this?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

You shouldn't have to fix permissions on a new ROM flash. In fact, running the fix permissions command is rarely needed. I would never make it a routine thing to do.

hallstevenson said:
You shouldn't have to fix permissions on a new ROM flash. In fact, running the fix permissions command is rarely needed. I would never make it a routine thing to do.
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Agreed

Some more info would be much appreciated here; I realize there is info out there but I'm still not 100% sure *what* I'm actually doing besides following instructions when doing wipes to flash anything. Not hijacking the thread but I'll rephrase the Q and hopefully someone can help clear things up:
When I read thru various guides for flashing various updates including ROMs, Gapps, kernels, system MODs etc, it seems that the order of the wipe and the extent of the wipe differ even between the same ROM (different model phone, ports, etc).
Is there a "standard" wipe procedure/ order of steps for;
(a) flashing a ROM update (assuming same kernel, and gapps flash needed ontop)
(b) flashing a new ROM (from a different build and/or kernel)
(c) flashing a system MOD (ex: crossbreeder)
(d) flashing a kernel (update or new)
I know there are those who feel that OCD urge to wipe wipe rinse repeat for every little thing but I'm hoping someone can clear us n00bs up on *why* we are doing what we are doing. The *essential* wipes and the order of each, and what files/partitions is that wipe effecting.
One more to expand on OP's question;
When then *should* we fix permissions?
Thanks a ton

MichPRich said:
Some more info would be much appreciated here; I realize there is info out there but I'm still not 100% sure *what* I'm actually doing besides following instructions when doing wipes to flash anything. Not hijacking the thread but I'll rephrase the Q and hopefully someone can help clear things up:
When I read thru various guides for flashing various updates including ROMs, Gapps, kernels, system MODs etc, it seems that the order of the wipe and the extent of the wipe differ even between the same ROM (different model phone, ports, etc).
Is there a "standard" wipe procedure/ order of steps for;
(a) flashing a ROM update (assuming same kernel, and gapps flash needed ontop)
(b) flashing a new ROM (from a different build and/or kernel)
(c) flashing a system MOD (ex: crossbreeder)
(d) flashing a kernel (update or new)
I know there are those who feel that OCD urge to wipe wipe rinse repeat for every little thing but I'm hoping someone can clear us n00bs up on *why* we are doing what we are doing. The *essential* wipes and the order of each, and what files/partitions is that wipe effecting.
One more to expand on OP's question;
When then *should* we fix permissions?
Thanks a ton
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There is no standard wiping procedure. At the bare minimum you should factory reset, wipe cache, and wipe dalvik cache for a ROM. In some instances a dirty flash may be recommended for an update, but not always. Others like to add steps to the reset, such as formatting system. I always clean flash for any rom by factory reset, wipe cache, wipe dalvik cache, format system, then flash rom. I usually flash a kernel without wiping anything.
Different developers have different opinions on what you should do and how efficiently it works. In my opinion, I think a lot of the multiple wiping procedures some developers recommend is unnecessary. However, if I'm running their ROM I will follow the instructions exactly so I can accurately report bugs to them if something comes up.
Fixing permissions is usually unnecessary, it has to do with rewriting app permissions to the kernel and will often fix issues involved with force closing. I really don't think it helps too much, but some devs like to recommend it. The reason it takes a long time to boot is because after you fix permissions, every app has to ask the kernel to run again. Which can take a while depending on how many you have installed.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

BadUsername said:
There is no standard wiping procedure. At the bare minimum you should factory reset, wipe cache, and wipe dalvik cache for a ROM. In some instances a dirty flash may be recommended for an update, but not always. Others like to add steps to the reset, such as formatting system. I always clean flash for any rom by factory reset, wipe cache, wipe dalvik cache, format system, then flash rom. I usually flash a kernel without wiping anything.
Different developers have different opinions on what you should do and how efficiently it works. In my opinion, I think a lot of the multiple wiping procedures some developers recommend is unnecessary. However, if I'm running their ROM I will follow the instructions exactly so I can accurately report bugs to them if something comes up.
Fixing permissions is usually unnecessary, it has to do with rewriting app permissions to the kernel and will often fix issues involved with force closing. I really don't think it helps too much, but some devs like to recommend it. The reason it takes a long time to boot is because after you fix permissions, every app has to ask the kernel to run again. Which can take a while depending on how many you have installed.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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Very good info, thanks.
I was unsure why my ROM (Dark Rootbox Nightly builds on usc) have us wipe/reset, wipe cache, and the final step in wiping dalvik comes *after* flashng ROM/gapps. But your response helps a lot ty again.

MichPRich said:
Very good info, thanks.
I was unsure why my ROM (Dark Rootbox Nightly builds on usc) have us wipe/reset, wipe cache, and the final step in wiping dalvik comes *after* flashng ROM/gapps. But your response helps a lot ty again.
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It's simply personal preference on what the developer thinks is most efficient.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

A lot of good info, thanks. What is stored in dalvik cache
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camf3xu said:
A lot of good info, thanks. What is stored in dalvik cache
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
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Dalvik cache is what actually runs an app. It stores a specific file after an app is installed to allow the app to run.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Related

Flashing latest build of CM7

Sorry, this might be kind of a noob question, but i see build 23 is out for CM7. If i flash the new build, do i need to totally set up my phone all over again?
My last experience with CM ROMS on my G1 was that if you are upgrading to a new CM version a wipe is recommended but not necessary. However, if you do not wipe and experience problems it will be the first troubleshooting step suggested to you
YMMV on the MT4G builds, but that's how it worked with the G1
Genocaust said:
My last experience with CM ROMS on my G1 was that if you are upgrading to a new CM version a wipe is recommended but not necessary. However, if you do not wipe and experience problems it will be the first troubleshooting step suggested to you
YMMV on the MT4G builds, but that's how it worked with the G1
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Click to collapse
Thanks. Ugh, i didn't even think about that when i flashed CM7. Seems like it is a real PITA to wipe every time and have to configure all the settings again.
I had good success on my move from stock -> Ice Glacier (un-crapwared stock) by making a full TitaniumBackup of -everything- and then restoring it app by app (along with settings). They are similarly built ROMs, and it worked well for me with minimal downtime. You may want to consider trying that if you are just changing between CM flavors, as I would presume they are mostly backward compatible with a few fixes/features here and there. At worst it may leave you with just system settings to redo.
When i flash a new CMNightly all i do is wipe the cache and the Dalv/Cache and i've yet to have any problems. If you are worried about wiping and restoring everything. you might want to look into Titanium Backup.
thanks. I flashed without wiping and it seems to be fine. I was worried more about my system settings than apps.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
shortskoolbus said:
thanks. I flashed without wiping and it seems to be fine. I was worried more about my system settings than apps.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
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Wiping the Cache and wiping the Dalv Cache will not reset the phone. Only a full wipe will do that.
To my understanding, a "full wipe/factory reset" in Clockwork Recovery will only clear /cache, /data, and Davlik cache. /boot and /system will not be touched. Some users moving from Froyo to Gingerbread have had problems with /system, and a wipe of /system (from within Clockwork Recovery or from adb) has solved some problems for people, beyond what a full wipe can do. Discussions are in the CM7 thread in the Application Development subforum.
I know, most people refuse to search for anything.
i usually wipe the Cache and the Dalv Cache when updating nightlies, but several times i've wiped nothing and just flashed the new one on top and its always worked just fine for me
I always do a full wipe when installing roms. Setting it up each time makes me think its a whole new phone which is cool.
You do NOT need to wipe when upgrading to a new version of the same ROM. I've probably flashed 10 no-wipe updates of cm7 on my phone and it's still perfectly stable, no force closes or anything.
Boot into recovery and wipe cache and dalvik cache before flashing. Give it a few mins to "settle" on the first boot, reboot again and you're good to go.
Worst-case scenario you'll just wipe and reflash anyway, and nothing lost.

[Q] how to update a rom?

i looked through the forum and didn't find this exact question so i'm sorry if it's been posted before.
basically what i'm wondering is if i have a ROM installed, let's just say one of the new ICS ones, and a new release of that ROM comes out, is there a way to upgrade to the newer version without having to install all my apps and stuff again through titanium backup? i hope that makes sense. in other words, is installing a new version of a ROM that you are already using going to be the same process as flashing a new ROM entirely? that could get annoying with newer versions of ICS seemingly coming out twice a week.
thanks in advance!
It's recommended to wipe and reflash, but I just flash over top and if there's problems I resort to wiping. Clear cache and dalvik and just flash over top, your apps will still be there. But if you do it this way, you should not report any problems
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Xparent Blue Tapatalk
Probably could have used search to find this. But typically, unless the dev say to full wipe, when an update comes out for the rom you are using you can flash the update over the older version without a full wipe. You are still required to clear cache/dalvik to do this. If anything that was working before does not work anymore after you have flashed the update over the older version, then you should go back and do a full wipe and flash the new version. I personally always full wipe when flashing a newer version.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda premium
It all depends on the ROM and what is updated. Seriously you have to go by what the DEV says in his thread. Some you can update without wiping and some you have to wipe. Others will automatically wipe for you. Best advice is to read the DEV's thread. They should all give you this info. And if you looked over the first few posts of his thread you really wouldn't be asking this question here.
Some mods have the cache/dalvik wipe built in, so just make sure you read through the thread for whatever mod you're trying. Wiping it twice won't hurt, but just wastes a little time.
RunnyDrOiD
I know that we have different method for rom installation but do you have any idea about RunnyDrOiD
Thanks
lgluna20 said:
I know that we have different method for rom installation but do you have any idea about RunnyDrOiD
Thanks
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really? man. I'll make this very simple for you.
1. put rom on root of sdcard
2. boot into recovery
3. wipe data, cache, dalvik cache
4. install from sdcard the zip file
5. reboot.
almost all ROMs except for the PD98IMG.zip stock ROMs are flashed with the above method. Not all ROMs require a full wipe (data, cache, dalvik cahce) when upgrading within the same ROM but it is recommended to do so to avoid any issues. If you're switching between different ROMs, it is required to do a full wipe. Search my good man.

Flashing a nightly build

When you have flashed a rom and there are Nightly'ish Builds that you would like to flash, do you still have to wipe data/factorty reset,wipe cache partiton and wipe dalvik cache?
alabran86 said:
When you have flashed a rom and there are Nightly'ish Builds that you would like to flash, do you still have to wipe data/factorty reset,wipe cache partiton and wipe dalvik cache?
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Usually if you're staying within the same area (like CM10 nightly to another) you don't need to wipe data. Just cache and dalvik (also known as a dirty flash). However, this seems increase the chance of having problems so some people always do a full wipe just in case. You definitely need to do a full wipe going from JB to ICS, ICS to JB, etc.
With small changes yes, do devs always tell u when there are big changes, no. Also it seems like when you get around 3-4 dirty flashes things get wonky no matter what. Best most reliable experience is always clean. And remember if u flash dirty dont post bugs until u confirm on a clean flash.
Sent from my SGH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
battery cache
Is it a good idea to clear battery cache every once in awhile? What is the main purpose for this option?
alabran86 said:
Is it a good idea to clear battery cache every once in awhile? What is the main purpose for this option?
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Click to collapse
Wiping battery stats is useless as stated by google developers. http://www.xda-developers.com/android/google-engineer-debunks-myth-wiping-battery-stats-does-not-improve-battery-life/
Thanks
Thank you very much for the helpful information Tonu42 and Zalithian!!

[Q] Flashing new kernel but keep current rom?

I have looked all over and there have been some people that have said how to flash a new kernel, and how it is basically exactly like flashing a rom and don't go into it any further.
Plus it seems like the only people i can find that even mention flashing a new kernel are also making a guide to flash a new rom, so keep the settings form an old rom aren't an issue for them or the people reading those guides.
I have found a rom that I like and want to stick with it, but what I am wondering, is if I want to test out different kernels for potential battery saving abilities, will I have to go through the same process in CWM of wiping the cache/dalvick cach/format system and stuff like that, or can I just flash the new kernel the same way I can flash a baseband, without changing any settings or worry about it deleting anything I have done?
I just don't want to go around *assuming* anything because last time I did that I had to spend 50 bucks on a JTAG
Thanks!
I only use KTkernel and.....
wipe cache
wipe dalvik
install kernel from ext sd or sd
wipe cache
wipe dalvik
fix permissions
rebooot
And just make sure they are TW if you are running a TW rom and AOSP if you are on that type of rom. And have a backup in case something goes wrong.
I have been flashing kernels on two different phones and have never had a problem. Just read and make sure you are doing it right.
Some people say you should wipe cache + dalvik before flashing a kernel, but that's questionable if you really have to. I simply flash and reboot, never experience problems. And definitely make sure it's meant for TW or AOSP, depending on which you are running.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Wipe Zip

Does anyone have a zip that will wipe my phone clean so that I can install a new ROM? I have one for my GS3, but I was unable to find one for my One X. Even with a Google search.
Kelton Rivas said:
Does anyone have a zip that will wipe my phone clean so that I can install a new ROM? I have one for my GS3, but I was unable to find one for my One X. Even with a Google search.
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You'll need to find the RUU for the firmware that your phone is currently on. Download the ruu to your computer. Plug in phone and boot into fastboot. Run the ruu on the computer and it will bring your phone back to 100% factory status.
It won't wipe your sdcard though. To get it squeeky clean, you'll need to format the sdcard.
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2
I think he's talking more along the lines of caulkins format all zip.
Try searching for that. It formats system, data and cache.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
To be clear, you don't "need" any such zip in order to install a custom ROM. Some people believe such "Superwipe" zips are a cleaner way of doing it (and may also be useful if you are experiencing bugs after a ROM flash). But I've never used anything of the sort, and never had any issues.
Just wipe cache and Dalvik, then factory reset in recovery (do not factory reset in bootloader, as this corrupts the SD). Then flash the ROM. No need to format system, as this is done automatically when you flash the ROM.
By that logic, no need to wipe cache or dalvik either since factory reset does that. I find wiping system provides peace of mind and one thing to cross off when troubleshooting buggyness within a Rom.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Yeah plus I'm sure I've seen ROMs that don't wipe system during the install script. I always wipe system, for peace of mind, seeing as it only takes a second.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium
exad said:
By that logic, no need to wipe cache or dalvik either since factory reset does that.
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Not sure, but I don't think that is true. I thought all factory reset did was format the /data partition (delete user data).
Also, wiping cache and Dalvik is completely harmless. They will just rebuild themselves when you reboot. There is literally no reason not to wipe them, in any number of circumstances. Wiping system . . . not so much.
---------- Post added at 10:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 AM ----------
timmaaa said:
Yeah plus I'm sure I've seen ROMs that don't wipe system during the install script.
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I've seen this on another device, but haven't seen or heard of it on this device. Although, of course I haven't flashed every ROM available.
Sure, it typically doesn't hurt to do wipe system. Although I've seen the all-too-common instance of the n00b randomly wiping things (including system) and then asking "why won't the phone boot" (umm. . .because you wiped the OS). Thus, I normally refrain for recommending to wipe system (at least without making it clear what that actually does).
In any case, my main point is that all the required wipes are available in recovery, and no special wipe "zip" is explicitly needed (although might help in certain instances, as I've already mentioned).
Isn't dalvik kept in /cache or /data?
redpoint73 said:
Not sure, but I don't think that is true. I thought all factory reset did was format the /data partition (delete user data).
Also, wiping cache and Dalvik is completely harmless. They will just rebuild themselves when you reboot. There is literally no reason not to wipe them, in any number of circumstances. Wiping system . . . not so much.
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I'll be honest, I did use one for a while back when I used twrp. While it is kinda pointless, it is a lot faster adding it to the zip install list than going through every wipe/format option.
OT: I feel like I'm the only one using philz touch recovery. Anyone else using it? It's got a lot of nifty features.
jacobas92 said:
Isn't dalvik kept in /cache or /data?
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I had to look it up, but apparently it is on /data. So Factory Reset should in fact wipe it.
I've probably always though of Dalvik as something that should be wiped separately, since you should (at a minimum) wipe cache and Dalvik when doing a "dirty flash". Than I just do it by habit when doing a "clean" flash.
As I already mentioned, most of us will likely agree that there is no harm in wiping things that are going to be wiped anyways "just in case".
As long as you aren't one of these folks that wipes /system, then asks why his OS is gone.

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