Database Users

Removing lag fix a must before upgrading to JI5?

As the topic asks, I'd like to know preferably from people who have actually done it. Is it 100% necessary to remove the lag fix before I upgrade to the new firmware?
I would have just removed it and not even bothered to ask but I'm having a lot of difficulties getting it removed.

vapotrini said:
As the topic asks, I'd like to know preferably from people who have actually done it. Is it 100% necessary to remove the lag fix before I upgrade to the new firmware?
I would have just removed it and not even bothered to ask but I'm having a lot of difficulties getting it removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which lag fix are you having difficulty removing? If I am unable to help, I'm sure there are many here who can

Chalup said:
Which lag fix are you having difficulty removing? If I am unable to help, I'm sure there are many here who can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it was the original one. The one that you had to do from your computer. Since my phone is Hardware locked I'm a little concerned that if something goes wrong I'll be SOL!

You need to remove Ryanza's lag fix otherwise your phone will hag at the Galaxy S screen, happened to me. You can fix it by going into recovery and delete all user data but of course at the point you lose everything.

PaiPiePia said:
You need to remove Ryanza's lag fix otherwise your phone will hag at the Galaxy S screen, happened to me. You can fix it by going into recovery and delete all user data but of course at the point you lose everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok that's fine but will I be able to restore all my apps & settings via titanium after? Or must I start from scratch no matter what?

you must remove the lagfix before applying the update as stated above.
you will not lose any data or settings to your phone during the update.

Lag fix is the only one that should be removed? All other mods/fixes can remain?

bimmerboii said:
Lag fix is the only one that should be removed? All other mods/fixes can remain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you installed a custom rom, you'll have to flash back to stock.
you don't have to unroot but it will unroot it for you.
you can go back adn root with the old method without any problems.

Thanks for all the replies...
Having second thoughts now, seeing too many people having issues. I may hold off a few days.

OCLF
Upgraded without removing OCLF no problems at all

So far I haven't had any problems. Just the hang on the restart, but after waiting a little bit it loads just fine...
Sent from my Rooted Samsung Vibrant using XDA App

About to give phone to son as a chew toy!

Here's my problem before it becomes a chew toy,, Im currently running CYANOGENMOD-6.1.2,,I dont know if this is what you have to deal with when rooted,, ill set my phone down through the night and when i get ready to start my day i have to reboot everytime just to use it! ITS GETTING ANNOYING!!,, The internet wont work, The market wont load and if im lucky i might be able to download an app,, Some of my widgets say "problem loading" I have to trash them and reload,, Some apps tend to force close,, And also the delay after turn on the screen is bout 2sec or so..
Anybody out there experiencing the same issue? Help enjoy my phone again PLEASE HELP ME OUT!
Thanks Guys,
ImEVO
Sorry guys i just realized I posted in the wrong area! CRAP!!

Hope this helps...
ImEVO said:
Here's my problem before it becomes a chew toy,, Im currently running CYANOGENMOD-6.1.2,,I dont know if this is what you have to deal with when rooted,, ill set my phone down through the night and when i get ready to start my day i have to reboot everytime just to use it! ITS GETTING ANNOYING!!,, The internet wont work, The market wont load and if im lucky i might be able to download an app,, Some of my widgets say "problem loading" I have to trash them and reload,, Some apps tend to force close,, And also the delay after turn on the screen is bout 2sec or so..
Anybody out there experiencing the same issue? Help enjoy my phone again PLEASE HELP ME OUT!
Thanks Guys,
ImEVO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say to do a full wipe (cache, dalvik cache, data, and reset to factory setting) and reflash the rom & kernel combo of your choice. Also update your radios to the latest and then update your profile under menu\settings\system updates. This should get the phone up and running better and stop the need for constant reboots. As for the widgets saying "problem loading", I get that as well and I think it is due to moving the widgets in question to your sd card. If you put them back on the internal memory of the phone that shouldnt happen anymore. If you are worried about taking up to much internal memory with widgets just set up the aps2sd and you will be able to put more of your apps on the partioned portion of your sd card and save more internal memory. Let me know if you have any questions. Hope this helps. I would like to save your EVO and not make it a chew toy for anyone!

I agree with adam, try a complete wipe, even flash calkulin's format all.zip (search for it) and flash the latest radios and re flash cyanogen. You'd be amazed at what horrors can come from not wiping the dalvik and cache. Speaking of which, try out amon ra recovery if you already haven't.
Sent from my hand.

I agree with Adam1422. It sounds like you need to do a full wipe and clean install. Do not use Titanium/Launcher/ADW/anyotherprogram backups. Save files like pictures, music, documents off your SD and format the card. Do not reuse settings or data from programs. Go into it like you just bought the phone. That will probably clear up all of your issues.

Are u using any custom kernels. Could be a more have or less have issue
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App

subcypher said:
I agree with Adam1422. It sounds like you need to do a full wipe and clean install. Do not use Titanium/Launcher/ADW/anyotherprogram backups. Save files like pictures, music, documents off your SD and format the card. Do not reuse settings or data from programs. Go into it like you just bought the phone. That will probably clear up all of your issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sorry guys im a flippn newbe at this i had some dude root my phone for me.. he seemed like he knew what he was doing.. but i guess not! i need step by step directions ( i can follow directions very well).. Will all this brick my phone??

BrianDigital said:
Are u using any custom kernels. Could be a more have or less have issue
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what my phone says,,
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.9-cyanogenmod
[email protected] #1

ImEVO said:
Will all this brick my phone??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if you do your due diligence, read up on how to do it and then perform the steps carefully without rushing. We were all n00bs once, my friend. Sure there's some tension when rooting for the first time, but there's one hell of a rush when it works. You'll be fine.

snowboarda42 said:
I agree with adam, try a complete wipe, even flash calkulin's format all.zip (search for it) and flash the latest radios and re flash cyanogen. You'd be amazed at what horrors can come from not wiping the dalvik and cache. Speaking of which, try out amon ra recovery if you already haven't.
Sent from my hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is ra Recovery?? i have the option under rom manager..

The Evo is full of BPAs. Don't use it as a chew toy.

subcypher said:
I agree with Adam1422. It sounds like you need to do a full wipe and clean install. Do not use Titanium/Launcher/ADW/anyotherprogram backups. Save files like pictures, music, documents off your SD and format the card. Do not reuse settings or data from programs. Go into it like you just bought the phone. That will probably clear up all of your issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any other tips that i can try before i attempt surgery??

indagroove said:
The Evo is full of BPAs. Don't use it as a chew toy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to explain that to a 9 month old hahahah.. hes going to be a geek he dont like toys just electronics! lol

Not that I can think of, man. Good luck. Come back if you need help.

you are in the right forum to fix your phone...
it is not the phone.. but I agree with others.. you need a fresh setup done.
or even try a different ROM...
the hard part has been done for you.. ROOTing...
you need to go learn about the ROM you like... and how to install it.
learn about: wipe, recovery, nandroid backup, ROM, ...
this needs to be learned anyways for your life with EVO, because you wanted it rooted.
ps.. to fix this.. you are going to loose all your data and put your phone almost back to stock form. dont worry.. contacts and calendar should be backed up to google if you told evo to do so.

Dan330 said:
you are in the right forum to fix your phone...
it is not the phone.. but I agree with others.. you need a fresh setup done.
or even try a different ROM...
the hard part has been done for you.. ROOTing...
you need to go learn about the ROM you like... and how to install it.
learn about: wipe, recovery, nandroid backup, ROM, ...
this needs to be learned anyways for your life with EVO, because you wanted it rooted.
ps.. to fix this.. you are going to loose all your data and put your phone almost back to stock form. dont worry.. contacts and calendar should be backed up to google if you told evo to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can i direction to do the procedure?? whats the first step??

here is a good place to start reading:
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/194918-rooting-dummies.html
I would like for you to try a new ROM... that is Sense ... so that you are able to use it more to what the EVO was.
this ROM is stable and has everything working:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=793471
once you have done one Flashing of a ROM.. and working..
you can easily do others as you find interest in them.
more side reading for afterwards:
there is the rooting procedure that I used:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829045
since you are already rooted.. this not needed.
but you should read the first page.. for your knowledge
here is the main forum for evo on xda.. for development. lots for you to research on new things for evo:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=653

ImEVO said:
Try to explain that to a 9 month old hahahah.. hes going to be a geek he dont like toys just electronics! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a 3 year old and a 5 month old. The 3 year old is a geek, but she only gets to touch my Evo when in airplane mode. Remember who's the parent and who's the child.

indagroove said:
Remember who's the parent and who's the child.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, like this person:

cnstarz said:
yeah, like this person:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oooh man,, only if that was my kid! beat him like a redheaded step child!! hahaha it was funny tho

Definitely make sure before you go flashing ROMs and stuff you do a nandroid backup.
Step-by-step instructions for how to do this, plus flash ROMs and stuff, can be found here:
http://htcevorooting.x10.mx/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
Ask your friend what method he used to root your phone, plus check which recovery manager you're using (reboot your phone into recovery, it should say which manager it is. If you're still running CyanogenMod there should be an option to do this if you choose reboot instead of shutdown when holding the power button.)

Issue formatting data under clockwork mod

Folks,
I've been running the ICS Kang project build without any issues (2.3) for the past while. Last night the tablet locked up on me and I powered it off by holding down the on/off button. When I went to turn it back on it now permanently hangs during boot. I can still get into CWM but attempting to wipe either the D. Cache or data hangs. Anyone got any ideas?

Can you restore a backup?
If you can't do anything in CWM then you might have to Odin back to stock....

I can flash a new rom but there appears to be something wrong with the data partition - can't wipe it and tablet wont boot.
You don't happen to have a link to restoring tab via ODIN? I was just browsing for that...

powercrazy said:
I can flash a new rom but there appears to be something wrong with the data partition - can't wipe it and tablet wont boot.
You don't happen to have a link to restoring tab via ODIN? I was just browsing for that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.teamovercome.net/p7500/?page_id=5
Scroll down to where is says Re-Stocking Yer System and follow the instructions.. Make sure you choose the correct download (7500 or 7510)

Thanks - I'll let you know what happens.
Its bizarre, flashed roms lots of times, never had an issue even close to this...

powercrazy said:
Thanks - I'll let you know what happens.
Its bizarre, flashed roms lots of times, never had an issue even close to this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem... It should go nice and smooth and once it boots back up check in settings for system updates..

Well, thanks! That did the trick! I am back to the stock Samsung firmware and have already reflashed clockwork. I really don't know what went wrong in the first place, but I suppose that's what you get for living on the 'alpha' edge...
Thanks again! (BTW I did click the 'thanks' button ;-) )

BTW - for anyone interested or suffering a similar problem, in the end this required a full reset - all data was lost which sucked for me as I had all my backups on the device too (don't bother calling me stupid, I've already done it)....
I'm guessing some bug in the ICS KANG alpha screwed the partitions up which nothing short of a full reset could fix...

Sweet! Glad you are back up and rockin'...

phew!
I had exactly the same problem yesterday, and I thought my tab was completely fubar until I came across this post.
I was running the "official unofficial" CM9 snapshot for p4wifi, and before that I ran AOPK build 27, I think. I did not perform a full wipe before going to CM9.
I change roms on my tab very often to try to find the best, so something must have gotten messed up, but it's somewhat odd since it worked in the morning, and then when I came to work it had totally b0rked up on me.
Anyway, this post was a life saver although I lost all my data (didn't keep a titanium backup or a CWM backup on another storage than the internal storage. shame on me).
So - thanks alot raqball!
Br,
primpa

primpa said:
I had exactly the same problem yesterday, and I thought my tab was completely fubar until I came across this post.
I was running the "official unofficial" CM9 snapshot for p4wifi, and before that I ran AOPK build 27, I think. I did not perform a full wipe before going to CM9.
I change roms on my tab very often to try to find the best, so something must have gotten messed up, but it's somewhat odd since it worked in the morning, and then when I came to work it had totally b0rked up on me.
Anyway, this post was a life saver although I lost all my data (didn't keep a titanium backup or a CWM backup on another storage than the internal storage. shame on me).
So - thanks alot raqball!
Br,
primpa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never understood why people don't do a full wipe and expect nothing to go wrong.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium HD app

Hehe, well, I usually do a wipe but this time I read somewhere that you probably didn't need to when going from aokp to cm9, since they are pretty much the same.
But..... Lesson learned
/primpa

primpa said:
Hehe, well, I usually do a wipe but this time I read somewhere that you probably didn't need to when going from aokp to cm9, since they are pretty much the same.
But..... Lesson learned
/primpa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understandable... but unless the Dev. says no wipe needed, I would always suggest it, even when it's virtually the same ROM, thread, Dev., etc...
At least it wasn't too hard of a lesson.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium HD app

Why Has Titanium Become Failboat

I just don't get this. I have used Titanium Pro for years, but on the newest phones it seems to be a bit of a CLUSTERF* and it is getting really damned annoying.
Oh sure, I try the inactive/interactive settings change, but the same crap. Never had to mess with it in the past.
Has Titanium lost their mojo as the premium android backup solution? Is there something new that actually works reliably on Current phones? ARGH
My experiences are with both SuperSU and Superuser.

Barsky said:
I just don't get this. I have used Titanium Pro for years, but on the newest phones it seems to be a bit of a CLUSTERF* and it is getting really damned annoying.
Oh sure, I try the inactive/interactive settings change, but the same crap. Never had to mess with it in the past.
Has Titanium lost their mojo as the premium android backup solution? Is there something new that actually works reliably on Current phones? ARGH
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you be more specific? It works great for me.
Oh, and this is not development...
Support your Devs......

It is still the best Android backup solution
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I still use it with no problems.

I've noticed no changes, works fantastic for me. Been using pro before it was on the market.

Same here, using it fine on stock rom with cwm recovery and root.

iOSh8er said:
Could you be more specific? It works great for me.
Oh, and this is not development...
Support your Devs......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The well documented freezing on restores. I honestly love this app. Don't get me wrong. I was venting a bit. But the first time I've encountered this was on my htc one and now this G2. Not sure why. Since I only got it today, I decided to Factory Restore it and will go from there.
If I offended anyone, please don't be. It was not my intention.

Barsky said:
The well documented freezing on restores. I honestly love this app. Don't get me wrong. I was venting a bit. But the first time I've encountered this was on my htc one and now this G2. Not sure why. Since I only got it today, I decided to Factory Restore it and will go from there.
If I offended anyone, please don't be. It was not my intention.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only time I have had this issue was when I was restoring a 4.2+ feature on a 4.1 ROM (ie Lockscreen widget on Note 2).
I even back everything up from each phone to Dropbox and restore apps with data on a different device. I expected issues with this but was pleasantly surprised.
And I highly doubt you offended anyone I was just curious what issues you were having.
Hope you get it sorted out!
Support your Devs......

Never had a problem with Titanium
Sent from my VZW LG G2

iOSh8er said:
The only time I have had this issue was when I was restoring a 4.2+ feature on a 4.1 ROM (ie Lockscreen widget on Note 2).
I even back everything up from each phone to Dropbox and restore apps with data on a different device. I expected issues with this but was pleasantly surprised.
And I highly doubt you offended anyone I was just curious what issues you were having.
Hope you get it sorted out!
Support your Devs......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sir, might just be a genius This backup was done on the same version of titanium, but it was from a backup done on my previous htc one running a 4.3 rom. that has to be it.
*Kicks self in butt, repeatidly*. Thank you!!

Never had the freeze on restore issue. But it would be annoying if it were a regular problem. I think Joel has done a good job though keeping up with all the changes that Android throws out there. It's a tough row to sow to have an app of that magnitude working all the time on every make, model and OS version.

Worked flawlessly migrating from a DNA to the G2. It's you.

heh. I can't even get it into download mode. I think the problem is I used a "install twrp without root" from the forums here. it seemed to fail. Looking closer it appears to change the kernel stupid me didn't notice first. Looking to restore phone to factory default. Downloading now
Ended up having to have Titanium create an update.zip of my apps. restored via recovery. Odd. Trying Cleanrom today and will see how that goes.

Barsky said:
heh. I can't even get it into download mode. I think the problem is I used a "install twrp without root" from the forums here. it seemed to fail. Looking closer it appears to change the kernel stupid me didn't notice first. Looking to restore phone to factory default. Downloading now
Ended up having to have Titanium create an update.zip of my apps. restored via recovery. Odd. Trying Cleanrom today and will see how that goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so the problem did seem to due to the backup being created from a 4.3 rom on htc one. After installing the apps using the created update.zip, I then deleted all titanium backups and did a new one from the G2. I then did a factory reset, reinstalled Titanium and then restored without issue. Happy Happy Joy Joy.
Thanks guys.

are you restoring data? restoring data from one version of android to another, or one phone to another especially a diff version, will always give you a problem.
i don't even use titanium to restore apps when i get a new phone..i'd rather my new phone start off clean and build it's own data to backup.

jayochs said:
are you restoring data? restoring data from one version of android to another, or one phone to another especially a diff version, will always give you a problem.
i don't even use titanium to restore apps when i get a new phone..i'd rather my new phone start off clean and build it's own data to backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only downloaded app data, never system. Also, solved.

[Q]WhatsApp not sending/receiving media

Hello everyone. I've tried really hard to DO NOT create this thread. As it happens I have used all I know (which isnt much) to try to fix this problem but got no success.
So I've got a S4 GT-I9505. I've recently decided to root it mainly because I wanted full External SD-card access to some apps. Here are some facts about my rooting:
- I used TWRP;
- I used SuperSU;
- I kept the stock ROM. I personally dont have anything to complain about it so I didnt install any custom ROMs.
- I had a problem with Knox afterwards, the phone was rebooting and freezing. I made a backup on Titanium and then uninstalled every Knox-related app.
- The system worked nicely for days.
Then I decided to clean some garbage that I knew was present in my device, like ghost folders and foster files and such.
- I installed SD-Maid and Clean Master.
- On the same day, I switched my SIM card because of some personal issues. I'm brazilian but now living in Deutschland. The change of SIM cards (if it matters) was as follows: bought the phone > inserted brazilian SIM > inserted deutsch SIM > inserted brazilian SIM (due to a personal problem) > back to deutsch SIM. I'm telling you this because I'm not sure of how relevant it is. Just trying to give as much info as possible.
- I cleaned some **** with SD-Maid AND Clean Master.
What happened next:
- WhatsApp was broken. I couldnt receive any media (voice recordings, videos, images, nothing at all).
- I tried re-installing the App
- I tried to restore my WhatsApp backup from Titanium. No success*.
- I tried to restore my backup from TWRD. No success.
- I tried to change WhatsApp folder (on data/media) permissions to r-r-r---- and then back to 00775. No success.
- I tried re-registering my phone to whatsapp network. No success.
- I tried deleting whatsapp folder on data/media (WhatsApp FAQ recomendation). Thats when WhatsApp stopped also SENDING media. I couldnt simply send or receive through the app.
- I tried re-creating the WhatsApp media folder on data. No success.
- I tried a factory reset followed by a TWRD backup restoration. WhatsApp was once again SENDING, but NOT RECEIVING media. When my phone finished booting and the launcher loaded, I was immediately prompted by a WhatsApp message saying something like "Conection failed! Please verify your phone number. WhatsApp can only be installed in one device per phone-number" even though everything else internet-related was working just fine.
(* when I say NO SUCCESS, I refer to the fact that WhatsApp still not receiving/sending media, not that I failed to implement that given fix)
Now, when I wiped my phone to factory defaults, I noticed that in TWRD prompt it said something like "Wiping Data, EXCEPT data/media". My knowledge of the subject isnt great but I think it might be something with this folder.
Any thoughts?
Thank you very much in advance!

Do nothing. Delete your account from whatsapp and recreate it with the number you wish to use
My whatsapp works fine with a different no. And has a diff sim for calling.
Maybe to much of backup.. restore...bla bla..made it crash.
Press Thanks if I helped
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 via XDA app.

Venorian said:
- I tried re-registering my phone to whatsapp network. No success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DeepankarS said:
Do nothing. Delete your account from whatsapp and recreate it with the number you wish to use
My whatsapp works fine with a different no. And has a diff sim for calling.
Maybe to much of backup.. restore...bla bla..made it crash.
Press Thanks if I helped
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 via XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was not very clear in my post, indeed, but yes I have tried that as well. Thanks for trying!

I would just take the shortcut.
- Backup the apps you want to backup with Titanium.
- Make a backup of Whatsapp from within the app.
- Wipe from TWRP recovery (I assume that's what you mean by TWRD). Use the option prepare for rom flash (don't know the excact words, but you understand when you see the option).
- Reflash the rom you are currently on with Odin (or flash a custom rom).
You can also just skip the wiping part and just flash the rom with Odin again. I always like to start from scratch if something goes wrong, but it should probably work without the wipe.
Then restore the apps you want to restore. Whatsapp should probably be working now.
You can spend many more hours finding a solution, but my guess is that SD-maid or Clean Master deleted something it should not have. Always be carefull with those kind of apps. I don't really like those apps because the benefit you get from them is limited.

GOT A FIX!
After 2 days of hitting my head on the wall with this, I came up with a solution.
My girlfriend has the exact same phone as me (though I think any rooted android with WhatsApp installed would do).
I entered her data/media/whatsapp folder and created all the folders that were missing on my own folder (deleted by CleanMaster just for being empty). Then I gave all the folders the exact same permissions (rwxrwx--x or 0775) as my girlfriend's device and voila! It's working perfectly!
Now just for future reference and to feed my curiosity: why does factory reset through TWRP do not also wipe data/media? If this folder were wiped, I would get a fresh WhatsApp install and the problem would have been gone sooner. I kinda dont understand the folders' structure in my phone. Sometimes it looks like I can get to the same very place using diferent paths (like /data/ OR /emulated/ OR /0/ OR /sdcard/).
Anyway, thanks people! Though I figured it all by myself, this forum still rocks!

Venorian said:
GOT A FIX!
After 2 days of hitting my head on the wall with this, I came up with a solution.
My girlfriend has the exact same phone as me (though I think any rooted android with WhatsApp installed would do).
I entered her data/media/whatsapp folder and created all the folders that were missing on my own folder (deleted by CleanMaster just for being empty). Then I gave all the folders the exact same permissions (rwxrwx--x or 0775) as my girlfriend's device and voila! It's working perfectly!
Now just for future reference and to feed my curiosity: why does factory reset through TWRP do not also wipe data/media? If this folder were wiped, I would get a fresh WhatsApp install and the problem would have been gone sooner. I kinda dont understand the folders' structure in my phone. Sometimes it looks like I can get to the same very place using diferent paths (like /data/ OR /emulated/ OR /0/ OR /sdcard/).
Anyway, thanks people! Though I figured it all by myself, this forum still rocks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good that you found a solution.
It would be bad thing if the custom recovery would standard wipe data/media because that would wipe your entire internal sd. People that flash roms don't want that to happen. You can still wipe it from the recovery, it's just in a different place then the standard wiping.

Lennyz1988 said:
Good that you found a solution.
It would be bad thing if the custom recovery would standard wipe data/media because that would wipe your entire internal sd. People that flash roms don't want that to happen. You can still wipe it from the recovery, it's just in a different place then the standard wiping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically its just a matter of keeping your apps and app data? Not something system-damaging or system-related at all?
And thanks for your answer!

Venorian said:
So basically its just a matter of keeping your apps and app data? Not something system-damaging or system-related at all?
And thanks for your answer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No your apps and data will be wiped. Basically every part that could interfere with a new rom is wiped. It's only the data on your internal storage that is kept. So apps (like Whatsapp) also write data to your internal storage and that won't get wiped.
/system
/data (excluded /data/media)
/cache
and a few more will be wiped.
(There are more parts that don't get wiped, but that are parts that neither an app or you will ever touch.)

Now the problem is back. I can't really understand what happened.
I rebooted my phone just to check if everything was OK and then to do a new backup in TWRP.
Checked WhatsApp and the problem was back. Then I went to see the files and some folders that I've just copied were gone! The WhatsApp main folder on data/media was still there, but some subfolders were simply missing. I also noticed that my copy of that folder on my External SD-card was also gone! Like WTH?!
Any help will be much appreciated.
P.S.: and to my happiness, copying the files once again (as I've done before) simply doesnt work. This is driving me crazy, seriously.

this happened to me once, and wasn't whatsapp only, the reason whatsapp wasn't being able to receive/send media files was because it somehow could not access the internal storage.. same with all my other apps, it happened when restoring a full rom backup with CWM.. and the only way i managed to fix it was to re-flash the stock rom with odin

-Ric- said:
this happened to me once, and wasn't whatsapp only, the reason whatsapp wasn't being able to receive/send media files was because it somehow could not access the internal storage.. same with all my other apps, it happened when restoring a full rom backup with CWM.. and the only way i managed to fix it was to re-flash the stock rom with odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not even a factory reset will do?
How do I find a stock ROM from Samsung (with 4.4.2) compatible with my S4 GT-I9505? Also: should I also wipe everything or simply flash the rom without doing anything else?
Now that you said, I also noticed that one of my favorite games (Mushroom Wars) has also stopped working. Might be that you're right!

Venorian said:
Not even a factory reset will do?
How do I find a stock ROM from Samsung (with 4.4.2) compatible with my S4 GT-I9505? Also: should I also wipe everything or simply flash the rom without doing anything else?
Now that you said, I also noticed that one of my favorite games (Mushroom Wars) has also stopped working. Might be that you're right!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do as I suggested. Start from a blank sheet and stay away from those rom cleaners for now.
You could just take a clean custom rom, then you don't have to worry about deleting those knox stuff and rerooting again.

Venorian said:
Not even a factory reset will do?
How do I find a stock ROM from Samsung (with 4.4.2) compatible with my S4 GT-I9505? Also: should I also wipe everything or simply flash the rom without doing anything else?
Now that you said, I also noticed that one of my favorite games (Mushroom Wars) has also stopped working. Might be that you're right!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i honestly didn't attempt a factory reset because i wanted to keep all my stuff, so i just flashed the stock rom on odin and everything worked out fine, was the only way i was able to fix it

-Ric- said:
i honestly didn't attempt a factory reset because i wanted to keep all my stuff, so i just flashed the stock rom on odin and everything worked out fine, was the only way i was able to fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By doing this I'll have to reroot, right? Do you think it is a problem if I recover my backup from TWRP after flashing the stock rom?
Dont wanna go through the configs and app installing all over again.

Venorian said:
By doing this I'll have to reroot, right? Do you think it is a problem if I recover my backup from TWRP after flashing the stock rom?
Dont wanna go through the configs and app installing all over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't need to re-configure or recover a backup, if you flash the same stock on odin as you already had running, without wiping, it should work right away, without any issues and without any need for a wipe or a restore, you will have to re-root though, yes.

-Ric- said:
you don't need to re-configure or recover a backup, if you flash the same stock on odin as you already had running, without wiping, it should work right away, without any issues and without any need for a wipe or a restore, you will have to re-root though, yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is your stock firmware: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=33568

Tkkg1994 said:
Here is your stock firmware: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=33568
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for switzerland, isnt it? A Brazilian version would be most welcome! I'm currently downloading one from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265477
-Ric- said:
you don't need to re-configure or recover a backup, if you flash the same stock on odin as you already had running, without wiping, it should work right away, without any issues and without any need for a wipe or a restore, you will have to re-root though, yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure! Thank you for your help!
Just a side note: while downloading the stock rom, I found this and installed the given app (Folder Mount) just to check. As soon as I opened it, it pop'd a message saying that he identified a crucial problem with my /bin/sdcardwhatever file. So yes, I'm confident that your solution will be the one to fix my problem. Let's see...
Also thanks for Lennyz1988 for your suggestion. Your fix seems a little bit... harder?... for me, but if this one doesnt work I'll try yours and post the results. BTW, where do I find a clean custom ROM? Thank you!

Venorian said:
This is for switzerland, isnt it? A Brazilian version would be most welcome! I'm currently downloading one from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265477
Sure! Thank you for your help!
Just a side note: while downloading the stock rom, I found this and installed the given app (Folder Mount) just to check. As soon as I opened it, it pop'd a message saying that he identified a crucial problem with my /bin/sdcardwhatever file. So yes, I'm confident that your solution will be the one to fix my problem. Let's see...
Also thanks for Lennyz1988 for your suggestion. Your fix seems a little bit... harder?... for me, but if this one doesnt work I'll try yours and post the results. BTW, where do I find a clean custom ROM? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cause you want a Brazil version, here you go : http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=31097

Lennyz1988 said:
I would just take the shortcut.
- Backup the apps you want to backup with Titanium.
- Make a backup of Whatsapp from within the app.
- Wipe from TWRP recovery (I assume that's what you mean by TWRD). Use the option prepare for rom flash (don't know the excact words, but you understand when you see the option).
- Reflash the rom you are currently on with Odin (or flash a custom rom).
You can also just skip the wiping part and just flash the rom with Odin again. I always like to start from scratch if something goes wrong, but it should probably work without the wipe.
Then restore the apps you want to restore. Whatsapp should probably be working now.
You can spend many more hours finding a solution, but my guess is that SD-maid or Clean Master deleted something it should not have. Always be carefull with those kind of apps. I don't really like those apps because the benefit you get from them is limited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Ric- said:
this happened to me once, and wasn't whatsapp only, the reason whatsapp wasn't being able to receive/send media files was because it somehow could not access the internal storage.. same with all my other apps, it happened when restoring a full rom backup with CWM.. and the only way i managed to fix it was to re-flash the stock rom with odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just realized both solutions are the same, LOL.
ODIN just finished flashing the stock rom. Will update soon with the preliminary results.

Apparently it did NOT work. Not completely at least.
WhatsApp is now once again making voice recordings and receiving them as well, but is not handling any other kind of media. Mushroom Wars (the game I talked about earlier) is also not loading.
The system looks just it was before, only without root (I know that was expected).
Don't know what to do now.
Just one more question: how much of a problem is it restoring a backup using TWRP? I mean, in a scenario in which I get this problem fixed, I couldnt simply restore any backup due to the possibility of screwing my internal storage thing all over again?