[Completed] How to securely delete entire phone contents. - XDA Assist

Hi, I have a Droid Turbo with Android 5.1. It is
defective and is going back for a replacement.
I want to delete the entire contents with no
possibility to have preying eyes get at my
private information once it goes back. How can
I make sure I delete my personal info with no
possibility for anyone to retrieve the old
content.
I only have a few days to return my old phone
and I don't know how to do a "SECURE DELETE."
Thanks in advance for any help with this.

bigpotz said:
Hi, I have a Droid Turbo with Android 5.1. It is
defective and is going back for a replacement.
I want to delete the entire contents with no
possibility to have preying eyes get at my
private information once it goes back. How can
I make sure I delete my personal info with no
possibility for anyone to retrieve the old
content.
I only have a few days to return my old phone
and I don't know how to do a "SECURE DELETE."
Thanks in advance for any help with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I think factory reset does a complete wipe without leaving any traces of your data.
You may factory reset the device.
Move some files to your device. And factory reset 2nd time
This would make your old data completely inaccessible.
-Vatsal

I will do that today.
Thank you for your
help and quick reply.
Happy Holidays

Related

URGENT! recover photos after reformat

Hello everyone!
I have accidentally factory reset my SIII and I need to recover all my photos. They are vacation photos from Disneyland. I didn't backup or put them in dropbox :crying: I know I am very stupid....I should have backup. I really need help here please...
All help appreciated! Thank you!
http://www.easeus.com/datarecoverywizard/free-data-recovery-software.htm
Try this, I used it when I erased my xbox's savegames on accident.
OR (and I forgot I even had this)... Download Undelete from the Market. It does require root, though.
Hello, if you have a backup, then do not worry, just what you need to restore the backed up data can be, if the phone's data if you accidentally deleted, I used a piece of software that can help you get back, you can try:http://www.freeiphonedatarecovery.com/
James R Rhodes said:
Hello, if you have a backup, then do not worry, just what you need to restore the backed up data can be, if the phone's data if you accidentally deleted, I used a piece of software that can help you get back, you can try:http://www.freeiphonedatarecovery.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I'm getting really tired of seeing new members post in old topics. I've pointed this out I think to you also. Why do you feel the need to do this? There is off topic for this EXACT reason
And fyi that's a link to iPhone data recovery. This is clearly an android/Windows phone site
From my CM11 S3

[Q] Repair system files on Windows Phone?

I wondered if anyone knows of a way to 'repair' the system files on a fully locked Windows Phone without wiping the phone?
I've got a problem on my phone, which I've posted in various places but had no help with yet.
I'm on a Lumia 620 these days. It's a troublesome little thing, but I suppose it is new and teething so I'm sticking with it.
Thanks loads for any help!
My dear friend...
If you need to repair the system files it's because you have an unlocked one and started to play with some files or an update failed.
but since the phone is "fully locked", full flashing is the solution...
My advice, get rid of the official ROM and install any custom that can work with WP Backup, that way you'll have a backup to restore apps and its respective data to the phone, if you do a hard reset or change the ROM you can set your phone the way it was before the change.
WP Backup only work with customs...
Any help about the use PM me.
Remember, goodbye official ROM, HELLO CUSTOM...:good:
faustolg said:
If you need to repair the system files it's because you have an unlocked one and started to play with some files or an update failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's brand new, unmodified, and never been updated. It may surprise you to learn that files can be corrupted because of file system errors.
And also that you can't unlock Nokia WPs or WP8s.
And that resetting is quicker and easier than re-flashing.
And that I asked about repairing the system files without having to do either. Obviously I know I can reset since I mentioned it in my post.
So well done. A really outstanding reply. So good that I didn't finish reading it. I'll skip the PM thanks.
at45 said:
It's brand new, unmodified, and never been updated. It may surprise you to learn that files can be corrupted because of file system errors.
And also that you can't unlock Nokia WPs or WP8s.
And that resetting is quicker and easier than re-flashing.
And that I asked about repairing the system files without having to do either. Obviously I know I can reset since I mentioned it in my post.
So well done. A really outstanding reply. So good that I didn't finish reading it. I'll skip the PM thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your on a Windows phone 8 phone and that isn't unlocked/hacked in any way.
sorry to say this to you but there is no way for you to mod/fix System files on a unhacked phone
this means that you Need to do a Hard reset or Flash a new stock Rom (when possible)
So Mr. "PERFECT"...
You ask, and then you insult...
Why don't you sell that phone and get an android, since you are whining about WP, also the post is another idiotic misplaced post, since you have WP8, you have a serious sight problem: "Windows Phone 7 General" <-- This rings any bell for you?
you're asking about WP8 on WP7, you are incredibly "perfect"
I don't really care if you don't like my answers or if it helps you or not at all; next time don't even ask, since you already know the answer and you like to ask only to bash anyone who tries to give you help.

[Q] Galaxy Note 2 - where is IMEI stored?

Hi,
After installing a custom ROM, the IMEI reported by Android is different from the one on the sticker under the battery.
I believe the IMEI is somewhere in the 'efs' folder, but where exactly? There are all sorts of files and folders in that folder.
There is even a folder called 'imei', but it contains just one file called 'mps-code.dat', and that is only three bytes long, which isn't enough to contain the 15-digit IMEI.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Steve
(Phone is Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100)
Steve Thackery said:
Hi,
After installing a custom ROM, the IMEI reported by Android is different from the one on the sticker under the battery.
I believe the IMEI is somewhere in the 'efs' folder, but where exactly? There are all sorts of files and folders in that folder.
There is even a folder called 'imei', but it contains just one file called 'mps-code.dat', and that is only three bytes long, which isn't enough to contain the 15-digit IMEI.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Steve
(Phone is Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's inside the efs folder in the root of your phone.
Backing it up eh?
eatsleep said:
It's inside the efs folder in the root of your phone.
Backing it up eh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, my phone stopped working and I think it's because the IMEI has got corrupted when I was messing with various custom ROMs - it no longer matches the sticker. I want to figure out a way to fix it - I can't bear the thought that I've just bricked a fine phone that I paid good money for.
Where in the efs folder? There are loads of files and folders in there.
Thanks,
Steve
Wait wait,
You can't text or connect to the network?
Try flashing a official firmware and see if the IMEI matches...
It's not that simple to modify your IMEI n.o, special softwares are required to do this.... It's stored in .nv_data
Don't you have any efs backups?
IMEI getting corrupt is seen many times in s3 and note 2 devices....
And also, modifying your iMEi is illegal, but people out there use a software to do it.... May not be good to discuss this software here...
And one more thing, does your phone shows a generic IMEI number when you dial *#06* ?
eatsleep said:
Wait wait,
You can't text or connect to the network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying, eatsleep. That's right - the whole phone works fine. It will see all the mobile networks in my area, and will register itself on mine (O2-UK). The only thing that doesn't work is voice telephony, SMS, and mobile data.
eatsleep said:
Try flashing a official firmware and see if the IMEI matches...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've done that. No good, I'm afraid.
eatsleep said:
It's not that simple to modify your IMEI n.o, special softwares are required to do this.... It's stored in .nv_data
Don't you have any efs backups?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here I must admit to being a bloody fool. I didn't know what I was doing and messed about stupidly in CWM, mounting and unmounting, deleting, reformatting, and so on. Basically I was trying to follow several guides at the same time, and made a total mess of it.
And no, I didn't know about backing up the efs before I started.
eatsleep said:
IMEI getting corrupt is seen many times in s3 and note 2 devices....
And also, modifying your iMEi is illegal, but people out there use a software to do it.... May not be good to discuss this software here...
And one more thing, does your phone shows a generic IMEI number when you dial *#06* ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a generic one. It's really weird, because it's almost but not quite the same:
Sticker inside phone:
xxxxxx05861xxx3
*#06#:
xxxxxx05681xxx1
The ...86... has reversed to ...68... and the final 3 has become 1.
I'm an idiot and furious with myself.
Thanks again for any help you can give, though.
Steve
Wow! I've just seen how much it costs to buy that eight-tentacled device who's name shall not be mentioned.
$135 makes poor sense if it's only going to be used once. Perhaps the best idea is to check my local phone repairers until I find one who has the device?
Steve
Bumpety bump just this once:
Any chance of correcting the IMEI myself?
Thanks,
Steve
Steve Thackery said:
Thanks for replying, eatsleep. That's right - the whole phone works fine. It will see all the mobile networks in my area, and will register itself on mine (O2-UK). The only thing that doesn't work is voice telephony, SMS, and mobile data.
Yeah, I've done that. No good, I'm afraid.
Here I must admit to being a bloody fool. I didn't know what I was doing and messed about stupidly in CWM, mounting and unmounting, deleting, reformatting, and so on. Basically I was trying to follow several guides at the same time, and made a total mess of it.
And no, I didn't know about backing up the efs before I started.
Not a generic one. It's really weird, because it's almost but not quite the same:
Sticker inside phone:
The ...86... has reversed to ...68... and the final 3 has become 1.
I'm an idiot and furious with myself.
Thanks again for any help you can give, though.
Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey babe..... please remove both of your IMEIs from here and never post them again in public. I'll post back in some time.... and your IMEI looks quite fine to me but still, lemme look for some time
And, your phone is not bricked, you've just got a bad IMEI
eatsleep said:
Hey babe..... please remove both of your IMEIs from here and never post them again in public. I'll post back in some time.... and your IMEI looks quite fine to me but still, lemme look for some time
And, your phone is not bricked, you've just got a bad IMEI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for replying! I've edited my post to remove the IMEI, as requested. Perhaps you could alter the one where you quote my message?
I realise everyone must say this, but I'm genuinely not trying to do anything questionable or immoral. I just want to restore the IMEI so it's the same as the one on the sticker.
Thanks,
Steve
Steve Thackery said:
Thank you for replying! I've edited my post to remove the IMEI, as requested. Perhaps you could alter the one where you quote my message?
I realise everyone must say this, but I'm genuinely not trying to do anything questionable or immoral. I just want to restore the IMEI so it's the same as the one on the sticker.
Thanks,
Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't find some content for your device but please do one last precaution before following any more tutorials, backup your efs folder and place it in a safe place.......
If you don't find anything, I can provide you with some guides for s3 (my device ) but don't know if they'll work for you....
One advice, reset your phone and send it to any service center.... They may charge you if you are out of warranty.....
here is a random thread i found but I have a bad feeling about the person.... Carry on at your own risk but back up your current efs, it may be recoverable but can move to a unrecoverable state after some repair attempts so, we can have hope....
link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2141928&page=1
eatsleep said:
Can't find some content for your device but please do one last precaution before following any more tutorials, backup your efs folder and place it in a safe place.......
If you don't find anything, I can provide you with some guides for s3 (my device ) but don't know if they'll work for you....
One advice, reset your phone and send it to any service center.... They may charge you if you are out of warranty.....
here is a random thread i found but I have a bad feeling about the person.... Carry on at your own risk but back up your current efs, it may be recoverable but can move to a unrecoverable state after some repair attempts so, we can have hope....
link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2141928&page=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again, eatsleep! I really appreciate your continuing help.
I've gone about as deeply into this as I think I can, without trying even more bits of dodgy software from around the web which might make the situation worse. So, I think my next step should be to take it to a reputable service centre on a no-fix-no-fee basis. If they can't fix it either, then I'll regard it as a write-off and - on the grounds that there is nothing to lose - I'll have one last go with anything/everything I can find on the net.
Whatever the outcome I will report back so that others can benefit from my mistakes!
Thanks everyone who tried so hard to help - have a good weekend.
Steve
Steve Thackery said:
Thank you again, eatsleep! I really appreciate your continuing help.
I've gone about as deeply into this as I think I can, without trying even more bits of dodgy software from around the web which might make the situation worse. So, I think my next step should be to take it to a reputable service centre on a no-fix-no-fee basis. If they can't fix it either, then I'll regard it as a write-off and - on the grounds that there is nothing to lose - I'll have one last go with anything/everything I can find on the net.
Whatever the outcome I will report back so that others can benefit from my mistakes!
Thanks everyone who tried so hard to help - have a good weekend.
Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, samsung can definitely help you, but again, be sure to make a backup of current efs to get back if situation gets worse!
And if you fail, then we can try some softwares out there, which might me improper to discuss here, but leave that for only when everything fails....
Wish you all the best
Sooo, my gf and I have same phones. S7 edge. I made back up of mine superstock rom. And made back up of hers rom. We decided to change phones becouse I bought rose gold very cheap and she has gold. So, my back up i transfered to pc, which later got corrupt I dont know why. And her back up tranfered to my phone. Wiped everything. Restored her back up, and by mistake recovered her efs in my phone. Now imei shows 000000. As I said, my back up corrupted, cant open on pc, twrp shows errors of corupted file...how can i recover my imei? Flashing stock clean rom via odin or samsung swich doesnt help...
Wixcee said:
Sooo, my gf and I have same phones. S7 edge. I made back up of mine superstock rom. And made back up of hers rom. We decided to change phones becouse I bought rose gold very cheap and she has gold. So, my back up i transfered to pc, which later got corrupt I dont know why. And her back up tranfered to my phone. Wiped everything. Restored her back up, and by mistake recovered her efs in my phone. Now imei shows 000000. As I said, my back up corrupted, cant open on pc, twrp shows errors of corupted file...how can i recover my imei? Flashing stock clean rom via odin or samsung swich doesnt help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Time to send it back to Samsung for a new board. That's if they have one. Other then that you can try flashing a compete stock rom but normally that doesn't happen.
You learned a lesson. Never restore a backup from a different device.
Wixcee said:
Sooo, my gf and I have same phones. S7 edge. I made back up of mine superstock rom. And made back up of hers rom. We decided to change phones becouse I bought rose gold very cheap and she has gold. So, my back up i transfered to pc, which later got corrupt I dont know why. And her back up tranfered to my phone. Wiped everything. Restored her back up, and by mistake recovered her efs in my phone. Now imei shows 000000. As I said, my back up corrupted, cant open on pc, twrp shows errors of corupted file...how can i recover my imei? Flashing stock clean rom via odin or samsung swich doesnt help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without an IMEI/EFS backup that was created before doing this, you're not gonna find much of a solution for restoring the device.
DO NOT CONTACT ME VIA PM TO RECEIVE HELP, YOU WILL BE IGNORED. KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
eatsleep said:
Wait wait,
You can't text or connect to the network?
Try flashing a official firmware and see if the IMEI matches...
It's not that simple to modify your IMEI n.o, special softwares are required to do this.... It's stored in .nv_data
Don't you have any efs backups?
IMEI getting corrupt is seen many times in s3 and note 2 devices....
And also, modifying your iMEi is illegal, but people out there use a software to do it.... May not be good to discuss this software here...
And one more thing, does your phone shows a generic IMEI number when you dial *#06* ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
I am using SM-N9500 samsung note 8 model, i frequently change the roms.. but last time i tried to install a custom rom and then i lost IMEI. i am getting error like IMEI-unknown, baseband- unknown, no network and sim cards not working..
i tried installing stock rom, custom roms, it was installing successfully but IMEI is not working. i didnt even back up my EFS folder. So, kindly help me to get back my IMEI.
please find below link to see all the procedures i followed and failed. kindly help me to restore my IMEI.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https:...246000&usg=AFQjCNF056_y5gTI2xpc9jM_I0ZlfkgpkA

How to permanently delete/ recover Android browsing history?

Hello everyone. I would like to know how can I get rid of my Android history forever. My parents know an android specialist and I don't want them to know what i did some weeks before ( yes, i admit i did wrong). Can someone help me?
P.S. I have already deleted my browser history, formatted my sd card AND factory reset my phone. And about the recovery, i want to make sure the deleting process is completed. Thank you very much
elysianw said:
Hello everyone. I would like to know how can I get rid of my Android history forever. My parents know an android specialist and I don't want them to know what i did some weeks before ( yes, i admit i did wrong). Can someone help me?
P.S. I have already deleted my browser history, formatted my sd card AND factory reset my phone. And about the recovery, i want to make sure the deleting process is completed. Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're almost certainly okay. There's no way they could get it through there unless they're some genius. Question the guy's "specialist" status. He's probably some kid that knows about xda.

Question S22 ultra

hi, I need some info, is it possible to restore the phone which, when first turned on, lets you choose the language etc etc like when it's new without doing a restore? perhaps by deleting something
nobody can tell me
massimomax74 said:
nobody can tell me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you are describing is the normal behaviour of an Android phone on first boot after reset (or when fresh from factory). There is nothing to restore, the phone is not yet set up and there is no data on it....
If the phone was indeed not new/reset: If you need some help it would be helpful to describe more in detail what happened, what you did to get there and/or what you are trying to achieve ....
Just my 2 cents
I agree with above post. What are you wanting to restore? In my opinion you will have to factory reset if you want to start from scratch. Unless your device is International and you are rooted with Twrp and you created a backup...then you would have something to restore.

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