Hi, I've been meaning to write this since 2016 or 2017, I think, butI think I can still remember all the important details of this crisis...
So I had rooted this 'Galaxy Avant' phone originally so I could disable/remove the extra stuff of the systems' in the hopes of improving the phones' performance, but I didn't change the OS from whag metropcs gave me at that time. I also had a password and/or a pin lock on both the sd card, startup, and internal memory. Everything was okay until I ran into a wifi issue where it wasn't connecting to a semi-public wifi hotspot, so I thought if I cleared the wifi apps' cache the issue would go away. Trouble was I didn't know that the wifi cache wasfor some reasin the same as the system's cache, and a few seconds after clearing it, my phone crashed, and continued to restart itself. So I panicked and tried removing the password/pin locks for easier backup to recovery/resetting. Well the external sdcard managed to decrypt, but when I proceeded to attempt the same for the device, it decided to factory reset itself.
I lost nearly everything from that event. I did periodic backups to the sd card but not daily and since that phone was also responsible for my own memory retention, at least a month or two of my soul is still missing. Any new contact, commitment, itinerary, life decision, goal, deadline, or other important note from that time was wiped and can't be found anywhere else, and I still don't know who else is or was affected from this (especially if I had just made their acquaitance).
So all that to say I must get this device back to how it was before the cache-wiping incident. The phone hasn't been turned on since, except to dump the system image onto my linux desktop. With testdisk I can see what I assume are the deleted partitions from before the factory reset, but I don't know how to undelete+decrypt them and/or copy them back to the device. Please tell me honestly that there's a way to do this, and what that way is. My functioning really depends on it...
shmusername said:
Hi, I've been meaning to write this since 2016 or 2017, I think, butI think I can still remember all the important details of this crisis...
So I had rooted this 'Galaxy Avant' phone originally so I could disable/remove the extra stuff of the systems' in the hopes of improving the phones' performance, but I didn't change the OS from whag metropcs gave me at that time. I also had a password and/or a pin lock on both the sd card, startup, and internal memory. Everything was okay until I ran into a wifi issue where it wasn't connecting to a semi-public wifi hotspot, so I thought if I cleared the wifi apps' cache the issue would go away. Trouble was I didn't know that the wifi cache wasfor some reasin the same as the system's cache, and a few seconds after clearing it, my phone crashed, and continued to restart itself. So I panicked and tried removing the password/pin locks for easier backup to recovery/resetting. Well the external sdcard managed to decrypt, but when I proceeded to attempt the same for the device, it decided to factory reset itself.
I lost nearly everything from that event. I did periodic backups to the sd card but not daily and since that phone was also responsible for my own memory retention, at least a month or two of my soul is still missing. Any new contact, commitment, itinerary, life decision, goal, deadline, or other important note from that time was wiped and can't be found anywhere else, and I still don't know who else is or was affected from this (especially if I had just made their acquaitance).
So all that to say I must get this device back to how it was before the cache-wiping incident. The phone hasn't been turned on since, except to dump the system image onto my linux desktop. With testdisk I can see what I assume are the deleted partitions from before the factory reset, but I don't know how to undelete+decrypt them and/or copy them back to the device. Please tell me honestly that there's a way to do this, and what that way is. My functioning really depends on it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to Sammobile .com or samsung-updates .com, enter your model number in their search feature to find your stock firmware. If you can find the firmware, you can use Odin to flash the firmware to restore the device to normal function.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
Go to Sammobile .com or samsung-updates .com, enter your model number in their search feature to find your stock firmware. If you can find the firmware, you can use Odin to flash the firmware to restore the device to normal function.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but the device already functions normally; it reset itself to factory defaults, after all.
I just want to be able to restore the device to as it was before the accidental cache wipe—apps as they were, files, and all...
shmusername said:
Thanks, but the device already functions normally; it reset itself to factory defaults, after all.
I just want to be able to restore the device to as it was before the accidental cache wipe—apps as they were, files, and all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you mean you want to recover your lost data. All I can say is try some data recovery software on PC, there isn't any guarantee that it will work though. Data recovery on android is not very reliable.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Related
While I have been using my Note for about a week and a half now I have been carefull to use it in a way that does not keep any stuff on it that I would hate to lose. My plan has always been to do a factory reset after two weeks to a month when I was clearer on how exactly i use it.
So now that I'm thinking about it. i would like to know what a factory reset means for the Note.
I know what it means with a PC. In the old days, it would reformat a disk reinstall the OS and preinstalled crap.
In newer days basically the same thing, but as a restore from an image. This meant that, other then for a little wear, you could not distinguish a the computer from the day you bought it.
How does this differ from a tablet reset?
My understanding is that you get an updated version of the tablet -- ie-- the one you would get if you bought it now versus the one that you get when you actually bought it.
Do I get a choice about what version of Android I get? ( Meaning that if JB is the present store version, could I still get ICS if I don't want the upgrade? )
All it does is wipe the /data and /sdcard partitions so all your settings and files are erased. . It does not touch the Android OS. You will remain on the same version of Android.
As above, all data is wiped. It is restored to out of the box condition however if you have upgraded your OS it will be the newer OS that is restored.
If you have put a custom rom on it this will be the rom restored, it will NOT return to stock even though I've met people who argue otherwise....:silly::laugh:
ultramag69 said:
As above, all data is wiped. It is restored to out of the box condition however if you have upgraded your OS it will be the newer OS that is restored.
If you have put a custom rom on it this will be the rom restored, it will NOT return to stock even though I've met people who argue otherwise....:silly::laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sigh. "Stock" is one of those terms that no one likes to admit they don't know. Since no one admits they don't know what it means it picks up a variety of similar but different meanings. So what do you mean by "stock".
The truth is that since I got my note, I've been ( looking down at crotch in shame) practicing unsafe computing. Nothing Illegal ( in other words no warez ) but I have been goofing around with it and making a mess. Plus adding apps from other stores then the app store, most notably the Opera store. Now I am a bit worried about viruses especially those based on the "Exynos exploit". On top of that when messing around, I'm sure that I accidentally created empty folders and empty files. Knowing those are there even though I can't find them is annoying.
So I would like to make it like it was brand new. That's what I would do for a desktop or laptop.
Its okay. As long as you are on the latest 4.1.2 rom your device and stuff is safe from being exploited since Sammy fixed the exploit.
Stock is basically the state the device came out of the factory in. Except in the case of rom updates explained above. All the apps on the device are whatSamung have installed on the device. There is NO user information. Basically, it reverts back to the state when you first unpacked the box and cast your eyes upon it for the first time. In other words, it goes from being a two bit whore to a vestal virgin untouched by human hands.
The only way to jump Android versions is via Odin for non rooted devices. Rooted devices can install updates via custom recoveries and mobile version of odin.
If a user wanted to go back to ICS from Jelly Bean they would need to download the Stock Rom from either Samfirmware or from a link found on here via the search. Once downloaded they would need to flash via odin using a PC. Updates arrive via Kies, Over The Air or where most of us get them Samfirmware or a link on here.
IF you are worried that you might have downloaded something cheap and nasty that will nick your wallet while you're asleep then I suggest performing a full factory reset. Give the lady her dignity back To do this you need to boot into recovery mode. Switch the device off, hold down volume down (nearest the power button) then press and hold the power button until the samsung logo appears, keep holding the volume down button until it enters recovery. Using the volume up/down buttons scroll down to perform factory/data reset. Click the power button to select it. Scroll down to confirm and press power button again.
Make sure you back up anything you want to keep on the device. Save it to the external SD card which doesn't get wiped during a reset. Once the device resets you will have a fresh out of the box experience to set up and abuse as you see fit. Just stay away from those red light app stores and you will be fine
This only applies to stock recovery, NOT CWM...
As I said though, if you have updated to a new OS (OTA, Official from another area or custom), this is the OS that you will reset to.
It's not quite out of the box as it doesn't store the original rom supplied. However all user data, apps, system settings and call/sms logs are wiped to be like it was out of the box...
If you have something on the internal memory you want to keep, photos or music/video, then you nee to back it up to PC or external sd because after you run the factory reset then it won't be there.
Quick question. After back up your apps to your sd card using Titanium, do you have to take your card out when performing the factory reset? So will the factory reset wipe the sd card as well?
In order to get your apps back you need to install titanium first thing and then run the back up to get all your apps back, correct?
deeselcyde said:
Quick question. After back up your apps to your sd card using Titanium, do you have to take your card out when performing the factory reset? So will the factory reset wipe the sd card as well?
In order to get your apps back you need to install titanium first thing and then run the back up to get all your apps back, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to remove sdcard.. And yes you are correct..
Sent From Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 [N8013]
Just make sure you have backed up to external sd card as backing up to sd card may mean internal card... Real good idea except you then loose everything when you factory reset... Lots of people make this mistake...
Hi
The tab P6800 I got here with me had data corruption, boot-loop. I tried to flash CWM/TWRP using odin to backup the data first, but unfortunately whenever flash complete (without error) and the device reboot, it still go back to stock recovery. I think this tab had some kind of protection.
Gaining root in stock recovery, I managed to backup the data using dd. However when I tried to wipe and reboot, nothing changed. It boots back with all previous data intact.
Then I tried to manually zeroed out the partition using dd. No luck there, stills intact.
Tried to mount the data partition, delete and write some stuff into it, it can successfully delete, write and read back. However when rebooted, the data is gone and back to where it was before. Which probably means the data written before probably cached into ram.
Is the memory is in some kind of read-only mode? Is there is any fix for this? Or is it just emmc wear out and need a board replacement?
Sorry to hear your experience, it does seem remarkably similar to mine that I posted here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-7-7/help/wont-install-rom-wont-install-apps-t2908578
I never did find a solution though but if you get some success I should love to hear it.
Likewise I suspect the emmc, I think I have the superbrick bug as I recall running the test app when I first got the device. So I am guessing this has manifested itself. Very frustrating too, my Tab is in tip top condition otherwise.
Sorry to hear you too.
I already tried everything I can think of except NAND erase and Flash lock on ODIN. Don't know what flash lock means though.
Guess replacing emmc/board is the only way to solve it now.
I'm giving up.
Hi ~
- Be kind with me, it's my first post! -
I'm facing a very bad problem with my Galaxy S6. A week ago I received an OTA from Samsung and I installed it. My phone rebooted and showed the bugdroid, meaning that the update was progressing. After that, the device keep rebooting over and over just after I entered my encryption password. I said to myself that I can try to wipe the cache because maybe an application was causing this problem. But now, the device is only showing the Samsung logo then just shut himself off.
Now I need your help to get my data. The hard part is that my device is encrypted. After many hour of search I see two solutions:
Flash the rom via ODIN
Install TWRP which can read encrypted volumes
The first solution seems easy and I keep the warranty. The problem is that I'm not 100% sure that flashing the rom again will not touch the /data and /sdext partitions (and the header/footer where master key are to decrypt the volume).
The second solution seems safer and should not touch any other partitions. But knox counter will be incremented and I will loose my warranty.
So, does anyone could test if flashing the rom via ODIN do not absolutely touch encrypted volumes and certificate that I will be able to get my data again?
Thank you a lot
Have a leap of faith. Go ahead and flash. Otherwise bring it to Samsung for warranty repair. They may be able to recover your data for you.
roydok said:
Have a leap of faith. Go ahead and flash. Otherwise bring it to Samsung for warranty repair. They may be able to recover your data for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to be sure and I don't want to loose any photos if possible, so no
I already tried to go in a Samsung repair store (Allo PSM), but they just don't care about my data, their job is just to make the phone working again.
So Anyone is able to confirm to me that flashing stock Galaxy S6 ROM (AP Via Odin) doesn't touch the /data and /sdext partition that are encrypted?
After many hours of search, I was able to make my phone working again!
For anyone concerned by the problem in the future, here's some informations:
You can flash a stock rom, your encrypted /data will not be erased and you will be prompt to enter your password on the next boot
In my case flashing a newer rom didn't solve my problem (bootloop after entering the password of the encrypted partition). I had to flash the rom that was in the phone before the OTA.
Now everything seems to working again. No data were lost, all my configuration was saved. Android showed a message that a problem occurred during the upgrade process and I sent logs to Samsung, hoping that it will help them!
Hey,
I want to completely wipe my Samsung S6 before I sell it/giver it away, so that when the new user won't find anything when they scan the device for deleted files.
What's the best way to achieve this?
I figured Encrypting my device and doing a factory reset or wipe within TWRP would suffice, but does it? Has anybody achieved a completely clean device and how?
freekystar said:
Hey,
I want to completely wipe my Samsung S6 before I sell it/giver it away, so that when the new user won't find anything when they scan the device for deleted files.
What's the best way to achieve this?
I figured Encrypting my device and doing a factory reset or wipe within TWRP would suffice, but does it? Has anybody achieved a completely clean device and how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IShredder works for me.. Or just do it oldschool.. Delete and factory reset. Stuff your phone with crap files to overwrite old files and do that as many times as you feel safe and done.. And if you want to experiment with it try to use some recovery software after to see if you got rid of everything
Horgyboy said:
IShredder works for me.. Or just do it oldschool.. Delete and factory reset. Stuff your phone with crap files to overwrite old files and do that as many times as you feel safe and done.. And if you want to experiment with it try to use some recovery software after to see if you got rid of everything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that only works for traditional hard drives rather than on flash memory (SSD/NAND) -- It would seem to me encrypting and factory reset/full wipe in TWRP would work better.
Installing stock firmware encrypts the phone, factory reset/full wipe to completely wipe the data including the key that unlocks the data and doing that another time would probably make data inaccessible especially after a time of use.
AFAIK custom roms are usually not encrypted to allow root to be installed.
I could be wrong however... Has anybody got experience using this method?
The phone needs to be encrypted first before performing a factory reset. Factory reset will make it look like all data has been deleted but actually personal info like photos, texts, emails etc will still be stored in memory and just marked as deleted. This means they can be quite easily restored if someone decides to use a data recovery tool on your phone once it's out of your hands. Both data encryption and factory reset can be done easily from the phone's settings. Data encryption is in the Lock Screen and Security section. Reset can also be done remotely from the findmymobile.samsung website
Hi. i have an issue with my tablet and samsung support wants me to do a factory reset.
My question is then if i flash a firmware from samfrew.com will that remove as much data as a factory reset? or is the data stored in another partition or something similar to that?
A Factory Reset - as it name implies - only restores Android phone to the state it was brought into the market, it does NOT alter phone's Android as flashing a firmware does.
ok? so are you saying that doing the factory reset will rollback all the software updates samsung has rolled out?
Masterkong said:
ok? so are you saying that doing the factory reset will rollback all the software updates samsung has rolled out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but factory reset, will wipe your internal drive completely. If you have a sd card store all your photos/music etc on sd card.
Only real time, you want to flash stock firmware
etc, is if you eg... want to upgrade your firmware to newer versions, or come back from root.etc.. etc.
Chances are... if you don't know what you doing... you can soft brick your device etc.!
Factory reset, seems like the better options.?
Even though once or twice (in the past) , a factory reset, did not help, where flashing correct, Official firmware version, actually help solved my issue.
So it's your choice.!
Good luck.
to
Masterkong said:
Hi. i have an issue with my tablet and samsung support wants me to do a factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the issue?
Try clearing the system cache; it never hurts, it's easy and can cure erratic behavior.
Old loads will probably benefit with a clean load but for minor issues it's a shotgun overkill approach to troubleshooting.
Techs like because it works and makes things real easy... for them, not you!
Worse the issue can easily reoccur if it was caused by an app, setting, etc. Normally it's best to find the root cause rather than do a factory reset.
Exceptions are old loads and if you did a OS upgrade, in which case a factory reload fully warranted.
A reflash should only be done to upgrade or if the original factory load image has been corrupted (very unlikely).
ok.
i have an samsung galaxy tab S6 and since the upgrade to Android 11/OneUI3.1 international key on any hardware keyboard stopped working. regardless of layout set. Dvorak etc. does work though.
so i think it is a software bug and not some lingering configuration.
support asked me first to clear the cache on samsung keyboard app and when that didnt work they asked me to reset all settings in general management. no bueno there either. next thing they want me to do is facory data reset.
so my thinking is if this is a software bug that won't do any good. but reflashing the tablet with android 10 should work if the faulty software is in android 11, or rather in samsungs OneUI i guess.
does this make sense?
but i digressed. what i wanted to learn was what data is affected in a factory reset compared to a firmware flashing.
Masterkong said:
but i digressed. what i wanted to learn was what data is affected in a factory reset compared to a firmware flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I basically answered your questionin above post..!
Factory reset will wipe your internal data.!
Where as flashing correct Official Firmware depends...... .!
eg If you do a dirty flash... you keep your data..! Data stays intact, but chances are "anything" (system apps) can get corrupted.?
Resulting eg, in excessive battery drain or an app not working properly.
(In Samsung devices when flashing you use /if you flash... eg Home_CSC etc with the other relevant files)
Otherwise/alternative, if you flash
(.. with the correct Official Firmware using)
eg CSC_XXX file, your device will automatically factory reset..!
Bottom line is, it depends how you flash your device.
example.....
HOME_CSC_xxx -> data will stay intact.
CSC_xxx-> device will factory reset.
Note,
If you knew the basics, about flashing official firmware......
you should have known, above information.?
So i suggest that either you do some reading /research, regarding flashing correct official
Firmware etc or you stand risk of soft
bricking you device..
Good luck
Masterkong said:
but i digressed. what i wanted to learn was what data is affected in a factory reset compared to a firmware flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All critical data photos, contacts, music, vids, etc should already fully backed up, redundantly.
The whole idea of a reload or flash is a fresh start from issues that are present.
OS's are 100% expendable, critical data is not.
It's a little game to see how long you can keep a OS copy running well, but that's all it is.
Erratic behavior could indicate a virus or rootkit.
A benign instability could end up corrupting important data, even backups.
I'm ready to reload -now- should be how you roll; keep your data organized and backed up.
If you have a SD card slot, use it as a data drive. OS/programs/download folder on the internal memory or primary drive, and all critical data on the the data drive. You can nuke the OS but your data is safely (hopefully) still on the data drive, you backup that drive at least twice.