[Q] Details regarding Unlocking Bootloader, Rooting and Deleting apps from rom - General Questions and Answers

Hello,
I will really appreciate if you can help to understand few basic issues:
1) When rooting the phone, is the boot-loader must be unlocked? i.e., if I've rooted the phone successfully using some 3rd party utility, it means that the boot-loader was unlocked during the rooting process or it was unlocked in advanced?
2) If the answer to the first question is "yes" (i.e. bootloader must be unlocked before rooting), how it is possible that my data wasn't wiped after rooting? This means that the boot-loader was unlocked in advance? Or maybe the 3rd party application backed up the data before unlocking the boot-loader and than restored it?
3) I heard that in order to install SU, the stock-recovery must be changed to a custom one. Is it necessarily true?
4) How can I check which recovery is installed on the phone?
5) If the recovery is changed to a custom one, does it mean that I stop receive OTA?
6) Can I backup up the stock recovery before changing it? Or how can I know which one it is to search on the net?
7) Do applications, like Titanium, change the recovery upon installation?
8) How applications, like Titanium, move apps, that are not supposed to move in regular installation,from ROM to SD? Can it harm the performance of the app?
9) When deleting apps from ROM (System or Data) manually, do I need to delete other files or folders besides .apk files in system/app or data/app? Is there any cache or other data to delete?
10) Do I need (or should I in case of lack of space) clean some cache files from ROM? (Like Dalvik or others...) If yes, which ones and how?
Sorry for the long post, but It will really help me to understand all these issues, once and for all.
Thank you in advance!

yuri_feigin said:
Hello,
I will really appreciate if you can help to understand few basic issues:
1) When rooting the phone, is the boot-loader must be unlocked? i.e., if I've rooted the phone successfully using some 3rd party utility, it means that the boot-loader was unlocked during the rooting process or it was unlocked in advanced?
2) If the answer to the first question is "yes" (i.e. bootloader must be unlocked before rooting), how it is possible that my data wasn't wiped after rooting? This means that the boot-loader was unlocked in advance? Or maybe the 3rd party application backed up the data before unlocking the boot-loader and than restored it?
3) I heard that in order to install SU, the stock-recovery must be changed to a custom one. Is it necessarily true?
4) How can I check which recovery is installed on the phone?
5) If the recovery is changed to a custom one, does it mean that I stop receive OTA?
6) Can I backup up the stock recovery before changing it? Or how can I know which one it is to search on the net?
7) Do applications, like Titanium, change the recovery upon installation?
8) How applications, like Titanium, move apps, that are not supposed to move in regular installation,from ROM to SD? Can it harm the performance of the app?
9) When deleting apps from ROM (System or Data) manually, do I need to delete other files or folders besides .apk files in system/app or data/app? Is there any cache or other data to delete?
10) Do I need (or should I in case of lack of space) clean some cache files from ROM? (Like Dalvik or others...) If yes, which ones and how?
Sorry for the long post, but It will really help me to understand all these issues, once and for all.
Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sorry but Ive already answered all of these questions and one in fact could take a good couple paragraphs to explain.
Maybe tonight I'll answer or you could check out xda university.

yuri_feigin said:
Hello,
I will really appreciate if you can help to understand few basic issues:
1) When rooting the phone, is the boot-loader must be unlocked? i.e., if I've rooted the phone successfully using some 3rd party utility, it means that the boot-loader was unlocked during the rooting process or it was unlocked in advanced?
2) If the answer to the first question is "yes" (i.e. bootloader must be unlocked before rooting), how it is possible that my data wasn't wiped after rooting? This means that the boot-loader was unlocked in advance? Or maybe the 3rd party application backed up the data before unlocking the boot-loader and than restored it?
3) I heard that in order to install SU, the stock-recovery must be changed to a custom one. Is it necessarily true?
4) How can I check which recovery is installed on the phone?
5) If the recovery is changed to a custom one, does it mean that I stop receive OTA?
6) Can I backup up the stock recovery before changing it? Or how can I know which one it is to search on the net?
7) Do applications, like Titanium, change the recovery upon installation?
8) How applications, like Titanium, move apps, that are not supposed to move in regular installation,from ROM to SD? Can it harm the performance of the app?
9) When deleting apps from ROM (System or Data) manually, do I need to delete other files or folders besides .apk files in system/app or data/app? Is there any cache or other data to delete?
10) Do I need (or should I in case of lack of space) clean some cache files from ROM? (Like Dalvik or others...) If yes, which ones and how?
Sorry for the long post, but It will really help me to understand all these issues, once and for all.
Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) To my knowledge, yep. (Not much experience with locked bootloaders, sorry!)
2) But then again, different phones have different bootloaders, they might work In different ways.
3) Nope. Most (if not all) root tools install SU without custom recovery.
4) when your phone is powered-off, press Vol up, home and power button (this depends on your phone, this is Samsung standard, what phone are u using?
5) Go to download mode, (Vol down, home and power button, again Samsung standard) and check if: System Status: Official. If yes, OTAs can be taken. If System Status: Custom, you cant take OTAs.
6) U most probably can. Use Online Nandroid Backup, free from Google play store, and backup recovery only. That should work.
7) No.
8) Depends on the app.
9) Again, depends on the app.
10) Cache and dalvik cache can be wiped from recovery. The custom recovery will do it for u. Wiping dalvik cache from recovery won't be useful, as it recreates itself on reboot.
No problem with the long post, always glad to help
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.

Thank You
Lgrootnoob said:
Im sorry but Ive already answered all of these questions and one in fact could take a good couple paragraphs to explain.
Maybe tonight I'll answer or you could check out xda university.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would really appreciate if you could answer, or refer me to the correct paragraph in XDA university or give a me a link to your previous answers.
Thank you very much.

Irwenzhao said:
1) To my knowledge, yep. (Not much experience with locked bootloaders, sorry!)
2) But then again, different phones have different bootloaders, they might work In different ways.
3) Nope. Most (if not all) root tools install SU without custom recovery.
4) when your phone is powered-off, press Vol up, home and power button (this depends on your phone, this is Samsung standard, what phone are u using?
5) Go to download mode, (Vol down, home and power button, again Samsung standard) and check if: System Status: Official. If yes, OTAs can be taken. If System Status: Custom, you cant take OTAs.
6) U most probably can. Use Online Nandroid Backup, free from Google play store, and backup recovery only. That should work.
7) No.
8) Depends on the app.
9) Again, depends on the app.
10) Cache and dalvik cache can be wiped from recovery. The custom recovery will do it for u. Wiping dalvik cache from recovery won't be useful, as it recreates itself on reboot.
No problem with the long post, always glad to help
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You for your help.
Regarding the last issue: if I wipe the cache, something bad can happen to the applications ot their data? I mean, should I do it only when flashi rom or is it healthy to do it in a while in order to clean unnecessary files?

yuri_feigin said:
Thank You for your help.
Regarding the last issue: if I wipe the cache, something bad can happen to the applications ot their data? I mean, should I do it only when flashi rom or is it healthy to do it in a while in order to clean unnecessary files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cache is actually a temporary section of the disk that does not contain any application cachery but things along the lines of software upgrade files. It is only wiped merely to make sure there is space for other mod's temp storage.
The data partition contains the data for yourr applications and the 'cache' as you see in settings for apps is for imagery and stuff so regardless if that is removed it wont matter.
The dalvik cache is compiled bytecode for the dalvik vm for each app. (Look up Java vm to get an idea of what I mean and then look up odexing and deodexing on xda university)
Here is some info on the thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48151745#post48151745

Lgrootnoob said:
The cache is actually a temporary section of the disk that does not contain any application cachery but things along the lines of software upgrade files. It is only wiped merely to make sure there is space for other mod's temp storage.
The data partition contains the data for yourr applications and the 'cache' as you see in settings for apps is for imagery and stuff so regardless if that is removed it wont matter.
The dalvik cache is compiled bytecode for the dalvik vm for each app. (Look up Java vm to get an idea of what I mean and then look up odexing and deodexing on xda university)
Here is some info on the thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48151745#post48151745
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot!
I have few more questions, please:
1) So what will be the best way to clear the cache partition? Only from recovery? Even from stock recovery?
Is there any other way, like a feature in some application or can I delete it manually?
2) Regarding the data partition, I guess I can go each application and clear its cache and/or data from application manager... Is there a better way? By away, if I delete the data of application (not the cache), I loose all the configuration and personal data. What I mean by "cleaning" is to erase some false data that remained by mistake, not to remove the necessary data of the apps. It is especially important for apps installed on ROM. What will be the best way?
3) Is sometimes remains unnecessary junk data in Dalvik Cache? If yes, how to remove it? (not the all Dalvik Cache)?
4) By away, what is the best way to check whether my bootloader is unlocked and to check which recovery is installed? (custom/stock)
5) If I want to mess with the start-up task manager, using some ROM application - what are the "receivers" that are connected to the apps? what is the difference between disabling an app/task/service and disabling receivers?
6) What is the difference between recovery boot mode and bootloader boot mode? When do I need to use the bootloader mode?
6) And another question, with your permission, is what kind of backups are exist beside nandroid? ADB is a backup? Do they back up all the ROM? I guess I will need a custom recovery to restore those backups.

yuri_feigin said:
Thanks a lot!
I have few more questions, please:
1) So what will be the best way to clear the cache partition? Only from recovery? Even from stock recovery?
Is there any other way, like a feature in some application or can I delete it manually?
2) Regarding the data partition, I guess I can go each application and clear its cache and/or data from application manager... Is there a better way? By away, if I delete the data of application (not the cache), I loose all the configuration and personal data. What I mean by "cleaning" is to erase some false data that remained by mistake, not to remove the necessary data of the apps. It is especially important for apps installed on ROM. What will be the best way?
3) Is sometimes remains unnecessary junk data in Dalvik Cache? If yes, how to remove it? (not the all Dalvik Cache)?
4) By away, what is the best way to check whether my bootloader is unlocked and to check which recovery is installed? (custom/stock)
5) If I want to mess with the start-up task manager, using some ROM application - what are the "receivers" that are connected to the apps? what is the difference between disabling an app/task/service and disabling receivers?
6) What is the difference between recovery boot mode and bootloader boot mode? When do I need to use the bootloader mode?
7) And another question, with your permission, is what kind of backups are exist beside nandroid? ADB is a backup? Do they back up all the ROM? I guess I will need a custom recovery to restore those backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1: Only recovery.
2: "Cleaning" is not possible So the application manager is the only way and yes it would basically reset an application if you delete its data.
3: Its not necessary but can save space for more apps to be installed if you have removed apps manually or with titanium backup. However if you have uninstalled with the app manager in the settings app then the dex files in the dalvik cache are automatically removed. "Unnecessary junk", I have exactly what you are looking for: use Titanium backup's feature in the menu to remove unsused dalvik cache elements and integrate system dalvik into rom. (In the same section when you press the menu button)
4: What phone? (This is neccessary because of the variation in phones.)
5: The only legitimate way of stopping tasks is to disable the intent of the task(I think that is the reciever ). To do this you could use Autostarts from the Play store or you could use the Bootmanager Xposed module. Don't use any task manager unless you want problems. Disabling an app in settings would actually completely freeze the application meaning you could also not start it manually and it wouldnt be started at boot.
6: The bootloader loads recovery or Android. The bootloader is usable depending on the features given by your phone manufacturer. You would know the difference when you use recovery and if you have a Nexus device when you are in bootloader mode. Samsung devices have Download mode which is technically part of the bootloader and allows you to load custom software such as recovery, data partition, system partition etc.
7: You will use recovery to backup/restore.(I don't think that there is any other way because you are using the data that you are backing up or restoring if you didi it while you were running android. Adb cannot backup either but you could pull a recovery backup with adb from the sd card. Adb has a sideload feature for loading software in recovery with your computer. Again I need your phone model.
It seems you seek info on recovery and backing up, This will help a lot: http://xda-university.com/as-a-user/android-dictionary Specifically the Nandroid and Recovery section.
I will be more than happy to expand on any of these topics.

@yuri_feigin
I revised my answer to better suit what you were asking.
Are you still with me?

Related

[Q] Help needed - Messaging FS after ICS

Hi,
I backed up my phone with Titanium and after updating to 4.0.3 tried to restore data only, from that moment - messaging force closing.
what can I do ?
thanks
Clear any messaging related data, reboot, and then see what happens.
Thanks but it's the same - the app loads and than crashes immediately,
Can I re-download the apk somewhere ?
I know it's core element - but maybe it can be extracted from the whole update ?
Well just to reiterate make sure you wipe all relevant system apps in titanium as that should do it (just want to be sure ).
But you could reflash the rom again, or part of the rom.
And yes you could pull the apps from the rom and install them without reflashing (though you will have to use titanium to make it a system app probably).
Oh yeah you could try wiping the dalvik cache.
tried wiping the dalvik cache did not help. how can I flash only the messaging app ?
Shakty1 said:
tried wiping the dalvik cache did not help. how can I flash only the messaging app ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I haven't done such a thing for a while but when I did a similar thing I did it like this:
1. Get full rom zip
2. Open zip with 7-Zip (or similar program).
3. Delete anything you don't want to be flashed again (I guess in your case nearly everything)
4. Flash
Note: I said open the zip, not extract it.
Can't guarantee this will work though I would personally just do a full wipe, flash the whole rom again, and be careful what you restore (i.e. don't restore system data).
Never use Ti to restore data after changing roms. It's the first rule of Flash Club.

Backup - few question

Hello, it's me again with new set of questions
My device is GT-I9001
1) What is Nandroid backup? Is it complete system image backup like Acronis True Image, created with CWM, because i have CWM installed?
2) I am planning to install CM9 on my device, is it possible to restore my apps completely with settings, and games completely with passed levels with Titanium (I've got Pro version). I need to know if any problem could arise when restoring? I also read not to restore system apps, my question is why?
3) Am I installing CM9 via odin or via cwm? I saw two files gapps and cm9, which is firstly installed?
4) How to wipe before installing custom ROM?
5) Could you find me Stock ROM for my phone, I've got no luck finding it? Here is PDA and CSC
http://fotkica.com/slika.php?slika=256965_167852444_SC20120720-222332.png
Thanks in advance, I am especially thankful if you answer me the questions detailed/for noobs...
TwinHeadedEagle said:
Hello, it's me again with new set of questions
My device is GT-I9001
1) What is Nandroid backup? Is it complete system image backup like Acronis True Image, created with CWM, because i have CWM installed?
2) I am planning to install CM9 on my device, is it possible to restore my apps completely with settings, and games completely with passed levels with Titanium (I've got Pro version). I need to know if any problem could arise when restoring? I also read not to restore system apps, my question is why?
3) Am I installing CM9 via odin or via cwm? I saw two files gapps and cm9, which is firstly installed?
4) How to wipe before installing custom ROM?
5) Could you find me Stock ROM for my phone, I've got no luck finding it? Here is PDA and CSC
http://fotkica.com/slika.php?slika=256965_167852444_SC20120720-222332.png
Thanks in advance, I am especially thankful if you answer me the questions detailed/for noobs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. yes, it is complete system image backup (can be created using CWM)
2. yes, you can restore apps including their settings via titanium backup.
3. please read the installation guide for your device.
4. wiping can be done via CWM
5. find it on your device sub-forum.
1) Ok, I understand...
2) There is still more questions I asked...
3) I cannot ask there until 10 posts, and it's a bit unclear/confusing to me...
4) I know that, what I need to wipe. I figured it's system, cache and dalvik...
Is it needed to go into mounts and storage and to format system, data and cache...
Is sdcard and emmc needed to be wiped?
5) I already said I cannot find it...
Anyone knows the answers?
TwinHeadedEagle said:
Anyone knows the answers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2) if you just restore User-Apps you can not do anything wrong. Only if you restore Systemapps that are not for your new system.
If this happens you can easily restore your nandroid and start over again
3) Odin is more or less only for Stock Roms. CM is flashed through CWM
4) nope! If you do the Wipe, system, data etc. will be formated
5) you can easily find stock roms for almost every samsung device on sammobile.com
Thanks for clarifying
I searched every possible site, but still can't find my stock firmware

Rooted/Custom Rom'd my AT&T S4, now for some basic a

[Thread in wrong area! Mods please move to AT&T S4 under Q/A!]
I recently rooted/installed CleanROM for my S4, but now I have some basic questions regarding what actually happened in the process and how I could improve it. (First smartphone, first Android).
1. Is flashing the exact equivalent of installing a kernel/ROM/app in a recovery like TeamWin that is zipped in an SD card? All I did was select my zipped file and install--the guide says to use GooManager but I never used it. Also, does updating TWRP, kernel, or ROM (same application/kernel/ROM, but newer version) require that you delete the old ZIP, copy over the new ZIP, then install it? Is there a cleaner method (I feel that since we have to wipe to prevent old files from interfering with new ROM that maybe parts of the old version of a ROM may be redundant or may interfere with the new ROM?
2. Is there a way I can save the phone settings when dealing with one ROM and transferring these settings to another ROM? I really don't want to spend 20 minutes to go through all the settings and change it to my liking every time I install a new ROM.
3. With TWRP I could backup the entire ROM and also be able to install that backup ROM if I don't like the new ROM installed? What does Titanium Backup offer in regards to this aside from backing up app data and the ability freeze/uninstall system apps?
4. Does Titanium Backup leave any residual files? I see other apps designed to uninstall system apps and Titanium Backup seems like an all-in-one jack of all trades.
5. I thought I wiped everything and to me, that sounds like reformatting the entire drive. I only wiped system, boot, and data though (good enough for ROMs, according to what I've read). I was surprised when I saw my videos that I had already backed up to my PC accessible on the phone. Should I just wipe literally everything (I assume it would be cleaner) like cache, preload, EFS, modem, recovery, etc.? Will wiping literally everything be like reformatting my phone (since my phone was not reformatted because my personal videos was still there when I installed my custom ROM? If I were to install completely different ROMs cleanly and wanted to keep my personal files, I would only need to wipe system, data, and boot?
4. Do I have to use CASUAL again to install an updated TWRP?
5. Does backing up a ROM also backup its root? I'm going to assume this is a dumb question and the answer is no. I'm also guessing I have to block OTA updates from AT&T to ensure I keep my root. How would I go about doing this? Also, would my phone be "safe" if I stick to my ROM (no updates or anything) for 4+ years? I'm asking this as an extreme case because I feel like I'm missing out on AT&T security updates that could protect my phone and also I don't think the developer my ROM (CleanROM) will do frequent updates).
6. I had problems with my computer not being able to recognize my phone and my SD card in the phone after I wiped everything and before I installed a ROM. I literally had to take the SD card from the phone and use an SD card reader to transfer my custom ROM/loki then put it back into the phone. Was I missing a driver?
7. What are some must-have apps a newly rooted user would want?
8. I read that you only need 1 EFS backup and you don't need to back it up every time you are going to install a custom ROM. Can I get a confirmation?
9. What does Goo Manager do and would I want it?
10. Is it essential that I keep up to date with news about my custom ROM/phone to ensure my phone is secured?
**Not Root/ROM related--Is swiping an app away from the Recent Apps List (long-press home button) the equivalent of killing an app? I use the Recent Apps List often but I don't want to go about swiping apps away if means it is killing it, since I read that killing apps are bad and actually drains battery life. Also, is there a mod that lets you access the Recent Apps List by long-pressing the menu one? I only see a mod that kills the app if you long-press it.
Thanks. I'm hoping for many responses as I have more questions to ask but not a lot of free time (I will check back on this thread every several hours until there are no more responses on the thread.
I think you are in the wrong forum.
@work said:
I think you are in the wrong forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I clicked the edit/delete thread but can't find the delete button. Under reason for editing I told the mods to move it to AT&T S4 under Q/A. I'm new to XDA, what should I do?
otumsel and
just wait,someone will be along and move it.

Galaxy Tab 2 P3100 stuck in boot on samsung logo

Hello everyone,
I have a Samsung galaxy tab 2 (P3100).
I want recover my data, the tablet doesn't start. It is stuck in boot time. I can see just the animation of Samsung logo.
There is a software for pc for browse the files and recover my data?
Thanks!
why it is bootlooping?
what have you done?
Android-Andi said:
why it is bootlooping?
what have you done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI Android-Andi,
thank you in advance!
I don't now exactly why...
my friend has deleted some files to free up memory. And I'm afraid it has deleted something wrong!
How can the android OS allow you to delete system files!?!?
I can enter in recovery mode and this is all that I can see:
Android system recovery <3e>
Volume up/down to move highlight;
power button to select.
reboot system now
apply update from ADB
apply update from external storage
wipe data/farctory reset
wipe cache partition
apply update from cache
# MANUAL MODE #
-- Apply Multi-CSC...
Applied the CSC-code : ITV
Successfully applied multi-CSC
There are some software or something to get into the file and recover the files?
Thank you
3balls said:
HI Android-Andi,
thank you in advance!
I don't now exactly why...
my friend has deleted some files to free up memory. And I'm afraid it has deleted something wrong!
How can the android OS allow you to delete system files!?!?
I can enter in recovery mode and this is all that I can see:
Android system recovery <3e>
Volume up/down to move highlight;
power button to select.
reboot system now
apply update from ADB
apply update from external storage
wipe data/farctory reset
wipe cache partition
apply update from cache
# MANUAL MODE #
-- Apply Multi-CSC...
Applied the CSC-code : ITV
Successfully applied multi-CSC
There are some software or something to get into the file and recover the files?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you rooted? If you're not rooted then you're not able to delete system files. Do you have a custom recovery? Those options read like stock recovery. Do you know which files he deleted because if he deleted data files then it's gone. There a couple apps out there that able to recover deleted files, Undelete is one, Hexamob is another, but these require root. And these specialize in stuff like pictures so not even sure they would help you out.
Sent from my GT-P5113 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
njstein said:
Are you rooted? If you're not rooted then you're not able to delete system files. Do you have a custom recovery? Those options read like stock recovery. Do you know which files he deleted because if he deleted data files then it's gone. There a couple apps out there that able to recover deleted files, Undelete is one, Hexamob is another, but these require root. And these specialize in stuff like pictures so not even sure they would help you out.
Sent from my GT-P5113 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi njstein,
thank you for your reply.
This tab is not rooted and doesn't have custom recovery.
He doesn't remembre which files has deleted...a lot of files about app...but like you said, if the tablet is not rooted, is impossible to delete system files!
I know that there are a lot of apps for recover deleted files, but I am afraid to run the system restore...I don't know if this operation format the partition at low level or not...and I think that all these apps require root.
I looked for this thing and there isn't a chance to mount the tab as a drive (E:\ F:\ ...) and for this reason you can't use software normally used for recover deleted files in windows.
I am really disappointed with Android operating system.
People say that Android is an open operating system, configurable, customizable .... But I have found everything closed as are microsoft and iOS.
don't cry
Don't cry and shout that you're disappointed with android system. It's not android fault, it was your friends fault.
If i were you, try to search a custom recovery flashable via odin (cwm or twrp). When you have already cwm or twrp try to clear dalvik cache and wipe cache partition and reboot.
3balls said:
Hi njstein,
thank you for your reply.
This tab is not rooted and doesn't have custom recovery.
He doesn't remembre which files has deleted...a lot of files about app...but like you said, if the tablet is not rooted, is impossible to delete system files!
I know that there are a lot of apps for recover deleted files, but I am afraid to run the system restore...I don't know if this operation format the partition at low level or not...and I think that all these apps require root.
I looked for this thing and there isn't a chance to mount the tab as a drive (E:\ F:\ ...) and for this reason you can't use software normally used for recover deleted files in windows.
I am really disappointed with Android operating system.
People say that Android is an open operating system, configurable, customizable .... But I have found everything closed as are microsoft and iOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you're not rooted then you should accept the files are gone and whatever data you need off the Tab is inaccessible. Have you tried wiping just the cache and reboot? If you have and that accomplishes nothing, then I would suggest you do a factory reset and start over. If you go that route, do a little research and find out what steps need to be done after reset to get the Tab back working. I forget if your tab is just the wifi version or from a carrier with data. I believe if you have data, there are steps after a reset to get everything in working order.
Sent from my GT-P5113 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[ROM][Stock][Rooted] D850 20f Stock ROM Debloated

Updated: 03/24/2015
Hi all,
I did this mostly for practice but I thought it might be helpful so I went ahead and posted.
Stock LG D850 20f ROM
[*]Rooted/SuperSu
[*]Most bloat removed
[*]Oversharpening fix
[*]Flashable zip
[*]init.d support*
[*]CarrierIQ Remover*
*Init.d support is implemented in ROM only, not the kernel. CarrierIQ is removed automatically after first boot via an init script. Say thanks to @skeevydude for his help in getting this done. I shouldn't say "help", he pretty much did it!
Installation
Flash the Lollipop modem - see @autoprime 's thread here for modem zip
Flash the ROM zip
Wipe cache and dalvik (and in some cases data) if coming from a different ROM
Download
v3* - https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934548695
[QRCODE]https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934548695[/QRCODE]
*No change at all to the ROM itself since v2, I just realized that I've been forgetting to zero out the free space on the image file before uploading, which saves about 600 MB when zipped. New flashable zip is about 1.1 GB instead of 1.7 GB.
Older versions:
v1 - https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934543883
Apps Removed
/system/app:
Google Books
Google Chrome
Google Cloud Print
Google Drive
Facebook
Hangouts
Google Newsstand
Google Play Games
Google Play Music
Google Play Movies and TV
Google Plus
Twitter
/system/priv-app:
ATT Address Book
ATT Caller Name ID
ATT DriveMode
ATT Games
ATT Locker
ATT Lookout
ATT Mobile Locate
ATT Remote Support
ATT Smart Wifi
ATT Mobile TV
ISIS Wallet
ATT Visual Voicemail
MLT (LG tracker)
/system/vendor/app:
Amazon Kindle
ATT Family Map
ATT Home
ATT Keeper
ATT MHS Launcher
ATT Navigator
Uber
DeviceHelp
myATT
YP Mobile
ATT Apps
In case you want some of the ATT apps back, I have uploaded a zip here with those apps. This is NOT a flashable zip. You have a couple of options:
1. You may be able to install these as a normal (user) app by just pulling out the apk and installing the usual way.
2. If that doesn't work as expected, copy the app folder from the zip into the appropriate system folder as listed in the "Apps Removed" section.
Download: ATT Apps
Xposed Info
cmulk said:
Xposed has a couple of bad side effects at this point, so before doing anything you need to use Titanium or something similar to Freeze (this basically what the "helper" does):
LGSmartCover
Weather
Weather Theme
WeatherPlatform
Then you can install xposed as in the thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
However, there is still one more bug to keep in mind: Xposed will crash the Tethering and Networks menu. There is no fix for that yet, but as a workaround you can download some apps from the play store (like Mobile Network Settings), to shortcut around the menu that force closes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Credits
@autoprime - Flashable zips, bump'd boot.img, and very clear instructions in his thread here
@timmytim - uploading the lollipop stock images (although I know a lot of others were working on that too)
@Skin1980 - Oversharpening fix
@skeevydude - init.d support and carrierIQ remover
CarrierIQ Removal
CarrierIQ has now been removed!
The removal is done via an init script that runs at boot to disable the IQ service before removing the files in order to prevent a force close. However, if you have to wipe data/factory reset without re-flashing the ROM, you will get a force close on the first boot. The good news is that I've tested this scenario and it should fix itself if you just wait about 20 seconds. In other words, the mentioned script does it's thing to stop the service to fix the force close and you are good to go after that.
Old info below:
cmulk said:
On the 20f lollipop rom (either mine or stock, there's no difference) either freezing LADDM or removing the libraries and LADDM as you mention will cause a force close unless you disable the "IQService" first, which is built into the framework-res.apk. I have repeated it multiple times and it has been discussed quite a bit in the Lounge and other threads. Disabling the service is easy for users to do with the "DisableService" app, and then you can remove LADDM and the libraries as mentioned. The difficulty is that disabling a service is a user setting, so, for example, if I reflash my ROM without the IQ files onto a phone with clean /data, I will again get the force close and an unusable ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manual Steps
In the meantime, here is how users can manually disable CarrierIQ. I take no credit for this method, it is posted in several places by several people, I'm just putting it here for convenience:
YOU MUST DO THIS IN ORDER (or at least the first few steps)
1. Download the "DisableService" app from the play store
2. In the DisableService app, go to System -> Android System and disable the "IQService" service
3. Use a root explorer to delete the folder /system/app/LADDM
4. Use a root explorer to delete /system/lib/libiq_client.so and /system/lib/libiq_service.so
5. (Optional) Uninstall DisableService
Remember, disabling the service is a user setting, so if you need to wipe /data for some reason, you will need to re-flash the ROM (which has the CarrierIQ files included) or else you will get a constant force close when your phone boots.
I'll give it a try, thanks
Flashing now. Will report.
I will be watching this ROM. Thanks for posting.
Exactly what does " if coming from a different ROM" mean? I'm on 4.4.2 10f Wulf (stock - rooted) ROM
JeffDC said:
I will be watching this ROM. Thanks for posting.
Exactly what does " if coming from a different ROM" mean? I'm on 4.4.2 10f Wulf (stock - rooted) ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just clean flash to save yourself a hassle
2SHAYNEZ
Thanks for your work. I wish I had some skill in this realm. It'd be nice to pick and choose which apps you wanted removed. I prefer the stock ATT Visual Voicemail app over the one in the Play Store as its more reliable. I also use some of the Google Apps that are removed here as well. But great job in getting something debloated out there.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
Flashing lollipop Issues
Thanks for your work.... When flashing the 2 lollipop roms, 9 out of 10 times I get just a screen with icons, no wallpaper, no notification pull down no buttons at the bottom. I flash the modem the rom then SU and clear cache. I have only got the other ROM to flash successfully once. The same is going on with this ROM, is this happening to anyone else. I flashed it 5 times with the same results, would anyone know why this is happening, seems others dont have this issue. Thank you again for bringing us a debloated Lollipop rom.
shayneflashindaily said:
Just clean flash to save yourself a hassle
2SHAYNEZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what I understand for a clean flash:
"1. Boot into Recovery
2. Make a Nandroid backup
3. Wipe data/factory reset
4. Wipe cache partition
5. Wipe Dalvik Cache
6. Flash ROM
7. DO NOT REBOOT – STAY IN RECOVERY
8. Select backup and restore
9. Select advanced restore
10. Select the Nandroid backup you made above
11. Select Restore data
12. Select Yes – Restore data
13. WAIT!
14. REBOOT"
What I do not understand is step 8, which selects the backup made in step two... and then flashing the backup over the (new) ROM flash in step 6. Wouldn't that overwrite the new ROM you just flashed?
JeffDC said:
Here is what I understand for a clean flash:
"1. Boot into Recovery
2. Make a Nandroid backup
3. Wipe data/factory reset
4. Wipe cache partition
5. Wipe Dalvik Cache
6. Flash ROM
7. DO NOT REBOOT – STAY IN RECOVERY
8. Select backup and restore
9. Select advanced restore
10. Select the Nandroid backup you made above
11. Select Restore data
12. Select Yes – Restore data
13. WAIT!
14. REBOOT"
What I do not understand is step 8, which selects the backup made in step two... and then flashing the backup over the (new) ROM flash in step 6. Wouldn't that overwrite the new ROM you just flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always do a clean flash.. dont need to back up and restore and still get bad results.
louvass said:
I always do a clean flash.. dont need to back up and restore and still get bad results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not encouraging.
louvass said:
Thanks for your work.... When flashing the 2 lollipop roms, 9 out of 10 times I get just a screen with icons, no wallpaper, no notification pull down no buttons at the bottom. I flash the modem the rom then SU and clear cache. I have only got the other ROM to flash successfully once. The same is going on with this ROM, is this happening to anyone else. I flashed it 5 times with the same results, would anyone know why this is happening, seems others dont have this issue. Thank you again for bringing us a debloated Lollipop rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not seen that issue, but in case you are not clearing data you may need to try clearing dalvik cache.
Also, (and this is just a shot in the dark) you could try formatting system before doing anything else just in case something strange is left behind there.
JeffDC said:
That's not encouraging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try dirty flashing first without losing any of your data.
1. Back up your current Boot and System
2. Back up your current modem (if you're coming from the Kitkat modem), or just download a flashable KK modem already posted on XDA
3. Flash the modem and ROM in this post
4. Wipe cache and dalvik
5. See if it works
If it's not working, then you will need to restore your boot, system, and modem to go back to your original kitkat setup without losing data.
Otherwise, you'll have to backup with Titanium and do a clean flash (wipe data) as already mentioned. Using Titanium makes clean flashing not so bad
I do clear Wipe cache and dalvik I wipe everything and it boots back into a desktop and thats it no notification, the same thing happened with the first lollipop.. but after 10 flashes it finally took... so I thought Id try your de-bloated and the same thing is happening again, not sure why this is. I can jump back to kk after flashing the modem without issues. Thank you again for your work.
Pdj7969 said:
Thanks for your work. I wish I had some skill in this realm. It'd be nice to pick and choose which apps you wanted removed. I prefer the stock ATT Visual Voicemail app over the one in the Play Store as its more reliable. I also use some of the Google Apps that are removed here as well. But great job in getting something debloated out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that I use most or all of these Google apps as well. However, they update so often anyway that I prefer to just have them as user apps (otherwise you end up with 2 copies - the old static version in the system apps folder, and the updated version in the user apps folder).
As for the visual voicemail, I have posted the ATT apps in a zip in the OP. Visual voicemail is in the VVM_ATT folder.
Thanks!
cmulk,
Would you please clarify post 5 and 9 questions?
JeffDC said:
cmulk,
Would you please clarify post 5 and 9 questions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing! That's actually what I meant to do in post 13. I am not sure if you can flash over 10f without wiping data, but you could give it a try without losing anything (except time) if you look at post 13.
You should clear cache and dalvik mostly any time you are flashing, unless you are just flashing over another stock 20f ROM.
louvass said:
I do clear Wipe cache and dalvik I wipe everything and it boots back into a desktop and thats it no notification, the same thing happened with the first lollipop.. but after 10 flashes it finally took... so I thought Id try your de-bloated and the same thing is happening again, not sure why this is. I can jump back to kk after flashing the modem without issues. Thank you again for your work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried formatting /system before doing anything else? I'm not sure that will make any difference, but just for process of elimination at least
cmulk said:
Have you tried formatting /system before doing anything else? I'm not sure that will make any difference, but just for process of elimination at least
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I do clear everything but my external mem.
Ever since flashing this I'm getting "no sd card" messages every time I try to download anything ( I don't have an external sd card) but it's never been a problem before. I've restored a backup of my stock Tim and the problem followed me after full wipes.

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