[Guide] CWM Real format data - Galaxy S III Mini General

Hi all,
After reading some posts on Samsung S3 mini forum. Many problems could be fixed by doing a real format.
Many people aren't understanding a real format.
!!! A REAL FORMAT IS NOT THE SAME as WIPE DATA/FACTORY RESET.!!!
Real format = Format the whole data partition ( Rom, photo's, numbers, downlads,...)
wipe data = delete's your personal settings ( wallpapers , Gapps settings ,...)
It will not delete your external SD card
When doing a real format?
Installing a new rom ( from stock to custom rom)
When your rom isn't working ( bootloop) after a perfect download
When flashing from an other rom ( Carbon to CM and others)
When data partition is corrupted ( bootloop, troubles when starting up the rom)
After doing alot of flashing different Roms ( Not necessary , but it's Recommended)
When the developer brings updates from a rom, a real format isn't necessary. You can flash it over your excisting Rom
A real format is necessary in an update when the developer says it.
So here is the little guide for ClockworkmMod Recovery.
Power in Recovery mode by pressing Volume up, home and power buttom at the same time.
When in Recovery go to:
Mounts and storage --> "format /data and /data/media"
After this, you have a clean Phone and you can start flashing.
Tips:
When i do a real format, i format my system partition also.
!!!Have a Rom ready on your External SD card when doing a Real format !!!
That's all.
I hope this will help new users :highfive:
Greetz DjWacko

Related

[REF] CWM - Clockworkmode menu options & Partitions– GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Hi mates,
When we are flashing a Custom Rom from the CWM, we are normally instructed by the Devs only to do few steps on CWM like “Wipe Data/Factory Data Reset, Wipe Cache etc.. which we simply follow, but most of the people don’t know, including me, what these options and many other options of CWM are really standing for.
When I googled, I could not find a thread which explains about these options in a single thread, so I would like to share with my friends about what I found the Common Options of the CWM here...
Obviously these are commonly applicable for all the devices which are having CWM, but I am always concern about my favorite Galaxy S II.
People who are completely new to Recovery and these options, I suggest them to read this thread first and give a thanks to it's author.
What Is Recovery & Download Mode?
The oder and segregation of the below items in the CWM menu may vary or some of them may be removed in different custom recoveries designed by respective Developer.
CLOCKWORKMODE BASED RECOVERY MENU
1) Reboot Menu :
reboot system now
This one is self-explanatory.
2) Install Menu :
choose zip from (internal/ external) sdcard /
Lets you install any zip file (with any name) from any location on your SD card. The file can be for a ROM, a kernel, an application, a theme or any mod as long as it is in recovery-flashable zip format.
apply /sdcard/update.zip
This one is essentially the same as the ‘apply update from sdcard’ option of the main menu. widely used option for installing a ROM that you have downloaded and copied to your SD card. Entering this option will bring up a screen that will allow you to browse your SD card for the zip file.
apply update from sdcard
This can be used for installation of any official or unofficial update, ROM, kernel, theme etc. that is in a zip format installable from recovery, as long as the file is named update.zip and it has been placed on the root of your SD card (i.e. not in any sub-folder). Selecting this option will bring up a rather annoying confirmation prompt but this has saved us on multiple occasions from a lot of trouble we would have been into due to accidental key presses.
toggle signature verification
Turns the signature verification on and off. When signature verification is on, you will not be able to install any custom ROMs that haven’t been signed by the developers (most custom ROMs aren’t signed). Switching it off skips the signature verification check and proceeds with the installation.
toggle script asserts
Seldom-used option for a vast majority of users. It simply turns script asserts on or off. If you don’t know about these (I don’t), it’s best not to change this option.
3) Wipe Menu
wipe data/factory reset
This option wipes all user data on the device as well as cache. Doing this will leave your phone in the state it was in when you bought it or when any custom ROM was first installed. It will also wipe any sd-ext partition that you might have setup. (see more about sd-ext below under partition)
wipe cache partition
This is a good practice to do this before flashing any ROM. The /cache partition just stores temporary files that are not critical to device operation and can be re-generated easily, this Wipes the cache partition of the device to clear all the data accumulated there over use. This is often used before installing a new ROM, app, kernel or any similar mod via recovery.
Wipe Dalvik Cache
Allows you to wipe the cache for the Dalvik virtual machine. The dalvik cache wipe is quite similar to cache wipe but it stores the post ran java applications. Since Android is JAVA based, it uses the same java virtual machine for compiling. The dalvik cache just stores post-compiled applications in order to speed up the system. Wiping this just forces the system to re-cache those application. It causes no problems but a slight hint of lag on first boot. This is required before most ROM installations and at other occasions too, for fixing some problems.
Wipe Battery Stats
Wipes the saved battery usage statistics and effectively recalibrates the battery. Useful in various scenarios when Android isn’t showing correct battery levels.
4) Nandroid menu
backup and restore Undoubtedly one of the most important features provided by a custom recovery, the backup and restore feature – also known as Nandroid backup – allows you to take a snapshot of your phone’s entire internal memory including all partitions, and save it on the SD card.
Backup
Takes a Nandroid backup, as explained above.
Restore
Lets you restore a previously taken backup. Entering this option presents you with a list of existing backups from the SD card that you can choose from for restoration.
Advanced Restore (new options are available separately to restore from external or internal SDcard in the latest CWM)
This option is similar to the Restore option but once a backup has been selected to be restored, this option allows you to choose what parts of it to restore. You can choose to restore the boot, system, data, cache and sd-ext partitions.
5) Storage menu
mounts and storage
Allows you to perform maintenance tasks on all the internal and external partitions of your android device
mount/unmount /system, /data, /cache, /sdcard, /emmc.
These options let you toggle between mounting or unmounting these respective partitions. Most users don’t need to change these options.
format system, data, cache, sdcard or sd-ext
These let you directly format any of these partitions. Take extreme care with this option as formatting any of these partitions will result in losing all data on them, especially the boot and system partitions. Formatting the system partition will remove your ROM and leave your phone without an operating system while wiping the boot partition may brick your phone unless you restore or flash another one before rebooting your device. See below more explanation about these partitions.
mount USB storage
Lets you enable USB mass storage mode for your SD card right from recovery so that you can connect it to your computer via USB and transfer any files to/from it without having to leave recovery.
6) Advanced
This section contains a few options most users will not require, Here are the options from this section:
Report Error
In case of errors, this feature can be used to save a log of recent ClockworkMod recovery operations on the SD card that you can later report from Android using ROM Manager.
Key Test
Lets you press any of the hardware keys to see if they are properly functioning, and to see their key codes.
Partition SD Card
This option gives you a no-frills way to partition your SD card properly for use with ROMs that support data2ext (a very handy hack for low internal memory devices that enables an /sd-ext partition on the SD card to be used as the internal user data storage i.e. as the /data partition). Once this option is selected, you will be given options to choose the sizes for the /sd-ext partition as well as an optional /swap partition on the SD card, and will then automatically format it for you, leaving the remaining space for normal SD card usage. This option will wipe all data from your SD card so use it with caution!
Fix Permissions
Fixes the file permissions for the internal memory partitions back to default. This is very useful as a fix for several errors and Force-Closes that start appearing after you or an application you installed and provided root access end up messing up the permissions of important files.
PARTITIONS :
The Android uses several partitions to organize files and folders on the device. Each of these partitions has a distinct role in the functionality of the device, but not many Android users know the significance of each partition and its contents. In this guide, we will take you on a tour of Android partitions, what they contain and what can be the possible consequences of modifying their content.
Let’s start with a list of standard internal memory partitions on Android phones and tablets. These are:
• /boot
• /system
• /recovery
• /data
• /cache
• /misc
In addition, there are the SD card partitions.
• /sdcard
• /sd-ext
Note that only /sdcard is found in all Android devices and the rest are present only in select devices. Let’s now take a look at the purpose and contents of each of these partitions.
/boot
This is the partition that enables the phone to boot, as the name suggests. It includes the bootloader and the kernel. Without this partition, the device will simply not be able to boot. Wiping this partition from recovery should only be done if absolutely required and once done, the device must NOT be rebooted before installing a new one, which can be done by installing a ROM that includes a /boot partition.
/system
This partition basically contains the entire operating system, other than the kernel and the bootloader. This includes the Android user interface as well as all the system applications that come pre-installed on the device. Wiping this partition will remove Android from the device without rendering it unbootable, and you will still be able to put the phone into recovery or bootloader mode to install a new ROM.
/recovery
The recovery partition can be considered as an alternative boot partition that lets you boot the device into a recovery console for performing advanced recovery and maintenance operations on it. We have already learnt about this partition and its contents above.
/data
Also called userdata, the data partition contains the user’s data – this is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go. Wiping this partition essentially performs a factory reset on your device, restoring it to the way it was when you first booted it, or the way it was after the last official or custom ROM installation. When you perform a wipe data/factory reset from recovery, it is this partition that you are wiping.
/cache
This is the partition where Android stores frequently accessed data and app components. Wiping the cache doesn’t effect your personal data but simply gets rid of the existing data there, which gets automatically rebuilt as you continue using the device.
/misc
This partition contains miscellaneous system settings in form of on/off switches. These settings may include CID (Carrier or Region ID), USB configuration and certain hardware settings etc. This is an important partition and if it is corrupt or missing, several of the device’s features will will not function normally.
/sdcard
This is not a partition on the internal memory of the device but rather the SD card. In terms of usage, this is your storage space to use as you see fit, to store your media, documents, ROMs etc. on it. Wiping it is perfectly safe as long as you backup all the data you require from it, to your computer first. Though several user-installed apps save their data and settings on the SD card and wiping this partition will make you lose all that data.
On devices with both an internal and an external SD card – devices like the Samsung Galaxy SII – the /sdcard partition is always used to refer to the internal SD card. For the external SD card – if present – an alternative partition is used, which differs from device to device. In case of Samsung Galaxy S series devices, it is /sdcard/External_sd while in many other devices, it is /sdcard2. Unlike /sdcard, no system or app data whatsoever is stored automatically on this external SD card and everything present on it has been added there by the user. You can safely wipe it after backing up any data from it that you need to save.
/sd-ext
This is not a standard Android partition, but has become popular in the custom ROM scene. It is basically an additional partition on your SD card that acts as the /data partition when used with certain ROMs that have special features called APP2SD+ or data2ext enabled. It is especially useful on devices with little internal memory allotted to the /data partition. Thus, users who want to install more programs than the internal memory allows can make this partition and use it with a custom ROM that supports this feature, to get additional storage for installing their apps. Wiping this partition is essentially the same as wiping the /data partition – you lose your contacts, SMS, market apps and settings.
Now whenever we install a ROM or mod that requires we to wipe certain partitions before the installation, we should be in a better position to know what we are losing and what not and thus, we’ll know what to backup and what not.
Best Regards
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134290
Yep. Been done before a long time ago. Tho I do admire your initiative in putting the info together
Stifler69 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134290
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Doubt this one should be on the top of this thread,
What a simple and awesome explanation about the Recovery & Download mode, many thanks to pulser_g2
I know, majority of users only need the simple steps and shortcuts, they don’t care what’s happening internally and theoretically, but some are really curious to know…
Many thanks mate....
zaheedahmed said:
No Doubt this one should be on the top of this thread,
What a simple and awesome explanation about the Recovery & Download mode, many thanks to pulser_g2
I know, majority of users only need the simple steps and shortcuts, they don’t care what’s happening internally and theoretically, but some are really curious to know…
Many thanks mate....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah mate you do what you have to do. It is a good thread and provides good information. Nice work. Just wanted to show you Pulsers thread as well though because he has done something similar to yours long time ago..But anyway good work and if you need any help let me know
Thanks, will save later text in PDF and keep it on PC just to have one more tutorial about things
Awesome write up!! Brilliant!
As you are so knowledgeable about CWM, perhaps I can ask you a question?
When I do a backup, it says that no external SD card was found, so it skipped the external?
When I check under mounts, the only option for the external SD card is to UNmount.... This would suggest that the card is mounted, correct?
So how would I go about backing up the external card too?
Thanks!
Sent from my SGH-I727R using xda premium
Question, if i do nandroid backhp through CWM, i suppose it saves files that i dl such as apps/games, or i need to download later again 600mb+?
Sent by powaaaaah of GT-I9100 Taparatatatalk!
shaggyskunk said:
Awesome write up!! Brilliant!
As you are so knowledgeable about CWM, perhaps I can ask you a question?
When I do a backup, it says that no external SD card was found, so it skipped the external?
When I check under mounts, the only option for the external SD card is to UNmount.... This would suggest that the card is mounted, correct?
So how would I go about backing up the external card too?
Thanks!
Sent from my SGH-I727R using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your appreciation,
I would like to express once again as I mentioned in the starting of the thread that this is only a humble effort of the undersigne that I searched for such information and combined at one place here....
As far as I know about your problem of SD card storage, this is a compatibility issiue which varries on one custom recovery to another, also one SD card to another. such issues are fixed by developers in their latest versions of recoveries.
I experienced once the same issue which was resolved when I changed my SD card.
And my current (touch) recovery of Redpill v1.3 allows me to Backup and restore from external SD card with all available options flowlessly.
Thanks
X-Plosiv said:
Question, if i do nandroid backhp through CWM, i suppose it saves files that i dl such as apps/games, or i need to download later again 600mb+?
Sent by powaaaaah of GT-I9100 Taparatatatalk!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Between CWM & Titanium, you should not have to download anything.
Sent From my Two Tin Cans & String Device on The Wookie Network
X-Plosiv said:
Question, if i do nandroid backhp through CWM, i suppose it saves files that i dl such as apps/games, or i need to download later again 600mb+?
Sent by powaaaaah of GT-I9100 Taparatatatalk!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it backs up all your installed apps and system data along with the ROM, but it do not back up the additional data which is downloaded and stored in User's partition of your SD card by the applications, such data will remain on your SD card untill you format it, available to support your apps when you return to the previous ROM.
awsome eplanation
as above posts say awsome explinationculdnt b clearer now then all
zaheedahmed said:
Of course it backs up all your installed apps and system data along with the ROM, but it do not back up the additional data which is downloaded and stored in User's partition of your SD card by the applications, such data will remain on your SD card untill you format it, available to support your apps when you return to the previous ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but when I do format/wipe all, I guess then it deletes all that is on SD card as well, such as game files and music? If so, I'd rather just copy paste it on my PC, then after doing all wipes and formats, just copy back from PC
Zaheed, you are far too humble! Your post was brilliant, informative & timely.
Sent From my Two Tin Cans & String Device on The Wookie Network
X-Plosiv said:
Yes, but when I do format/wipe all, I guess then it deletes all that is on SD card as well, such as game files and music? If so, I'd rather just copy paste it on my PC, then after doing all wipes and formats, just copy back from PC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you do normal wipes (data/ factory reset, cache, dalvik) before installing/restoring ROM, it won't touch any data which is saved in your SD Card normally, but it is more safer if you back such application data to you PC which normally find in a folder "Android/ Data /xxx" in the root of SDcard
Thanks for info.
I have read a lot on this but am still nor clear whether a wipe data/factory reset includes a full cache wipe. Most rom install instructions tell you to do both, but it seems a wipe cache is redundant if you factory reset.
SimboXXX said:
Thanks for info.
I have read a lot on this but am still nor clear whether a wipe data/factory reset includes a full cache wipe. Most rom install instructions tell you to do both, but it seems a wipe cache is redundant if you factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you are right, I also understand the same, but the option for merely wiping cache is kept for using in some odd situations, like when we fingered to the ROM and got some error, then we got a no-wipe version of the existing ROM to reflash, such case we need only to wipe cache…. I have got an error recently on CWM when I reflashed my no-wipe Checkrom v6 without wiping anything, then I wiped only cache, problem solved…..
what ever may be the theory, do as the developers directed for their ROM…..NO RISK
shaggyskunk said:
Zaheed, you are far too humble! Your post was brilliant, informative & timely.
Sent From my Two Tin Cans & String Device on The Wookie Network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks mate...
Thanks for the thread, you can never know too much. On second thoughts, there's probably no danger of that.
What would be really good if you have the knowledge, is a detailed guide on CWM Edify scripting. I'm sure many people would find that useful, especially me. There doesn't seem to be a lot of good guides or information on the language, at least I can't find them yet. If you have any good links I'd definitely appreciate it as well.
Here's another bit of information, that answered a question I had....
In case anyone else has this question...
Here is the answer from:
http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...ter-no-sd-ext-found-skipping-backup-of-sd-ext
" This means you do not have an ext3/4 partition on your sdcard. This really ins't a big deal, this is like a legacy part of the nandroid backup process. CM doesn't "officially" support the sd-ext partition any more anyhow."
Hope it helps someone else... In the end, the answer is pretty straight forward.
Sent From my Two Tin Cans & String Device on The Wookie Network
Sent from Down The Rabbit Hole, using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Totally bricked :/ need help by developers and all

Dear xda and Users,
I wanted to increase the installation storage while i was using GB 2.3 official then updated to DZO aurora ics rom.
I used partition from xda threads and kept official partition file also as back up everything worked well in dzo aurora then i felt i need to do it in GB 2.3 and try without doing the official partition in CWM.
I put DLOAD folder with official GB 2.3 and did an update with pressing + and - with power button. The update fails every time and all i can get is the android system recovery <3e> i do not even get a usb folder pop up in windows on the pink screen.
I cant even install or run any zips of rom because signature verification fails :'(
PLEASE HELP ME " i see a option apply update from sd and i dont have any signed files to do it please help me "
Note - i cant acces the phone to use clock work mode or pink screen then a connect usb to pc and a folder popup please dont give me <--- this solutions and i read so many threads and i dint get anything like mine "
Munchkinrussel said:
Dear xda and Users,
I wanted to increase the installation storage while i was using GB 2.3 official then updated to DZO aurora ics rom.
I used partition from xda threads and kept official partition file also as back up everything worked well in dzo aurora then i felt i need to do it in GB 2.3 and try without doing the official partition in CWM.
I put DLOAD folder with official GB 2.3 and did an update with pressing + and - with power button. The update fails every time and all i can get is the android system recovery <3e> i do not even get a usb folder pop up in windows on the pink screen.
I cant even install or run any zips of rom because signature verification fails :'(
PLEASE HELP ME " i see a option apply update from sd and i dont have any signed files to do it please help me "
Note - i cant acces the phone to use clock work mode or pink screen then a connect usb to pc and a folder popup please dont give me <--- this solutions and i read so many threads and i dint get anything like mine "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
clear wipe data and cache in android system recovery.
and reboot
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sitesearch.php?q=brick%20u8800
Did both but no use
nikosddesign said:
clear wipe data and cache in android system recovery.
and reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did wipe data factory reset no use
i install the dload again ( update failed ) and this time i did both wipe data factory and wipe cache partition and No use
Please mention what are the signed files i can use in order to run " apply update from SD card "
Note i get the following when i do wipe data / factory reset
--wiping data...
formatting /cache...
E:failed to mount /data_pseudo ( no such file or directory )
E:failed to mount /data_pseudo ( no such file or directory )
formatting /data..
E:format_volume make _extf4fs failed on /dev/blocl/mmcblk0p13
E:failed to mount /data_pseudo ( no such file or directory )
E:failed to mount /data_pseudo ( no such file or directory )
Formating /HWuserData...
error opening disk files ( no such file or directory ) wipe internal sdcard fail
formatting /cahce
data wipe complete
i think it because the old custom partition was left and i dint have any chance to repartition it ( is ther a way to hard flash the phone and start all over please if yes guide me )
here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1728065
and here read carefoully http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1560372&highlight=update+fail+on+step+2+of+2
flash this first have unlock pink screen http://www.mediafire.com/?nzygor314l4fk5u
flash this http://www.mediafire.com/?1hbk6n46hgamyt6
sorry my bad english.
thanks to you but i am not finished yet help plz
i checked all the links you gave and i found that i can do all this only if i have a rom installed in my system but my update failed and its like nothing is inside my mobile and partition is messed up and i am confused how will i flash this file ?
----------------------------------->flash this first have unlock pink screen ( the file you gave sorry cant post links me newbie )
1.i put the file sdcard / Dload then press + and - with powerbutton<--------------------------------> starts unpacking and update fails
but i get pink screen and image folder opens in windows
thank you so much for this help hugs and the problem is i cant partition it properly for installing a zip properly
i installed the u8800 official partition by geno but it doesn't take any effect after reboot .. my system partition is still messed up
please guide me what i do next do you have any partiton file which will take effect the moment i install its zip in clockwork mode
because when ever i run a rom zip after reboot it hangs on the rom logo not ( huawei logo )
and thank you again sir for the unlocking pinkscreen usb
Edit - when i try to do mount and storage in clockwork mode
format cache is ok
format system is ok
but when i format Data i get
E:format_volume: make_extf4fs failed on /dev/block/mmcbl0p13
error formating data
( i think my internal storage is messed up partition may be messeed up and thus no zip roms run after install all get stuck in logo )
It seems that you /data partition is damaged. You can try to format it from a linux machine. If you connect the device in pink screen mode on a linux system, you can see and other partitions(I think /data included). Then maybe you can format it from gparted for e.g)
dancer_69 said:
It seems that you /data partition is damaged. You can try to format it from a linux machine. If you connect the device in pink screen mode on a linux system, you can see and other partitions(I think /data included). Then maybe you can format it from gparted for e.g)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have pink screen you could make a restore from the full flash.bin, there is a tutorial in a thread on this forum, i unbricked mine this way.
Good Luck
I will try and get back to you all
i will try the linux full flash and let you all know if i was successful
EDIT- thanks for all the support i finally got it working back with the huawei full flasher in linux mode thank you so much

Flashing Custom Roms Doubt

HI there people, just a n00b question, after flashing a custom rom in my i9500 (wanam lite v1.8) i see all my previous configurations, data, installed apps (including bloatware) are still on my phone, is this the normal condition? i mean....when u flash a custom rom previous apps and data keeps on the phone??? or im missing something (like cleaning cache or something)?? i just followed the custom's rom developer guide (download rom, backup current firmware, flash custom rom, enjoy) I supposed a new installation of all system's components was performed when flashing....any info will be appreciated.. thanks
Did you flash via Odin or Recovery?
There is option in custom recovery and in some rom installations that wipe yuor data before install. Fr custom recovere you can make wipe itsefl
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Crauze said:
Did you flash via Odin or Recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used CMW recovery 6.0.3.2
damador said:
There is option in custom recovery and in some rom installations that wipe yuor data before install. Fr custom recovere you can make wipe itsefl
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is one of the rom's features WanamLite v1.8 that i've flashed " Auto wipe cache & dalvik-cache before flashing", however whole apps and data r still on my phone after flashing.
tongueofcolicab said:
HI there people, just a n00b question, after flashing a custom rom in my i9500 (wanam lite v1.8) i see all my previous configurations, data, installed apps (including bloatware) are still on my phone, is this the normal condition? i mean....when u flash a custom rom previous apps and data keeps on the phone??? or im missing something (like cleaning cache or something)?? i just followed the custom's rom developer guide (download rom, backup current firmware, flash custom rom, enjoy) I supposed a new installation of all system's components was performed when flashing....any info will be appreciated.. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Download ROM and put it in the SD card.
2) Make a backup.
3) Wipe Data Factory.
4) Wipe cache partition.
5) Advanced -> Wipe Dalvik Cache.
6) Mount and storage -> Format Data
7) Mount and storage -> Format Cache
8) Mount and storage -> Format System
9) Mount and storage -> Format Preload ( If it is present ).
10 ) Flash custom roms.
Chuck Bartowski said:
1) Download ROM and put it in the SD card.
2) Make a backup.
3) Wipe Data Factory.
4) Wipe cache partition.
5) Advanced -> Wipe Dalvik Cache.
6) Mount and storage -> Format Data
7) Mount and storage -> Format Cache
8) Mount and storage -> Format System
9) Mount and storage -> Format Preload ( If it is present ).
10 ) Flash custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there and thanks,
1) In step 1 u mean Internal sdcard or external sdcard?? (or maybe it doesnt matter).
2) Now if i want to return to my previous rom (the one before wanamlite flashing) If i restore to the previous nandroid backup using CWM recovery after the process u mention (wipe & format) all my old data and apps will be there right??
tongueofcolicab said:
Hi there and thanks,
1) In step 1 u mean Internal sdcard or external sdcard?? (or maybe it doesnt matter).
2) Now if i want to return to my previous rom (the one before wanamlite flashing) If i restore to the previous nandroid backup using CWM recovery after the process u mention (wipe & format) all my old data and apps will be there right??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) It doesn't matter.
2) Yes.
Chuck Bartowski said:
1) It doesn't matter.
2) Yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1). It DOES matter... You are wiping internal storage... What are you gonna flash when the rom on the internal storage is wiped with ALL the other Data?
it a special feature of the ROM ur trying to install..... wannam 1.8 says - no wipe - hence it only wipes dalvik and regular cache - all the user data is preserved, like apps, contact, sms , etc, etc, - you wouldn't even need a backup when moving to wannam 1.8 ROM.
if u want to start from a clean system i recommend using the Super.Wipe (its comes available on the Phoenix ROM thread)
Cheers
ultramag69 said:
1). It DOES matter... You are wiping internal storage... What are you gonna flash when the rom on the internal storage is wiped with ALL the other Data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Clockwork Recovery you don't touch the internal storage, unless you use "Mount and Storage -> Format Internal SD" ( or something like that ).
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Unless you really try - you won't format the internal SD with CWM. the clean cache is a command that cleans the OS partition - but if you'll format the internal SD you'll loose all data and apps
infact - what are you trying to do? do you want to completely wipe your device?
Thanks to all for your answers........finally i perform a new clean installation, wiping all data and cache and formating all the /data, /cache, /preload, including internal sdcard (moving rom to external sdcard first of course) and next flashing WanamLite using CMW.
By the way, i was wonder about i9500 suppose to be a 16 GB (internal memory) phone, however......even with a new clean installation internal memory its just about 8.77 GB, am not talking about free space (wich is 6.9 GB now after clean install), the whole internal memory capacity is just 8.77 GB!!! so what about the other 7.x GB in this model???

Help installing Galaxy S4 OzcanRom v6.2

Hi Guys,
I am presently using Galaxy S4 OzcanRom v6.0 , and I want to upgrade it to v6.2. The procedure to install tells me to wipe davik and format data. So just wanted to know , if my apps that I downloaded (installed in internal sd card ) , will be deleted when I go for the upgrade .
If yes, then how do I simple upgrade to lastest ROM without losing my data. I am new to flashing . Please help me with detail process to upgrade my ROM.
Thank you in advance.
prat_merc said:
Hi Guys,
I am presently using Galaxy S4 OzcanRom v6.0 , and I want to upgrade it to v6.2. The procedure to install tells me to wipe davik and format data. So just wanted to know , if my apps that I downloaded (installed in internal sd card ) , will be deleted when I go for the upgrade .
If yes, then how do I simple upgrade to lastest ROM without losing my data. I am new to flashing . Please help me with detail process to upgrade my ROM.
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate,
Yes it will mate , as the description says
Fully Clean Rom installation Step:
Use TWRP
First things first – Backup your data
1 - Download Rom and put it into SD card or ExtSdCard
2 - Select Wipe on TWRP menu
3 - Select Advanced Wipe - select Dalvik Cache, Cache, System, Data,Preload,(If rom is in external sd card select internal sd card too,
otherwise do not choose internal storage.) then select wipe
4 - Format Data and input yes
5 - Reboot - Select Recovery – It will ask you to install super su. Select “do not install” because it has already been installed in the Rom.
6 - Install - Select rom and install
MAX 404 said:
Hi mate,
Yes it will mate , as the description says
Fully Clean Rom installation Step:
Use TWRP
First things first – Backup your data
1 - Download Rom and put it into SD card or ExtSdCard
2 - Select Wipe on TWRP menu
3 - Select Advanced Wipe - select Dalvik Cache, Cache, System, Data,Preload,(If rom is in external sd card select internal sd card too,
otherwise do not choose internal storage.) then select wipe
4 - Format Data and input yes
5 - Reboot - Select Recovery – It will ask you to install super su. Select “do not install” because it has already been installed in the Rom.
6 - Install - Select rom and install
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. I know the above process , but have certain doubts .
When you say backup data, will nandroid backup work, when I am upgrading ROM to different version and will all my apps be recovered. If there is an elegant way . Please let m e know.
Secondly , I dont have TWRP, I installed using CWM, how will it make a difference.
How do i upgrade without losing data.
Thanks.
prat_merc said:
Thank you for the reply. I know the above process , but have certain doubts .
When you say backup data, will nandroid backup work, when I am upgrading ROM to different version and will all my apps be recovered. If there is an elegant way . Please let m e know.
Secondly , I dont have TWRP, I installed using CWM, how will it make a difference.
How do i upgrade without losing data.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
To recover your apps and contacts use something likeTitanium back up . restore only apps and data no system settings ,
What recovery do you have ? philz?
from philz you have the option factory reset/install new rom , you can choose that or from the mount and restore menu format each one by hand
Nandroid first , back up your efs folder.

[GUIDE]How to format your phone properly

How to format your phone properly
Guide updated on 14/05/15
Disclaimer:
#include <std_disclaimer.h>
/*
* Your warranty is now void.
*
* I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards,
* thermonuclear war, or you getting fired because the alarm app failed. Please
* do some research if you have any concerns about features included in this tool
* before flashing it! YOU are choosing to make these modifications, and if
* you point the finger at me for messing up your device, I will laugh at you.
*/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This process will wipe all of your data off your phone. This includes all of your apps and system storage. Make sure to backup all of your apps and data to the cloud or onto a computer
Make a backup!! Why am I saying this again? Because there is always a few careless people who do this process and complain how they lost all of their data.
All users of android 4.0.x are warned that factory resetting your phone will hard brick your device. To check if you have brickbug, follow this link: brickbug check Also, a custom recovery is not a custom kernel! Brickbug occurs at kernel level. If you are affected, you will need to install a custom kernel like siyah kernel
Here are some of the ways you can format your phone:
- Manually via recovery
- Using a pit file
- Using hawker's scripts
Formatting manually via recovery:
If you don't have a custom recovery already, flash Philz recovery using odin: https://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/i9100/philz_touch_6.48.4-i9100.zip.md5
Reboot your phone to recovery. If your current ROM doesn't have the option to do this, you can use the app quick boot or you can shut down your phone then use the button combinations to get into recovery (volume up + home + power). Note: Root is need to run the app.
Once in recovery, select and confirm factory reset
Select and confirm wipe cache partition
In mounts and storage, select and confirm format /system and /preload (wiping preload is necessary when switching between stock and custom roms).
Go back to the main menu and go to advanced menu. You will now have to select and confirm to wipe dalvik(or art) cache.
Once all of these has been done, you can install a rom normally.
If you are on TWRP recovery, follow these steps:
Reboot your phone to recovery.
Once in recovery, go to wipe
Tick: Data, system, cache and dalvik cache
Swipe the bar to confirm to wipe
Go back to the main menu
You can now install a rom normally.
If you get errors when formatting the preload partition, you will have to flash this first then you will be able to format the preload partition: http://bit.ly/13ojAEh
Formatting via pit file:
This process will wipe all of your data off your phone. This includes all of your apps, system storage and internal sd card. It doesn't wipe your external sd card. Make sure to backup all of your apps and data to the cloud or onto a computer
Make a nandroid backup onto your external sd card or PC (VERY IMPORTANT!!! All backups in internal sd card will be deleted so move them!)
Download the system pit files (attached in OP)
Extract the zip file
Open ODIN (Attached in the OP, JOdin for linux and OS X)
Connect your phone to your PC via USB while in download mode (make sure your phone is detected on ODIN, it should say COM:{number})
Click on the PIT button and locate and select your desired pit file
Click on PDA or AP and select your kernel .tar file (look at this thread if you don't have one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/development-derivatives/convert-kernel-zip-to-tar-t2994381)
Make sure that re-partition has been ticked then click start. If your phone successfully flashes, move onto the next step. If not, try changing usb ports, changing ODIN version, changing pit files or seeing if your device has a corrupt nand (or broken). If your nand is corrupt or broken, you won't be able to flash with ODIN (and you will need to buy a new motherboard). If you are still unsure what to do, look at the screenshot in the attachments.
While your phone reboots, you need to perform the button combination to get into recovery (home button + power button + volume up)
If you have CWM recovery, go to mounts and storage then select format /sd card0 or /internal sd card. Select default and your internal sd card should successfully format. If not, try ext4 format. If you have TWRP recovery, you will need to go to wipe>advanced and select format /sd card then swipe to confirm . If you can successfully format your phone here, skip steps 11, 12, 13, 14.
----IF FORMATTING FAILS IN RECOVERY----
If formatting sd card in recovery fails, connect your phone to your PC. While still in recovery (CWM), go to mounts and storage and select mount mass storage. If you have TWRP recovery, go to mount and select mount sd card. It should prompt you that the storage isn't ready yet and you need to format. If your PC still doesn't detect your phone, check if the proper drivers are installed (in attachments). Also, if your phone doesn't get detected and you've done everything in this step, try changing usb ports, computers and even usb cables.
Click format
You can leave all of the settings to default, I personally like to change the allocation size to 4KB (4KB is good if you want to make the most out of your phone's storage while having enough speed)
Click format.
----AFTER SUCCESSFULLY FORMATTING----
Go back to your phone. You can choose to restore from your backup or install a new rom. If you choose to restore from a backup, skip all of the remaining steps. (Note: DorimanX kernel recoveries can not format /data partition more than 2gb, use an alternative first when restoring a backup then flash back if needed)
In mounts and storage, choose format /data, /cache and /system (Note: DorimanX kernel recoveries can not format /data partition more than 2gb, use an alternative first then flash back if needed)
Now you can flash a ROM as you normally would
Formatting via hawker's script:
Copy HawkerCoreV???.zip onto your device. I have included the zip in the attachments.
Reboot into Recovery
Install zip from SD card>Run HawkerCoreV???.zip
When you are at a stage whereby you want to flash a new CUSTOM ROM and want to do a FULL WIPE before doing so (which I would ALWAYS recommend) the steps are as follows:
If you have not previously done so, download and install the core zip HawkerCoreV???.zip. This will create a folder called /sdcard/HawkerCore
A nandroid backup is recommended beforehand
Install zip from SD card>Run /sdcard/HawkerCore/Scripts/ROMNuke
Install zip from SD card>Flash your new ROM
Reboot
If you are installing a new STOCK ROM and want to do a Nuke then:
A nandroid backup is recommended beforehand
Install zip from SD card>Run /sdcard/HawkerCore/Scripts/ROMNuke
Reboot into Download mode using the button combinations (volume down + home + power button)
Install your stock ROM via Odin
Huge thanks to hawkerpaul for his awesome scripts. Also huge thanks to ElGamal for providing the modified pit files and metalgearhathaway for providing the stock pit file.
Although I know all this already, I find your continued support of our prehistoric S2 to be very helpful to others. I can vouch that these methods are the best way to ensure a full wipe and avoid issues with flashing whatever ROM suits your needs. I personally use a mix of all 3 methods to ensure a fully functional phone. Many thanks for your continual posts throughout the S2 forum here on XDA!

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