OK so, I was getting ready to flash to a new rom. I performed a factory reset, wiped cache, data, dalvic, etc...twice. But not paying attention, I accidentally selected reboot system before flashing a different rom...
...it rebooted normally, except as a fresh install. So by wiping the system, I'm really only clearing user data? How do I get rid of the rom entirely? Let's say the new rom I try to flash is considerably smaller with a lot less bloat. Wouldn't simply overwriting old rom still leave behind all of that extra data?
Is it possible to completely wipe the system partition and flash a new rom with cwm and have it boot?
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda premium
new roms usually format the system partition - so nothing is left behind
In addition to what b63 said (which is correct), I think you're just getting hung up on some of the terminology. Doing a factory reset only wipes out userdata (data, cache, .android_secure) and doesn't touch your system partition. The ROM itself is still completely intact after a factory reset.
If you want to manually wipe your system partition you can do that, but you usually don't need to. In CWM go to "Mounts and Storage" and then select "Format /system" to do it. TWRP has an equivalent that I can't remember offhand, but it's something to the same effect (might be under "Advanced" or something). If you flash a ROM after you format /system manually it will boot fine, but obviously it won't boot if you format and reboot without installing a new ROM.
You're right, I just misspoke. The rom is only contained in the system folder, correct? I just couldn't understand why it would boot if I presumably wiped everything.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda premium
yes - if you look into the zip file of a rom you'll see there is mainly the system folder - that is /system
some have a data folder also - that are additional preinstalled apps in /data/apps
if your question is answered please mark the subject of the topic (edit first post) with [Solved]
Yes, the ROM's applications and binaries all live on the system partition, which is why it has no trouble booting after a factory reset. The data partition is basically reserved for user settings, apps, and other files.
Related
Hi every one,
I have two related questions about nexus 7 memory/storage and TWRP wipes...
I'm pretty new with NEXUS 7 , but not with android.
I had a ACER LIQUID (sold) - HTC DESIRE HD (sold) - SONY XPERIA S (Actual phone)
ASUS TRANSFORMER TF101 (sold) - NEXUS 7 (actual tablet)
I've rooted, installed recovery, flash a lot of roms with all my device, but with nexus 7, i get a bit confused !!!
In Astro file manager, I see 4 local storage... I don't understand why...? And where to put files in order to find them after wiping data in TWRP...
I've flashed TWRP 2.3.2.1 to my nexus 7 recovery.
When I want to flash a rom, I like to wipe everything, in order to avoid problems...
On my other device, i used to wipe data, but on the nexus 7, when you wipe data, you loose the file you want to flash... (often in "DOWNLOAD"
Am I completly stupid ? :silly:
Is wiping system/dalvik/cache and a factory reset enought to avoid problem and to have a fresh install without wiping data ?
(sorry for my english, French people and there legendary english talking...)
Thanks for your help.
Geek endangered...
Stupid question ???
I'm new to nexus 7 and TWRP, but I believe wipe data wipes everything, including sdcard.
Maybe you are used to CWM, you were looking for the "factory reset" button.
It's confusing but I believe there is a warning before wiping data in TWRP saying it'll erase sdcard, am I wrong?
Yeah, used to use cwm... For you, factory reset in twrp is like wiping data in cwm?
If that's the case, for a fresh install, doing a factory reset in twrp is all I need to do? No need to wipe data?
I have the exact same question !
why wiping data (format /data) also remove /sdcard which should stay untouched event after factory reset, beacause if if it's virual I never ever see a sdcard wipe by a wipe data function.
As far as i understand, to deal with multiple user they now make a folder in /data/whatever that contains each profil.
This folder is mount in /sdcard according to the user of tablet, But why ****ing why the only option in this version of TWRP is FORMAT DATA and not wipe data (wich could avoid the deletion of sdcard content) SDCARD is like a sanctuary nothing should be able to delete what's in it except the user itself !
I want to have a clean install on my Nexus, and I was wondering what it meant to "WIPE". Is it Factory reset, cache, dalvik cache, and system? Or is it also system too?
I have TWRP
Thank you!
factory reset. when you wipe data, you factory reset. that automatically wipes your cache and dalvik too.
simms22 said:
factory reset. when you wipe data, you factory reset. that automatically wipes your cache and dalvik too.
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Click to collapse
It's not system too?
iamjerry123 said:
It's not system too?
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Click to collapse
no.
simms22 said:
no.
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much for answering all my stupid questions. So If I wanted a new clean start for my phone (while it still being rooted and not losing all my SD card files) I would just have to do a factory reset, then flash?
Unfortunately, the terminology seems to vary from device to device and even from recovery to recovery.
It can mean either (a) "destroy the filesystem and rebuild a new blank one" or it can mean (b) "don't destroy the filesystem but delete all the files in it". In both of these cases, access to all files are lost, but there are subtle differences for the flash memory with regards to whether the blocks are marked as erased or not.
As regards to recent versions of TWRP, the "factory reset" button underneath the Wipe menu does not behave exactly like either of the above cases (although it is more similar to case (b)), nor does it behave the same way as the stock recovery's version of "factory reset", which deletes EVERYTHING in /data.
TWRP's version of "factory reset" erases everything in /cache, but when it comes time to deal with the /data partition, it avoids erasing all the files in /data/media. This is where the "internal SD card" files are stored INCLUDING ANY BACKUP FILES you might have made (if you didn't use an external storage for the backup)
Here's what I would recommend when using the Wipe menu in TWRP:
1) Put the tablet down on a table before you enter the Wipe menu - don't hold it in your hands. The reason for this is that none of the touch buttons require confirmation, so an accidental touch could lead to an immediate disaster involving loss of your backups.
2) If you are installing a new ROM from scratch, the only button you need to use is the "factory reset" button - nothing else. (Performing Dalvik wipe or Cache wipe are superfluous as the "factory wipe" button takes care of this) *1
3) If you are installing a ROM which is a small revision from a prior version - and the ROM dev has explicitly indicated it is OK to do a "no wipe" install, use only the "cache wipe" and "dalvik wipe" bttons. *2
In short, you should really only use the top four buttons in TWRP under normal circumstances. Especially you should avoid the "wipe data" button unless you are:
- selling the device or returning it
- some disaster happened where the /data partition fails to mount any longer.
*1 It is somewhat unusual that ROM devs fail to add a wipe of /system in their scripting prior to
installation; so typically using the "wipe sytem" button is not needed for new ROM installs, and it is cerainly not desired if you want to do a complete reset of whatever ROM is already installed.
*2 Doing this kind of thing is just asking for trouble - understanding and using the Titanium Backup along with full-wipe installs is a better idea.
cheers
This has been bugging me and I can't seem to find anything on here to explain it.
I have installed custom ROMs on my N7. Problem is most ROM instructions say to do a full wipe/factory reset. When I do that, the downloaded ROM that was sitting on the SDCard gets wiped out as well.
I then have to go back and search for info on how to reset/restore the N7 and start all over, because the recovery (both CWM and TeamWin) don't let me mount the SD card to copy the needed zip over.
How can I do the recommended data wipe without losing the sd card contents?
Failing that, what's easiest way to get the ROM zip back on the N7 when the recovery won't allow it?
Thanks
dont wipe data...
just do a 'factory reset' in custom recovery...then flash a rom
I use TWRP & don't wipe everything, just System & Factory (to delete installed apps).
This is after wiping Cache & Dalvik Cache.
Unless I'm missing something a data wipe will wipe everything except recovery.
I don't think we have the option to exempt the media folder like on other devices.
(you type faster than me PG)
I appreciate the suggestions, and I've done the factory wipe. It wiped out the /SDcard folder contents where the zips were.
How do I get zips back on the N7? tried ADB, tried sideload from TWRP, nothing works.
Having many more problems than the last time I did this.
jneg123 said:
I appreciate the suggestions, and I've done the factory wipe. It wiped out the /SDcard folder contents where the zips were.
How do I get zips back on the N7? tried ADB, tried sideload from TWRP, nothing works.
Having many more problems than the last time I did this.
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Click to collapse
factory reset in TWRP doesnt touch /data/media
are you sure you are on the most recent version of recovery?
updated to latest recovery version, that seemed to be my issue. sd card now untouched.
Pirateghost said:
factory reset in TWRP doesnt touch /data/media
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Click to collapse
Pirateghost speaks the truth.
The stock recovery however, wipes everything with it's "factory reset".
It's a little bit unfortunate that the identical terminology is used. No doubt new folks will occasionally get bit by assuming they are the same.
I haven't used cwm yet; not sure what it means by "factory reset" - or even if it uses that terminology.
Ok, I come from the Apple world where you have to restore the iPhone / iPad first to update to the latest iOS then re-jailbreak.
With the N7, if I wanted to upgrade to a newer version of Android (currently on 4.2.2, so whatever comes next), would I have to re-flash the N7 to stock 4.2.2 then re-unlock and re-root it?
What if I just want to do a factory reset to start over? Do I have to re-flash stock 4.2.2 then re-unlock and re-root in that case too?
Synomenon said:
Ok, I come from the Apple world where you have to restore the iPhone / iPad first to update to the latest iOS then re-jailbreak.
With the N7, if I wanted to upgrade to a newer version of Android (currently on 4.2.2, so whatever comes next), would I have to re-flash the N7 to stock 4.2.2 then re-unlock and re-root it?
What if I just want to do a factory reset to start over? Do I have to re-flash stock 4.2.2 then re-unlock and re-root in that case too?
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Click to collapse
To do an official ota yes. There are stock odexed/deodexed ROMs you can flash in the dev forums without having to go through that though.
Sent from my Paranoid 3.0 Nexus7 running M-Kernel mr1
Locking/unlocking of the boot loader is completely independent from other "rooting" activity. Under normal circumstances, it is only unlocked once and then left that way.
In Android, there are 5 principal partitions: recovery, boot, system, data, and cache. In pure stock devices, it is intended that recovery, boot, and the system partition are always used in a read-only fashion by the end user. All user changes, customizations, settings, and data are recorded into the data (sometimes also called "userdata") partition. (The cache partition is used for temporary/transient stuff)
So, the Android "factory reset" is not precisely what you are thinking of - it is a procedure which erases only the cache and data partitions. IT RESTORES NOTHING - IT ONLY DELETES.
So, if a device "rooter" comes along and alters the boot/recovery/system partition, those changes stay on the tablet/phone even when a "factory reset" procedure is performed. THOSE CHANGES CAN BREAK THE SUCCESSFUL INSTALL OF AN OTA BUNDLE, so, yes - it is generally cleaner to install a pure stock ROM for the purposes of performing an OTA upgrade... at which point you need to re-root and re-customize ( not including the boot loader unlock step).
One more thing, too: because the Nexus 7 has no physical SD card, it has an "emulated" SD card which is stored in the /data (userdata) partition. When the "stock recovery" performs a "factory reset", it erases EVERYTHING in /data - including this psuedo SD card! The newer versions of the CWM or TWRP custom recoveries define "factory reset" a little differently - they erase everything except what is stored in the /data/media/ folder - the location of the emulated SD card (usually /data/media/0). This is important to understand, as your backups will be stored in there.
HTH
PS There is no need for you to "hurry up and install an OTA" if you are using a well supported custom ROM - generally after a few weeks a ROM dev will rebase their ROM onto the new release, and you can simply "dirty flash" the replacement ROM over the top of the existing ROM. That will save you some effort if you just wait a little.
So I just unlocked and rooted my N7 last night.
Since it is unlocked and rooted, do I have to do anything different if I want or have to perform a factory reset (using the hardware buttons to go into recovery mode and use the "wipe data/factory reset" option)?
If I do this factory reset, it stays unlocked right? Does it stay rooted too?
Synomenon said:
If I do this factory reset, it stays unlocked right? Does it stay rooted too?
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Click to collapse
Yes and Yes.
PS. The most important skill set you can develop right now is making backups using the custom recovery. You should be 100% comfortable using the backup/restore menus of the custom recovery ... and almost as important knowing where they are stored so you can get copies of them off the tablet for safe keeping.
Thank You!
bftb0 said:
Locking/unlocking of the boot loader is completely independent from other "rooting" activity. Under normal circumstances, it is only unlocked once and then left that way.
In Android, there are 5 principal partitions: recovery, boot, system, data, and cache. In pure stock devices, it is intended that recovery, boot, and the system partition are always used in a read-only fashion by the end user. All user changes, customizations, settings, and data are recorded into the data (sometimes also called "userdata") partition. (The cache partition is used for temporary/transient stuff)
So, the Android "factory reset" is not precisely what you are thinking of - it is a procedure which erases only the cache and data partitions. IT RESTORES NOTHING - IT ONLY DELETES.
So, if a device "rooter" comes along and alters the boot/recovery/system partition, those changes stay on the tablet/phone even when a "factory reset" procedure is performed. THOSE CHANGES CAN BREAK THE SUCCESSFUL INSTALL OF AN OTA BUNDLE, so, yes - it is generally cleaner to install a pure stock ROM for the purposes of performing an OTA upgrade... at which point you need to re-root and re-customize ( not including the boot loader unlock step).
One more thing, too: because the Nexus 7 has no physical SD card, it has an "emulated" SD card which is stored in the /data (userdata) partition. When the "stock recovery" performs a "factory reset", it erases EVERYTHING in /data - including this psuedo SD card! The newer versions of the CWM or TWRP custom recoveries define "factory reset" a little differently - they erase everything except what is stored in the /data/media/ folder - the location of the emulated SD card (usually /data/media/0). This is important to understand, as your backups will be stored in there.
HTH
PS There is no need for you to "hurry up and install an OTA" if you are using a well supported custom ROM - generally after a few weeks a ROM dev will rebase their ROM onto the new release, and you can simply "dirty flash" the replacement ROM over the top of the existing ROM. That will save you some effort if you just wait a little.
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Click to collapse
Thank you bftb0:good::good:
Hello people. Just wanted to ask how is the right way to wipe when flashing a rom WITHOUT losing the rom (wiping internal)? In CWM i just factory / reset data then thats it then clear cache and dalvik cache. In TWRP do i just need to swipe when the screen says "Most of the time this is the time that you need" when i will flash rom? Thanks for guiding!
anyone?
1. factory reset
2. advance, wipe system
thats all for me, works everytime... just make sure to wipe cache/dalvik after flashing zip files be it roms or gapps or whatever :good:
The default "most of the time" option is a fresh reset of the phone. it wont wipe the ROM itself, but all the data will be lost and you start over. Wiping system will remove everything, a ROM must be flashed after wiping system.
So before i flash a rom i wipe the "most of the time" then advanced format system? right?
zero0422 said:
The default "most of the time" option is a fresh reset of the phone. it wont wipe the ROM itself, but all the data will be lost and you start over. Wiping system will remove everything, a ROM must be flashed after wiping system.
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Click to collapse
So before i flash a rom i wipe the "most of the time" then advanced format system? right?
true that... sorry for misleading initially, format system only applicable if you wanna have clean install of new rom
marshygeek said:
So before i flash a rom i wipe the "most of the time" then advanced format system? right?
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Click to collapse
No need to use format system unless you are installing a fresh ROM. Format system will remove everything from your device (other than sdcard info and all that). So you get a clean slate.
If you just want to flash an update to the same ROM you can either 'dirty flash', which I usually just wipe cahce/dalvik then flash the ROM and reboot, and you save all your user modified things, or you can wipe system and install the ROM. You lose everything that way so make backups.
Usually there isnt much need to factory reset unless you're having an issue with something. What is it you're trying to do?
I wanted to flash a stock based rom. Thank you.