Database Users

How to PROPERLY Flash a ROM

Since I have seen alot of individuals within ROM threads stating things such as, "Your ROM bricked my phone." or "I can't get your new ROM to install." decided to make this guide. Hopefully it will solve this issue and help educate people.
What not flasing correctly can do:
1. Cause your phone not to boot
2. Cause Force closes and issues
3. POSSIBLY Brick your phone (though I have not seen an Eris Brick yet)
We must also remember that:
1. The devs of these ROMs are NOT responsible for any damage to your phone
2. The devs spend alot of time with testing to make sure the ROM works.
3. A ROM will NOT always flash over a previous ROM
OK.. So onto the main topic..
assuming you are rooted and using AMON's Recovery. I suggest AMON's because Clockwork has had recent issues. Big thanks to AMON for this!
How to install a ROM properly:
1. Boot into recovery ( with either reboot to recovery option or powerdown and then holding volume up and power )
2. Goto Backup/Restore and do a NAND Back-Up
3. Do a data/factory wipe ( NOTE: if the dev says you can flash over an old version you dont NEED to do this, but if you don't do this and the ROM is not booting then I suggest you restart this process [minus the back-up] and do a data/factory wipe)
4. Do a Dalvik Wipe... 3 times (ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS do this)
5. Flash ROM
6. Reboot and Wait ( after a Dalvik wipe and flashing ROMs first boot can take 3+ minutes to load... BE PATIENT )
More to Come...

If you could, please explain what a Dalvik flash does. Thanks in adavnce, and thanks for this thread. I've never had any issues flashing, but it's nice to see someone explain the basics....

MOS95B said:
If you could, please explain what a Dalvik flash does. Thanks in adavnce, and thanks for this thread. I've never had any issues flashing, but it's nice to see someone explain the basics....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Dalvik cache is a program cache area for the program Dalvik. Dalvik is a java based virtual machine that is the bases for running your programs (the ones that have the .apk extension). In order to make access times faster (because there's not JIT (just in time) compiler installed by default), the Dalvik-cache is the result of Dalvik doing a optimization of the running program." - Taken From Android forums
Basically it analyzes the phone before it boots. Then it sees what apps you have and will use and assigns cache to them. This way they will load quickly and properly.
When you flash a new ROM apps can change, or if you do a data/factory reset those apps are gone. SO wiping the Dalvik allows it to rebuild itself for what YOU are using.
This is also good to do after cleaning out or removing many unused apps from the phone. I usually do it once a week AT LEAST.

With the exception of a 2.1 ROM running apps2sd on an ext partition, is there really any point to wipe Dalvik if you have just done a wipe data/factory reset (which also wipes Dalvik cache)? And what exactly is the point of wiping Dalvik three times - why is once not enough? Is there something wrong with Amon Recovery which prevents a full Dalvik wipe unless you do it more than once?
It certainly doesn't hurt to wipe Dalvik after a wipe data/factory reset, but it should be already wiped.

I'm still fairly new, but I've flashed quite a bit. I didn't know to wipe dalvik x3. that's an interesting bit of info. Any reason why? Thanks

lp4261 said:
I'm still fairly new, but I've flashed quite a bit. I didn't know to wipe dalvik x3. that's an interesting bit of info. Any reason why? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safety reasons... personally I do factory then dalvik 3x then factory again and dalvik 3x again.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

I tried this and now I have a paper weight lol j/k

tazzpatriot said:
I tried this and now I have a paper weight lol j/k
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My plan worked
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

I believe the reason is that sometimes even after a wipe people have reported residual data in the cache, I personally don't do it three times but I do a wipe, dalvik, dalvik, wipe.
Its not going to hurt anything and it gives me piece of mind.

Delvaris said:
I believe the reason is that sometimes even after a wipe people have reported residual data in the cache, I personally don't do it three times but I do a wipe, dalvik, dalvik, wipe.
Its not going to hurt anything and it gives me piece of mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool. Thanks for the good info.

x3? I do once before and once after. Frankly once before has been enough for me... though I suppose being safe has never hurt.

If the dalvik cache still won't clear after 3 times you can piss on your phone. That seems to really help.

in most cases once is enough but like I said, it's not likely to hurt anything to give it a couple of wipes to make sure all the junk data is cleared.

Let me put it this way...
I wont use a public toilet just by seeing it is clean... ill clean it like twice ...
This is why I dalvik 3 times lol
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

icbeer said:
If the dalvik cache still won't clear after 3 times you can piss on your phone. That seems to really help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that today.. now my phone wont turn on... any fix?...
Jk
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

It would be interesting for someone like Amon to comment on the need to wipe data or recovery more than one time. In my opinion, once is enough. I'm 100% confident than wipes #2, #3, and so on are wiping blank space...

hallstevenson said:
It would be interesting for someone like Amon to comment on the need to wipe data or recovery more than one time. In my opinion, once is enough. I'm 100% confident than wipes #2, #3, and so on are wiping blank space...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally and others have experienced residual data... so is three too much... maybe... but its safe... two might be a better choice... this guide was made to make sure you have no issues... therefore I said three times for safety... if you want to just do it once... be my guest
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

At the risk sounding like an idiot, I must ask this:
You mention wiping the Dalvik once a week. When you do this wipe, do you replace it (flash) something over it? Or can you simply wipe then reboot.
Sent from my FroyoEris using XDA App

J&M said:
At the risk sounding like an idiot, I must ask this:
You mention wiping the Dalvik once a week. When you do this wipe, do you replace it (flash) something over it? Or can you simply wipe then reboot.
Sent from my FroyoEris using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, just wipe and boot. After wiping dalvik, it will redo your app tree or configuration if you will, just clears all the current info and rebuilds it fresh.
Great thread, people still need it I guess

workshed said:
Yep, just wipe and boot. After wiping dalvik, it will redo your app tree or configuration if you will, just clears all the current info and rebuilds it fresh.
Great thread, people still need it I guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol thanks buddy!
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

Help with flashing anything to my nook

I have tried to flash my nook several times. First with deeperblues honeycomb and then with cm7. On the honeycomb flash it just hangs on the android_ screen and with the CM7 it hangs on the cyanogen splash screen.
Have tried with different versions of CWR and different SD cards. have tried formatting boot and without for the Honeycomb. Always formatting cache, data and system for both cm7 and honeycomb.
Each time, i flash back to 1.0.1 stock, then root, then try to flash the mod again.
It always works returning to the stock 1.0.1 using the cwr complete restore found on the nook color portal. And the autonooter always works as well.
This is frustrating me as im not amble to install any cool mod on the nook. Does anyone have any ideas as to why my NC is resisting any change i make to it other than root stock 1.0.1?

It sounds like a symptom of not wiping data, but you said you're doing that...
Just to be clear, before flashing, you're doing "wipe data/factory reset", then "wipe cache", then "wipe dalvik cache"? Formatting /system shouldn't be necessary but I guess it wouldn't hurt.

STaria said:
It sounds like a symptom of not wiping data, but you said you're doing that...
Just to be clear, before flashing, you're doing "wipe data/factory reset", then "wipe cache", then "wipe dalvik cache"? Formatting /system shouldn't be necessary but I guess it wouldn't hurt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried the wife data/factory reset option once when trying to flash honey comb. Still gave me the same issue. All of the how to's i read had me formatting the data, cache and system, and depending on the how to sometimes the boot partition as well. Have been following those to the letters. This is the first time i have heard of wiping the dalvik cache, is that different than wiping cache under the mounts and storage?

Was there a color sticker on the box of your Nook?
Also, have you tried doing an SD only install rather than flashing the internal?

fuul4nook said:
Was there a color sticker on the box of your Nook?
Also, have you tried doing an SD only install rather than flashing the internal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about the color sticker on the box when i bought it. It was right after it came out so going on a year ago. I have tried the SD only install, that works with honeycomb at least, thats the only one i have tried, all be it laggy because i only have a class 2 card at best.

jonwymore said:
Not sure about the color sticker on the box when i bought it. It was right after it came out so going on a year ago. I have tried the SD only install, that works with honeycomb at least, thats the only one i have tried, all be it laggy because i only have a class 2 card at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some searching and i think what your eluding to is maybe my partition is the new style(although like i said i bought it within about a week or two of it originally being released)? would running the repartition in CWR make a difference do you think?

The option to wipe dalvik cache is under "advanced" in CWR. Try that in conjunction with a data and cache wipe.
As for the partitions, I don't think it should make a difference. It also sounds like you're on the old partitioning scheme which is the better one to have. You could try flashing the repartition/reformat zips just for the hell of it. Personally I went with the custom 2/4 setup.

STaria said:
The option to wipe dalvik cache is under "advanced" in CWR. Try that in conjunction with a data and cache wipe.
As for the partitions, I don't think it should make a difference. It also sounds like you're on the old partitioning scheme which is the better one to have. You could try flashing the repartition/reformat zips just for the hell of it. Personally I went with the custom 2/4 setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will try once with wiping the delvik cache, data, and cache. I wont wipe the system or the boot. If that doesnt work, il try the repartition and start from scratch. If anyone can think of anything else please let me know.

[Q] Back to factory setting, no trash file left?

Hai all, I'm new to iconia. I've been flashing a custom ROM, a Taboonay ROM, great ROM.
I'm curious about get the original setup like a brand new iconia, without any trash folder after I restored my stock ROM. Tried with hitting the reset button, but it didn't work at all, still got the titanium backup folder and documents..is there anyway i could do to make it clean like i bought from the shop?
Thank you for your response..

hhmmmm
I may be missing a step here, but...
Boot into cwm
Clear user data, cache, dalvik, battery cache
Flash stock rom using cwm
Clear user data, cache, dalvik, battery cache
Someone please correct me if I am missing something here

Works for me. Have done so a few times.

entropy.of.avarice said:
I may be missing a step here, but...
Boot into cwm
Clear user data, cache, dalvik, battery cache
Flash stock rom using cwm
Clear user data, cache, dalvik, battery cache
Someone please correct me if I am missing something here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
erica_renee said:
Works for me. Have done so a few times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this steps so many times, but still the old folder exsist, thank you for the response.

There is a thread in the Dec section that talks about during entering recovery switching the orientation rocker.and also a thread of putting a blank file landed something then flashing that as well.both of these or one might be related to your issue.
Good luck.I just remember reading those threads.have not tried either as no need to.

erica_renee said:
There is a thread in the Dec section that talks about during entering recovery switching the orientation rocker.and also a thread of putting a blank file landed something then flashing that as well.both of these or one might be related to your issue.
Good luck.I just remember reading those threads.have not tried either as no need to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, pretty sure the orientation rocker startup is just for clearing cache - I could be wrong. Took me like 20 times to get it to work, remember using it a few times when i thought I had bricked my a500

erica_renee said:
There is a thread in the Dec section that talks about during entering recovery switching the orientation rocker.and also a thread of putting a blank file landed something then flashing that as well.both of these or one might be related to your issue.
Good luck.I just remember reading those threads.have not tried either as no need to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thank you, i'll look for it..cheers..

follow these steps and your device will be just like new ( no leftovers )
Especially step #5 where it formatted the boot, system, and data:
It's like you formatted the hard drive on your desktop before installing the OS
wiping the cache & factory reset is not enough !!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=15383719#post15383719

UnicornKaz said:
follow these steps and your device will be just like new ( no leftovers )
Especially step #5 where it formatted the boot, system, and data:
It's like you formatted the hard drive on your desktop before installing the OS
wiping the cache & factory reset is not enough !!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=15383719#post15383719
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think i'll try it, because only wipe & factory reset still keep all folder like gameloft, titanium, etc..even all downloaded files remain exsist...so it's not enough...

[GUIDE] Proper FULL wipe

I know this is not a development thread but I must insist we have something like this in this area. I would ask a mod to keep this sticky or maybe link to it from another sticky thread. I feel it's important to all development for accurate results and debug information.
I see this all the time. People think they are fully wiping when a developer asks for it. I believe that some people still don't understand what a full wipe is because there is no such single option in ClockWorkMod Recovery. Most likely the reason for that is because Koush didn't want too many posts about "I'm stuck on Google logo" or "my phone won't boot". So here is a test you can do yourself: Backup your ROM of course, and then do a full wipe. Then don't install anything and just reboot. If you end up pass the Google logo and onto the boot loop screen, then what you think is a full wipe is incorrect. If you are stuck on the Google logo and nothing is happening however, then congratulations... you know what you're doing
For the rest of you, here are proper steps to fully wipe without leaving any trace of ROM on your phone:
wipe data/factory reset
format /system
format /boot
Now most people think that the first option is enough. That may often be the case but because the developer can drastically change the contents of the /system folder, things can get messed up if you don't format it. And guess what, that first option will not do it. Wipe data/factory reset only wipes the /data folder which contains your personal settings and all the apps you installed. The ROM is then left blank as if you just flashed it and you can start over. FYI, the format of boot partition simply wipes the boot animation and you can restore it using the advance option in recovery from ROM to another.
I've seen some zip files which do this automatically so that's fine but at least you know what needs to be done to fully wipe.
There you go. I hope this clears some things. Now lets flash some ROMs!

Thank you
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

Sticky please!

I follow the above wipe method for my Epic Touch 4G,SGSII, with the exception of flashing Calkulins Format All.zip at the very end and i havent experienced any issues yet. Hope i didnt just jinx myself...

Simple, yet I'm sure beginners miss it. I also vote for a sticky.

Isn't the dalvik cache stored in the /data partition?
Hence, factory reset necessarily wipes dalvik but wipe dalvik only wipes the dalvik portion of the data partition?
Sent from my Sammy Nexus 4G using XDA App

all we need is a zip that does all of that and were good!!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

no need to wipe when restoring?

Or use amonRA. Best recovery yet.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

donsh00tmesanta said:
no need to wipe when restoring?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, restoring will format each partition before it restores it.

+1 for sticky
This is one reason I like the cwm mods...all the wipe options are in one place

kdepro said:
Isn't the dalvik cache stored in the /data partition?
Hence, factory reset necessarily wipes dalvik but wipe dalvik only wipes the dalvik portion of the data partition?
Sent from my Sammy Nexus 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Forgot that its the case. Op edited. Only 3 steps now.

Hi I really like your thread!
Can I post a similar thread on the Vibrant forum? I'll give you credit!
Sent from my Surround.

Does anyone know the edify syntax off the top of their head to properly accomplish this? most of my attempts haven't seemed to work. would they all be formatted EMMC, even SDcard and system?

Or switch to a better recovery.
http://rzdroid.com/ftp/recovery/gingerbread/2.1.4/RZR-2.1.4-download.html
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

VeryCoolAlan said:
Hi I really like your thread!
Can I post a similar thread on the Vibrant forum? I'll give you credit!
Sent from my Surround.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem go ahead. The more people know the better.

pfer10 said:
Or switch to a better recovery.
http://rzdroid.com/ftp/recovery/gingerbread/2.1.4/RZR-2.1.4-download.html
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer kush's recovery. And this is a feature as far as I'm concerned. I usually don't do system format but when doing beta or alfa testing this is a must.

really2 good post man.. i've flash rom with full wipe as u said.. thanks a lot dude..
oICSv43 - *Matri1x* v13.0

Thanks. I never realized i should format the /boot. I have never done that.

Evo_Shift said:
Thanks. I never realized i should format the /boot. I have never done that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well technically you shouldn't have to but this thread is about a full wipe so to wipe any traces you need to wipe it.

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime too laggy

please anyone help
every time i flashing a rom it going to be too laggy even after a full wipe !
even after changing the recovery the proplem not resolved !!

No solutions. All of us have this lag problem. Maybe it has something to do with our device from production.

Try wiping the whole device 3-4 times without -rf option enabled. It works. If it isn't working the use dreamstar's recovery and wipe the device

me too have the lag issue now
---------- Post added at 08:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:35 PM ----------
SupulEdirisinghe said:
Try wiping the whole device 3-4 times without -rf option enabled. It works. If it isn't working the use dreamstar's recovery and wipe the device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried wiping 3 times also used dreamstar's cwm recovery but found no use
still the device is too much laggy
until now no solution is found

ashish1989 said:
me too have the lag issue now
Tried wiping 3 times also used dreamstar's cwm recovery but found no use
still the device is too much laggy
until now no solution is found
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you wiped the whole device? I meant system + data + internal + dalvik + cache.. whenever I exclude internal the lags continue..
BTW i meant dreamstar's TWRP recovery

SupulEdirisinghe said:
Did you wiped the whole device? I meant system + data + internal + dalvik + cache.. whenever I exclude internal the lags continue..
BTW i meant dreamstar's TWRP recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m sorry I mean TWRP recovery and yes after going to advanced wipe I wiped everything excluding external sd card and flashed stock rom
Tried this many times but getting huge lags
Any suggestions????

You have to format data buddy. Instead of going to advanced wipe choose "wipe data"
Then flash Stock and then you can flash any rom afterwards. No lags guaranteed

SupulEdirisinghe said:
You have to format data buddy. Instead of going to advanced wipe choose "wipe data"
Then flash Stock and then you can flash any rom afterwards. No lags guaranteed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are only three options in twrp i.e. advanced wipe, format data and swipe to factory reset
Which one to choose

My mistake I meant format data there. Choose format data. It'll take a while but does the job

SupulEdirisinghe said:
My mistake I meant format data there. Choose format data. It'll take a while but does the job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok let me try
Will reply shortly

SupulEdirisinghe said:
My mistake I meant format data there. Choose format data. It'll take a while but does the job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done format data but still getting lags
Any other solution

Now I'm facing something like that..

SupulEdirisinghe said:
Now I'm facing something like that..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done format data and after that going to advanced wipe I have done wipe system and cache
Done these steps many times but still facing lags
Guys anybody have solution for these lags
Using TWRP 3.0.0 and 3.1.1 from Dreamstar bro

ashish1989 said:
I have done format data and after that going to advanced wipe I have done wipe system and cache
Done these steps many times but still facing lags
Guys anybody have solution for these lags
Using TWRP 3.0.0 and 3.1.1 from Dreamstar bro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use 3.0.1 from dreamstar..
And format data for 2-3 times and format system for 20+ times???.. keep a stopwatch and measure the time it takes to finish one wipe of system. once all the **** is removed it should be like 10mins some said that it goes like 14mins.. easiest way is wipe for more than 20 times and reflash ROM download A1 SD bench app. Do a benchmark of internal storage. If Write speed is 20MB/s or more then your problem is fixed if not go back to wiping ???

SupulEdirisinghe said:
Use 3.0.1 from dreamstar..
And format data for 2-3 times and format system for 20+ times???.. keep a stopwatch and measure the time it takes to finish one wipe of system. once all the **** is removed it should be like 10mins some said that it goes like 14mins.. easiest way is wipe for more than 20 times and reflash ROM download A1 SD bench app. Do a benchmark of internal storage. If Write speed is 20MB/s or more then your problem is fixed if not go back to wiping ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro can You provide download link for 3.0.1 from dreamstar

ashish1989 said:
Bro can You provide download link for 3.0.1 from dreamstar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too lazy to find the link so I uploaded by my self
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxUVy1MbGMPKUVhDQkxsT3JmYW8/view?usp=sharing

SupulEdirisinghe said:
Too lazy to find the link so I uploaded by my self
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxUVy1MbGMPKUVhDQkxsT3JmYW8/view?usp=sharing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
Sent from my SM-G532F using Tapatalk

One of the easiest solution
Hello Everyone,
As all of us (G360H users) know, no matter what we do, lagness comes back after few days of smoothness. I am going to share what I do as a fix.
After flashing any ROM cleanly, lagness bothers after few days. So what to do?
>After you feel your phone is lagging, restart your phone to Recovery (TWRP 3.0.0 and above)
>Backup your system only (to internal storage or SD card doesn't matter, it's normally 600 to 700 MB)
>After Backup is completed, go to wipe section and then advanced wipe then wipe only system (at least 4 times without -rf option enabled, wiping takes some time)
>After wiping system few times, restore the system Backup from 2nd step, once completed restart your phone to system.
>Smoothness can be felt again but it's gonna come back again after few days (normally in around 15 days) REPEAT above steps again.
There's nothing new but this saves time in backing up and wiping up everything or the hassle of setting up a newly installed ROM. All your installed apps and data will stay safe and as they were.
Regards,
S

SupulEdirisinghe said:
Use 3.0.1 from dreamstar..
And format data for 2-3 times and format system for 20+ times.. keep a stopwatch and measure the time it takes to finish one wipe of system. once all the **** is removed it should be like 10mins some said that it goes like 14mins.. easiest way is wipe for more than 20 times and reflash ROM download A1 SD bench app. Do a benchmark of internal storage. If Write speed is 20MB/s or more then your problem is fixed if not go back to wiping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro done all the steps and used dreamstar's 3.0.1 twrp recovery
Formatted data for 3 times, formatted system for 20+ times
But still getting lags, but they are least now as compared before
any more solutions???

ashish1989 said:
Bro done all the steps and used dreamstar's 3.0.1 twrp recovery
Formatted data for 3 times, formatted system for 20+ times
But still getting lags, but they are least now as compared before
any more solutions???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you just have to do that for a little longer . When we use a storage we write and delete data continuously.. So our eMMC acts like a SSD when we write data they store in blocks and when we delete them usually the indexes are deleted ad data remains. so when we write something again those data in blocks are replaced by new data. So when lot of I/O precesses are going on it eventually remains filled blocks and they acts like fragments in HHDs, o remove them we need the process called trimming. Due to our eMMC's bug that wouldn't finish completely. So we have to wipe the storage manually until all blocks are completely wiped out and clean. Unless R/W speed will get low like 8mbps and that causes lags. Be patient and wipe until it's all gone