Database Users

Internal Memory Storage

Ok, I was trying to place some .zip files on my internal memory root for storage purposes. I used root explorer, changed to r/w created a folder (/storage) and put the files there. When I restarted my phone they were gone. What happened? Is there a reason this shouldn't work.
Hello, my name is LanternsLight456 and I'm a crackflasher...

lanternslight456 said:
Ok, I was trying to place some .zip files on my internal memory root for storage purposes. I used root explorer, changed to r/w created a folder (/storage) and put the files there. When I restarted my phone they were gone. What happened? Is there a reason this shouldn't work.
Hello, my name is LanternsLight456 and I'm a crackflasher...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The internal storage is checked during every startup for integrity just in case something is wrong from last shutdown... The best bet is to put your files to /data folder if you must put stuff in the internal storage (not recommended)..
Don't create your own folders, it will be removed by the integrity checking...
SDCard is still the best location for putting ALL user data

I suspected as much but wasn't too sure, thanks faux
Hello, my name is LanternsLight456 and I'm a crackflasher...

faux123 said:
The internal storage is checked during every startup for integrity just in case something is wrong from last shutdown... The best bet is to put your files to /data folder if you must put stuff in the internal storage (not recommended)..
Don't create your own folders, it will be removed by the integrity checking...
SDCard is still the best location for putting ALL user data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you I also had wondered this, totally abandoning the idea now, WOOT WOOT West L.A.

[REF] ATT-ALL LAGFIX USERS Check for possible data corruption!

!IMPORTANT! - CHECK FOR POSSIBLE DATA CORRUPTION​
Quick Steps to check for possible data corruption:
1. Navigate to LOST.DIR Folder in Internal/External SD card using any file explorer (My Files, ES File Explorer, Astro Explorer, etc.)
2. If this folder is empty then you have nothing to worry about - no data corruption! Otherwise, delete ALL of these files (Labelled with various numbers)
3. Reboot device/Restart media scan for internal/external SD card
4. If files reappear straight after reboot/rescan, then there's a possibility that there are damaged files located on the phone or your SD card is damaged/error with file system used.
[If LOST.DIR folder remains empty after reboot/rescan then your SD card/DATA is safe]
Locating damaged files:
- Open the file using any file explorer (My Files, ES File Explorer, Astro Explorer, etc.) and choose to open as "Text" [Alternatively, you can connect/mount it to your PC and open the files with notepad]
- Text should indicate location of possible corrupted file, navigate yourself to this file
- Make backup of file on PC
- Reboot device/Restart media scan for internal/external SD card
- Check LOST.DIR again if any files are recreated, if files are again recreated, then move to next section.
SD card is damaged/error with file system used:
- If you are using a lagfix (especially those with EXT2 as LOOPS), then disable them and/or return to the RFS file system.
- Reboot device/Restart media scan for internal/external SD card
- Check LOST.DIR again if any files are recreated, if files are again recreated, then I would suggest you reflash your ROM and repartition/format
- If LOST.DIR files continue to reappear instantly after a reboot/rescan, then I would suggest you flash back to stock and contact your device maker for warranty claims.
Possible Causes for creation of files in LOST.DIR:
- Improperly turning off device, such as pulling out battery when device is still on
- Interrupted media scan
- Files copied for PC were corrupted initially
- Damaged SD Card
- Fake SD card
- Disconnecting your device when mounted as mass storage device to your PC (without first properly unmounting it)
Evidence/Reference: http://tinyurl.com/4bccju4
----
x86-Dark said:
I have 1022 files in my LOST.DIR in the Micro SD :/...and only 2 in the sdcard.
I think i have some corruption issues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having lots of files in your LOST.DIR does not necessarily mean that you have any data corruption - As noted by some users, it is safe to have these files, but I believe if these files continuous reappear in LOST.DIR, right after a reboot, then you have might have a problem
Delete the files, reboot, and navigate back into LOST.DIR folder and if files are recreated then you possibly have data corruption, if LOST.DIR folder remains empty then you do not have to worry about data corruption
----
EXTRA INFO (Edited by me - thanks to rschenck for clarification/original post):
The LOST.DIR is where the system stores orphaned, damaged or corrupted files it finds during the file system check as it boots up. It would be expected that most all of you will have at least a few orphaned files in there. They are perfectly safe to delete, however, if after rebooting the system, MORE files are created in LOST.DIR then these aren't orphans, they are corrupted files and could signal a problem.
Hopefully when you delete them, they will not be replaced at reboot and you will gain some peace of mind that their is no evident DATA/SDcard Corruption/failure
This is a very important housekeeping/maintenance procedure to extend the lives of our phone, especially for those using EXT2 or loops.
Best of luck,
Peter

My lost.dir folder is empty.
I didn't use a lagfix for quite some time though.
I only recently used and ext4 lagfix which has been enabled for about a month or so.

Qazz~ said:
My lost.dir folder is empty.
I didn't use a lagfix for quite some time though.
I only recently used and ext4 lagfix which has been enabled for about a month or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then your ext4 file system is good to go I'm using ext2 and my lost.dir fodler is empty too

Wrong section and useless post (as it was in speedmode section) as its too panicky and unnecessary (it is perfectly safe to have these files, and even if we have we don't need to remove lagfix, just switch on the brain).

dupel said:
Wrong section and useless post (as it was in speedmode section) as its too panicky and unnecessary (it is perfectly safe to have these files, and even if we have we don't need to remove lagfix, just switch on the brain).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh .... I'm sorry. If a moderator sees this post as useless then please feel free to delete it. Was just trying to help

my lost.dir is empty, and i haven't use lagfix

I have 1022 files in my LOST.DIR in the Micro SD :/...and only 2 in the sdcard.
I think i have some corruption issues...
/sarcastic mode on
I never wanted find out this thread
/sarcastic mode off

currydude said:
Oh .... I'm sorry. If a moderator sees this post as useless then please feel free to delete it. Was just trying to help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? I found it so usefull...Thanks!

x86-Dark said:
I have 1022 files in my LOST.DIR in the Micro SD :/...and only 2 in the sdcard.
I think i have some corruption issues...
/sarcastic mode on
I never wanted find out this thread
/sarcastic mode off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having lots of files in your LOST.DIR does not necessarily mean that you have any data corruption.
----
Delete the files, reboot, and navigate back into LOST.DIR folder and if files are recreated then you possibly have data corruption, if LOST.DIR folder remains empty then you do not have to worry about data corruption

dupel said:
Wrong section and useless post (as it was in speedmode section) as its too panicky and unnecessary (it is perfectly safe to have these files, and even if we have we don't need to remove lagfix, just switch on the brain).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^
This..perfectly safe.

currydude said:
Having lots of files in your LOST.DIR does not necessarily mean that you have any data corruption.
----
Delete the files, reboot, and navigate back into LOST.DIR folder and if files are recreated then you possibly have data corruption, if LOST.DIR folder remains empty then you do not have to worry about data corruption
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deleted everything and rebooted...no file has reappeared fheeew!

x86-Dark said:
Deleted everything and rebooted...no file has reappeared fheeew!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to hear I hope my post is clear enough .... Again, having lots of files in LOST.DIR does not necessarily mean that your internal/external SD card is damaged, it just means that there has been some form of data corruption and by deleting and reboot, you can confirm that your SD is not damage but instead there has been some data that was corrupted.

I think those files can also be the result of disconnecting your phone when mounted as mass storage device to your pc (without first properly unmounting it)

MarkSGS said:
I think those files can also be the result of disconnecting your phone when mounted as mass storage device to your pc (without first properly unmounting it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yea! I forgot about that too, thank you for your contribution - will add to O.P.

can someone verify this, please?

auralzx said:
can someone verify this, please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If LOST.DIR folder remains empty after reboot/rescan then your SD card/DATA is safe
Having files in the LOST.DIR folder does not mean that your SD card is damaged/data corruption - but if they reappear after reboot/rescan then there's a possibility of it.

Hmm...
I have some files in LOST.DIR folder, some in my internal and many in my external. I have deleted those files in both SD then reboot. My external SD's LOST.DIR remain empty after reboot, but in my internal SD there are 2 files reappear.
I am using ext 4 + ext 2 loops...
Thank you very much for sharing this, I will try to figure it out...

I get 2-3 files in LOST.dir on my internal SD. I have only tried this twice so far. I'm using EXT4. So what now?
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App

No lagfix Eclair lost Dir has a few files in it .
Moved on lagfixed rooted customised etc etc .Six months a few files in Lost Dir .
Yesterday got about a dozen files in the directory . Why well simple all Titanium backup files and i had a problem with a restore on that app .
Conclusion and from OP post any file that gets damaged is moved to this folder .
A folder to keep an eye on just in case as a warning of possible corruption or bigger problems .
jje

TerraBuzz said:
Hmm...
I have some files in LOST.DIR folder, some in my internal and many in my external. I have deleted those files in both SD then reboot. My external SD's LOST.DIR remain empty after reboot, but in my internal SD there are 2 files reappear.
I am using ext 4 + ext 2 loops...
Thank you very much for sharing this, I will try to figure it out...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remove your loops then check LOST.DIR again. (and/or refer to the Locating damaged files section)
#1RAGE said:
I get 2-3 files in LOST.dir on my internal SD. I have only tried this twice so far. I'm using EXT4. So what now?
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, if files do not reappear right after reboot/rescan, then you do not have to worry.
JJEgan said:
.Conclusion and from OP post any file that gets damaged is moved to this folder .
A folder to keep an eye on just in case as a warning of possible corruption or bigger problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly

[Q] How do I recover files and folders deleted by accident?

I created a backup zip file of some images that were in the main sdcard folder that's found within the mnt folder and I was trying to delete said zip file as I thought I'd made a mistake with the zip file and somehow I ended up deleted most of the folders within the sdcard folder!
I checked out the Storage section within settings and it has the following information:
Total space]
13.11GB
Apps
3.28GB
Pictures, videos
245MB
Misc.
8.33GB
Available
1.31GB
Even though the information in the Internal Storage section is correct, when I check my folders using a file explorer software on my device which is rooted and running AOKP, it shows that the folders and files that I deleted are still missing.
Is there anyway to access the internal memory via an ADB-type software that will allow me to recover the files and folders that were deleted by accident as well as let me back up the internal memory to a PC once the recovery is done? (That is, when I can access the damn device as it's being a pain in the ass trying to detect it on my laptop!)

I use Recuva from Piriform located HERE ! It found and restored 234 MP3's that I guess I was pocket deleting on my DHD.

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out as soon as I can get my device recognised on my laptop and netbook!

[Q] Internal Storage Maxed Out - Rooted/Flashed

I'm having a heck of a time with the internal storage on my S4. What I have done so far: Rooted -> Flashed with Xousos v1.0 (no problem) -> Backup to SD card with CWM -> Flashed with Xousos v2.0 -> Flashed Theme Reverepats ICS (MF9) -> Flashed ComaDose = No Space
I moved all my apps to my SD card and even deleted dropbox and all documents sync to free up space. Before I do a rom flash I clear data/cache/davilik cache and format system. I know the S4's 16GB is really an 8GB - but to only have a few hundred megs left after a fresh flash and TiBackup restore of a handful of apps is not right.
I figure I must have copies of the previous installs somewhere on the internal storage, I just dont know where to look. So if anyone could point me in the right direction as to what directories I can delete or any steps to help free up some space, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance
SS attached

Check the "MISC" folder and check to see what are the folders that take up the most space. I have a feeling you are going to have a nandroid on there that is taking up about 3-4gbs
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Wipe system/and factory reset then flash ROM will fix it. Make sure the ROM and everything else you need is on your external SD first.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

daniel4653 said:
Check the "MISC" folder and check to see what are the folders that take up the most space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^ that.

daniel4653 said:
Check the "MISC" folder and check to see what are the folders that take up the most space. I have a feeling you are going to have a nandroid on there that is taking up about 3-4gbs
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize for the dumb question in advance, but do you know the location of that folder?
I went to storage/emulated/0 in root explorer and the file structure looks the same as the phone folder explorer but no large files - screen shot attached (largest file first)
GiantJay said:
Wipe system/and factory reset then flash ROM will fix it. Make sure the ROM and everything else you need is on your external SD first.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will be my last resort, I just did the wipe/flash and would like to try and solution the problem before I do the wipe

Get disk usage app and poke around the filesystem. It will graphically show you what folders are storing large amounts of data. It will be a lot faster using that tool with finding large files than going through each folder with a file browser app.

g420funk said:
I apologize for the dumb question in advance, but do you know the location of that folder?
I went to storage/emulated/0 in root explorer and the file structure looks the same as the phone folder explorer but no large files - screen shot attached (largest file first)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the storage screen (from your original post, where it showed the breakdown), just tap on miscellaneous and it should show you the folders that make up that 7.52GB

oscarthegrouch said:
Get disk usage app and poke around the filesystem. It will graphically show you what folders are storing large amounts of data. It will be a lot faster using that tool with finding large files than going through each folder with a file browser app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this is a handy little app, especially with root access.
I attached a screen shot - it looks like the system data folder is dominating the space - is it possible there is still an old rom on there or possible a backup (like was mentioned earlier) and if so, how do I get to it?
jj14 said:
In the storage screen (from your original post, where it showed the breakdown), just tap on miscellaneous and it should show you the folders that make up that 7.52GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my last screen shot - when I tap miscellaneous the biggest folder in there is 3.69 MB - which is why I am so confused

I'd probably just make a nandroid backup, move any files from internal to external that I wanted to keep, turn off phone, remove SD card, boot phone back up, go into SD card in menu settings, format the card then go into accounts and do a full factory reset. I would think that would get rid of any unknown bloat from the internal storage. Yes you'll have to set the phone up again but it might fix your running out of space problem. A nandroid restore might throw the crap back in there. I don't know.

GiantJay said:
Wipe system/and factory reset then flash ROM will fix it. Make sure the ROM and everything else you need is on your external SD first.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oscarthegrouch said:
I'd probably just make a nandroid backup, move any files from internal to external that I wanted to keep, turn off phone, remove SD card, boot phone back up, go into SD card in menu settings, format the card then go into accounts and do a full factory reset. I would think that would get rid of any unknown bloat from the internal storage. Yes you'll have to set the phone up again but it might fix your running out of space problem. A nandroid restore might throw the crap back in there. I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wiping the internal sdcard did the trick. Reloading everything was not what I wanted but it did solve the problem
Thanks to everyone who helped in this thread, I appreciate it :good:

Mine started giving me the low storage space warning once the MF9 update downloaded. I had to wipe the internal sd card completely. What a PITA.

mich0020 said:
Mine started giving me the low storage space warning once the MF9 update downloaded. I had to wipe the internal sd card completely. What a PITA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that makes a lot of sense because mine did the same and the update notification wouldnt go away until I flashed the update. I guess next time I need to format the internal sd before I flash

Unable to move ROM to system

I am trying to update my phone.
With EsFileExplorer I try to move OTA zip to the system and it keeps saying system task failed. I have also put the OTA zip in .OTA folder and when I go to local upgrade it does not show. Can someone help me with this?
thank you

ms.journie said:
I am trying to update my phone.
With EsFileExplorer I try to move OTA zip to the system and it keeps saying system task failed. I have also put the OTA zip in .OTA folder and when I go to local upgrade it does not show. Can someone help me with this?
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM does not go to "system."
ROM goes to the root folder of your main storage, the folder where you can see other folders such as "Documents", "Music", "DCIM", etc. That is your root folder.
It prolly won't go into system because you are not rooted and/or don't have permission. Don't try to put it in system.
If you are already having trouble, you'd best read and follow the installation instructions very carefully, or enlist some aid.

System can't be written anyway unless you modify very specific properties with a terminal.
There is a problem of terminology effectively the root of your media storage is not the root of internal storage.
The root of internal storage is '/'
The root of your media storage (where your photos, documents etc are located) is '/data/media/0' (if you're the user 0, which is the case if you are the only user) [it was called internal sdcard in the old times, for example too]
If you think in term of file explorer. Android is a Linux based system so the filesystem architecture isn't the same as in Windows.
The instructions are to put the OTA file at the root of your media storage, meaning you can't put it in a folder (no OTA folder....) as said in the post above mine