When to wipe - ROMS - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
I'd like to know when to do a full reset over the recovery when installing new ROMS or downgrading / upgrading a specific rom. I'm a Samsung Galaxy S5 user and I'm not sure when to do these steps. Some ppl say I have to wipe before I install the Firmware and others say I have to do a wipe after I've flashed the firmware.
So, what do you think and why?

Slurpslurp said:
Hello,
I'd like to know when to do a full reset over the recovery when installing new ROMS or downgrading / upgrading a specific rom. I'm a Samsung Galaxy S5 user and I'm not sure when to do these steps. Some ppl say I have to wipe before I install the Firmware and others say I have to do a wipe after I've flashed the firmware.
So, what do you think and why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello,
The way this works are actually multiple things, and you should be very carefull not to be switching them around. There are multiple wipe possibilities.
Dalvik cache / Data, Where certain app data is stored. This is almost always wiped when doing a major version or rom update, like from cyanogenmod 11 to 12.
System, This is where the actual rom is stored, when switching roms this is usually done automatically by the installer. BE CAREFULL when wiping this, as it could brick your device if you don't know what you are doing.
some other things can also be wiped, but are not nessesairy most of the time.
Most guides for installing roms etc. explain pretty good what needs to be wiped in order for the rom to work. can I ask what you need to wipe something for?
I hope this helps a little, you can always message me and I will gladly help you.
Sent with my ghost running bacon and my own software

Ghost_Developer said:
hello,
The way this works are actually multiple things, and you should be very carefull not to be switching them around. There are multiple wipe possibilities.
Dalvik cache / Data, Where certain app data is stored. This is almost always wiped when doing a major version or rom update, like from cyanogenmod 11 to 12.
System, This is where the actual rom is stored, when switching roms this is usually done automatically by the installer. BE CAREFULL when wiping this, as it could brick your device if you don't know what you are doing.
some other things can also be wiped, but are not nessesairy most of the time.
Most guides for installing roms etc. explain pretty good what needs to be wiped in order for the rom to work. can I ask what you need to wipe something for?
I hope this helps a little, you can always message me and I will gladly help you.
Sent with my ghost running bacon and my own software
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the Galaxy S5 Knox 0x0 ROM for example. I won't use any other custom Roms like CM or such. I'm just confused about wiping because every thread says different methods or ways to wipe. In one thread it is recommend to wipe the phone before the installation of the rom and in another thread ppl say you have to wipe after the installation of the rom.
Installation: Downgrading from Lollipop to Kitkat 4.4.2 for TowelRoot.

Slurpslurp said:
I use the Galaxy S5 Knox 0x0 ROM for example. I won't use any other custom Roms like CM or such. I'm just confused about wiping because every thread says different methods or ways to wipe. In one thread it is recommend to wipe the phone before the installation of the rom and in another thread ppl say you have to wipe after the installation of the rom.
Installation: Downgrading from Lollipop to Kitkat 4.4.2 for TowelRoot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are now installing Knox 0x0 kitkat over lollipop?
In that case follow normal instructions for installing kitkat.
1. Reboot into recovery
2. Install Kitkat
3. wipe data and dalvik (YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOUR APPS)
4. Restart
If this doesnt work, or results in a bootloop, try again, but this time before flashing kitkat wipe system.
hopefully this helps
Sent with my ghost running bacon and my own software

Related

loosing rom customisations

for some reason every time i try a new rom i just end up with the basic android desktop and icons and all the rom customising has vanished apart from the extra apps.
i`ve tried this with a few various roms with the same effect, and i am wipeing the data/factory reset from the recovery menu before i flash.
any ideas whats causing this and is there another or more thorough way to wipe the phone before i flash a new rom ??
pcs333 said:
for some reason every time i try a new rom i just end up with the basic android desktop and icons and all the rom customising has vanished apart from the extra apps.
i`ve tried this with a few various roms with the same effect, and i am wipeing the data/factory reset from the recovery menu before i flash.
any ideas whats causing this and is there another or more thorough way to wipe the phone before i flash a new rom ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a bit confused here! You say you are losing all your ROM customizations when you flash a new ROM, but you also say you are wiping before flashing, and this is *exactly* what I'd expect if you wipe every time!
Regards,
Dave

[Q] Is it good to wipe dalvik's cache before flashing new rom?

As you all know, before installing new rom we we have to wipe data and cache in recovery...
But do we have also to wipe dalvik's cache?
As you read on every ROM thread, it is advisable to do a CLEAN wipe meaning all of it before installing a different rom. I personally don't find any difference between wiping and not wiping.
When upgrading CyanogenMOD nightlies wiping is pointless, and a waste of time. When switching between Sense-based ROMs and CM etc. then a full wipe is recommended, but not always needed. Wiping dalvik cache will never hurt
Just a thought here, but isn't DC in /data ? So if you wipe data you wipe DC as well, no?
I've been flashing Mdj Droid L2.1.110210 rom but the only thing I am seeing is the HTC screen for over 10 minutes. Is there anybody helps me to solve this issue? I am newbie so I cannot post in Mdj Droid L2.1.110210 topic.
Thank
I always wipe because it cleans the dust. As GrammarFreak said, when switching between CM nightlies, it is pointless as of the minor changes that come with them. But switching to an entirely new ROM (like stock -> CM) I thin it is better to wipe everything. The cause: Android DO collect junk, and a clean system is always nice.
Regarding contact, sms and other app data: backup to phone and cloud, simple as hell.
thanks for the advice. so if you flash anew rom, do u lose all ur apps every time? i'm flashing ics on my g2 alpha 8 right now. so i will find out soon enough
shinobi3432 said:
thanks for the advice. so if you flash anew rom, do u lose all ur apps every time? i'm flashing ics on my g2 alpha 8 right now. so i will find out soon enough
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience (using a HTC Desire HD) you only lose your apps and settings when you perform a full-wipe before flashing a new rom. When you update your rom without wiping, your settings and apps are not removed. However, I personally like to do a full-wipe before flashing a rom, because it clears out al the dust and gives you a fresh new phone.
If you don't want to lose your apps and data, but you do want to wipe, you can offcourse always use Titanium Backup to make a backup of the apps and data.
Just do it! It's free (costs only a slightly longer startup the first time after you wipe dalvik)!
aiuvoanh said:
I've been flashing Mdj Droid L2.1.110210 rom but the only thing I am seeing is the HTC screen for over 10 minutes. Is there anybody helps me to solve this issue? I am newbie so I cannot post in Mdj Droid L2.1.110210 topic.
Thank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my experience, this happens when you dont clear the cache prior to updating the rom. in my case, I had to re-apx mine, since I didnt figure this out until I had tried the factory rom. good thing I had the SBK and CPUid, or it would have been even a more painful experience!

has anyone tried to flash a rom ontop of a rom?

the reason i ask is i want to know if anyone has had a problem going from rom to rom with out going back to there back up then flashing the new rom?
must wipe before going to different rom. you may have issues booting up.
affliction said:
the reason i ask is i want to know if anyone has had a problem going from rom to rom with out going back to there back up then flashing the new rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had no problem at all. I always do a full wipe before flashing a new rom though. If you don't want to do a full wipe, and you're only updating the same rom (for instance, from viper 1.1 to viper 1.2 or something), then you could try minimally wiping cache and dalvik cache. I always recommend a full wipe for best results though. I consider a full wipe to be wiping system, boot, data, cache, dalvik cache, and sd-EXT (if you have an EXT partition on your sd card)
I've successfully flashed joelz' ShooTeR ReWInD 3D over stock OTA w/o wipe with no issues and then flashed Evervolv's Absurd over that with no wipe and no issues.
USSENTERNCC1701E said:
I've successfully flashed joelz' ShooTeR ReWInD 3D over stock OTA w/o wipe with no issues and then flashed Evervolv's Absurd over that with no wipe and no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will most likely start giving you problems eventually, if you continue not to wipe. Things from one rom will start showing up in the next rom you flash, and you'll most likely start getting weird little bugs here and there. At least it always did with my Evo 4G. A full wipe is usually recommended, but every flasher has their own techniques.
k2buckley said:
That will most likely start giving you problems eventually, if you continue not to wipe. Things from one rom will start showing up in the next rom you flash, and you'll most likely start getting weird little bugs here and there. At least it always did with my Evo 4G. A full wipe is usually recommended, but every flasher has their own techniques.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1 to full wipe, you will get bugs eventually, might battery life or maybe apps won't install or work, right now might be cause all the roms are mostly the same with no heavy customization but when they start messing a lot with roms you migh get screw
If you don't have an Evo3d well you don't have an Evo3d
Both these roms are based on the stock OTA ROM for 3VO. Also "format("ext4","EMMC", "/dev/block/mmcblk0p23")" is written into the updater-script of both ROMS, wiping the /system partition prior to install. Flashover issues usually happen when you start throwing AOSP and ports into the mix. That being said, I'm meticulous about backups and will never blame an issue in a flashover on the ROM without a fresh install or a peek into the zip to ensure the issue exist.
USSENTERNCC1701E said:
Both these roms are based on the stock OTA ROM for 3VO. Also "format("ext4","EMMC", "/dev/block/mmcblk0p23")" is written into the updater-script of both ROMS, wiping the /system partition prior to install. Flashover issues usually happen when you start throwing AOSP and ports into the mix. That being said, I'm meticulous about backups and will never blame an issue in a flashover on the ROM without a fresh install or a peek into the zip to ensure the issue exist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still best to do a full wipe if you ask me. I do it even if I'm flashing the exact same ROM with say, one tweak in one of my battery icons or something. I always wipe lol.
yeah i just hate dealing with a full wipe everytime so i figured i would get some opinions on the issue right now im running steel rom and want to flash viper so im not sure what i want to do

[Q] ROMs with wipeless updates

Can someone recommend JB/ICS roms (preferably stock based) that doesn't require any wiping before updating to a newer version (of the same rom). So basically I'd like similar experience to OTA updates on stock roms. Does something like that exists in the custom rom world?
I went through dozen of roms but none of them seem to offer above functionality. Big red "WIPE all" warning is kinda scary
Pjerisimo said:
Can someone recommend JB/ICS roms (preferably stock based) that doesn't require any wiping before updating to a newer version (of the same rom). So basically I'd like similar experience to OTA updates on stock roms. Does something like that exists in the custom rom world?
I went through dozen of roms but none of them seem to offer above functionality. Big red "WIPE all" warning is kinda scary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most custom roms do not require a wipe and most are non wipe roms .Advice to wipe is given mainly to ensure that their is nothing from existing firmware that may be a problem .
So no wipe but you will have to reinstall and wipe if something goes wrong .
jje
for example.. if your on Omega v27 you wouldn't need to wipe to upgrade to V28..
But if your going from Omega to Checkrom v5 i would recommend doing a wipe.. but you can escape from doing a wipe sometimes.. but when you get FC's its time for a wipe

[Q] NOOB here :) Wi-Fi not functioning on custom ROMs

Hey there,
I have a factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy SIII, international, GT-I9300, freshly rooted and using CWM-based recovery v5.5.0.4::CF - v1.5.
Today I've flashed 2 custom ROMs, one after the other, by following some guides that I've found (cannot post yet links):
1. Android 4.3 via SuperNexus: URL hidden
and after the SuperNexus this one:
2. Android 4.3 via ParanoidAndroid 3.97 ROM: URL hidden
Managed to flash these two successfully, but with both of them I've faced the same problem during initial device setup: could not connect to my Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi signal was strange too: strong, then suddenly weak. Could not authenticate and connect. :crying:
So, fortunately, made a backup before these two ROM flashes, so I guess I'm back with my stock Samsung TouchWizzy ROM (Android 4.1.2). That I hate. I want something bloatware free, stock-android feel, something like my Nexus 7 tablet.
Can you suggest me a "Wi-Fi capable" stock-like Android 4.3 custom ROM or am I missing something? Maybe a Radio flash (have no idea what's that) but maybe that what I was missing? And if I do that somehow, is that reversible? Never done it before.
Thank you in advance for any help and suggestion! :good:
love,
sz
Im using CM 10.2 (4.3)and i dot have any problem whith wifi. I used before PacMan Rom and the same, no problem. Just try a full wipe. And try it again.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium HD app
This happened to me once with JB 4.1.2 i couldnt figure out what was the problem and in the end it turned out that i was putting the password for WiFi wrong. Just put the pass right and i got connected. Just sharing my experience.
solarisrulez said:
Hey there,
I have a factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy SIII, international, GT-I9300, freshly rooted and using CWM-based recovery v5.5.0.4::CF - v1.5.
Today I've flashed 2 custom ROMs, one after the other, by following some guides that I've found (cannot post yet links):
1. Android 4.3 via SuperNexus: URL hidden
and after the SuperNexus this one:
2. Android 4.3 via ParanoidAndroid 3.97 ROM: URL hidden
Managed to flash these two successfully, but with both of them I've faced the same problem during initial device setup: could not connect to my Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi signal was strange too: strong, then suddenly weak. Could not authenticate and connect. :crying:
So, fortunately, made a backup before these two ROM flashes, so I guess I'm back with my stock Samsung TouchWizzy ROM (Android 4.1.2). That I hate. I want something bloatware free, stock-android feel, something like my Nexus 7 tablet.
Can you suggest me a "Wi-Fi capable" stock-like Android 4.3 custom ROM or am I missing something? Maybe a Radio flash (have no idea what's that) but maybe that what I was missing? And if I do that somehow, is that reversible? Never done it before.
Thank you in advance for any help and suggestion! :good:
love,
sz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(1) did you do a full wipe including manual wipes of /system? If not do so and try again (mega wipe can be of help here)
(2) if this doesn't work, did you play around with custom kernels? (wifi is connected to the kernel and less to the baseband/modem used)
I am running SlimBean 4.3 (beta5) without any WiFi issues, also all other roms before that, no issue.
This must be a modem issue as android 4.3 does not change the modem from the previous samsung rom.
try upgrading to latest samsung 4.1.2 and then install android 4.3.
install 4.3 after doing a mega wipe.
remember to backup everything.
and dont forget to take an efs backup as many ppl are facing major problems after upgrading to latest samsung roms.
Guys, Thank you all, trying to reply to everyone:
Enea307 said:
Im using CM 10.2 (4.3)and i dot have any problem whith wifi. I used before PacMan Rom and the same, no problem. Just try a full wipe. And try it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, maybe I'll give that one a go as first try.
converse5 said:
This happened to me once with JB 4.1.2 i couldnt figure out what was the problem and in the end it turned out that i was putting the password for WiFi wrong. Just put the pass right and i got connected. Just sharing my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm pretty sure that's not the case. Checked my router admin configuration tried to enter my wi-fi pass about 30 times before giving up.:laugh:
chrismast said:
(1) did you do a full wipe including manual wipes of /system? If not do so and try again (mega wipe can be of help here)
(2) if this doesn't work, did you play around with custom kernels? (wifi is connected to the kernel and less to the baseband/modem used)
I am running SlimBean 4.3 (beta5) without any WiFi issues, also all other roms before that, no issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Thanks, will do a mega-wipe next time, although with CWM did these in the following order: Wipe data/Factory reset, Wipe Cache Partition, Wipe Dalvik Cache several times. Also, with MegaWipe wiping Preload partitions does what exactly? Just don't want to brick my phone/do something irreversible, as I try to understand everything I do to it
2. No, did not played around with custom kernels. Do not know how to change/flash them. Same as flashing a custom rom? Newbie here :laugh:
lefttobleed said:
This must be a modem issue as android 4.3 does not change the modem from the previous samsung rom.
try upgrading to latest samsung 4.1.2 and then install android 4.3.
install 4.3 after doing a mega wipe.
remember to backup everything.
and dont forget to take an efs backup as many ppl are facing major problems after upgrading to latest samsung roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! If a modem issue, how to update to the latest Samsung rom? From Sammobile? http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=GT-I9300&pcode=0#firmware These are carrier-locked roms, cannot find mine, I guess... Newbie here :laugh:
Also, what do you mean by "an efs backup"? How to do one? Thanks!
solarisrulez said:
1. Thanks, will do a mega-wipe next time, although with CWM did these in the following order: Wipe data/Factory reset, Wipe Cache Partition, Wipe Dalvik Cache several times. Also, with MegaWipe wiping Preload partitions does what exactly? Just don't want to brick my phone/do something irreversible, as I try to understand everything I do to it
2. No, did not played around with custom kernels. Do not know how to change/flash them. Same as flashing a custom rom? Newbie here :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(1) The best would be to read the mega wipe thread. I use it all the time, it will delete ANYTHING excep the external SD card (also not EFS etc, hence dont worry). Therefore you need a flashable rom on the external sd or via Odin later on. But basically your phone won't start after a mega wipe, just download & recovery will work.
Your wipes are correct I think, whereas /system is missing wich is needed, at least for SlimBean (4.3).
(2) The best would be to read the guides & kernel thread's how-to's first. It is basically the same as flashing a rom, yes.
solarisrulez said:
Thank you! If a modem issue, how to update to the latest Samsung rom? From Sammobile? http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=GT-I9300&pcode=0#firmware These are carrier-locked roms, cannot find mine, I guess... Newbie here :laugh:
Also, what do you mean by "an efs backup"? How to do one? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if u r a newbie. Read all the guides available here. Dont proceed further without doing that. You will learn how to backup efs and all.
U can install any latest custom samsung rom. Again.. Read the guides/warnings before proceeding.
Misleading title .
#There have been a number of identical posts and some have fixed by copying older WiFi files over . But you need to search and read and no i don't know where they are . .
Its not a custom rom problem but a non Samsung custom rom problem on 4.3 .
jje
lefttobleed said:
Well if u r a newbie. Read all the guides available here. Dont proceed further without doing that. You will learn how to backup efs and all.
U can install any latest custom samsung rom. Again.. Read the guides/warnings before proceeding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, reading the guides, so first of all decided to backup my EFS (coz that sounds reassuring before doing more ROM flashes) with EFS Professional from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308546
Installed BusyBox on my phone, and I'm stuck because of a missing applet: http://cl.ly/image/1a1J1A0I3V0H.
I think I'm going deeper than what I can handle
BTW, Enea307, tried CM 10.2 (4.3) this morming, and same wi-fi problem. So it's most likely not a custom rom issue, as most of you suggested.
The only logical; way to rule out firmware is by wiping the phone and flashing stock rom .
jje
JJEgan said:
The only logical; way to rule out firmware is by wiping the phone and flashing stock rom .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having problems flashing stock firmware. Check of my screenshot: http://cl.ly/image/473N1E0Q3G2X
Done everything according to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671969
And the firmware is also the one for my phone, and the *.zip that contained the tar (md5) is not damaged http://cl.ly/image/322h3634211J
Any ideas? thx!
solarisrulez said:
I'm having problems flashing stock firmware. Check of my screenshot: http://cl.ly/image/473N1E0Q3G2X
That reads as a bad file download Odin unable to open a file .
Or PC problem Kies running usb cable usb connection .
Have you tried installing / updating from KIES
Tools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JJEgan said:
That reads as a bad file download Odin unable to open a file .
Or PC problem Kies running usb cable usb connection .
Have you tried installing / updating from KIES
Tools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not installed KIES yet, as I read that that's a big brother or something to Odin, and that his little brother is much better at flashing. Should I give KIES a go? Anyways, trying to redownload the firmware.
No Kies ?? Unless you installed Samsung USB drivers that's where your problem is .
JJEgan said:
No Kies ?? Unless you installed Samsung USB drivers that's where your problem is .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had installed Samsung Drivers beforehand, before even rooting / doing anything. Did not had KIES until now.
Still cannot flash to stock firmware with Odin.
BTW in the guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671969 i see that it should be blue, but mine is yellow when I connect my phone to Odin: http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/9231/odin4c.jpg and mine: http://cl.ly/image/473N1E0Q3G2X
Some roms, mostly PA (paranoid android) just happen to have wifi probs.
I used to have pacman rom earlier and as it was a combination of cyanogen mod, paranoid android, and AOSP roms. It had a part of all three in it, so the wifi bug persisted. Went back to stock rom later.
Usually stock roms are the best and most stable for your phone, No matter how much the hype is, features are, or however big Nd bold letters STABLE is written in. Just delete the bloatware given by samsung to get ur phone clean and ram light. You can delete system apps by using titanium backup.
Happy to help
IC3CR34M said:
Some roms, mostly PA (paranoid android) just happen to have wifi probs.
I used to have pacman rom earlier and as it was a combination of cyanogen mod, paranoid android, and AOSP roms. It had a part of all three in it, so the wifi bug persisted. Went back to stock rom later.
Usually stock roms are the best and most stable for your phone, No matter how much the hype is, features are, or however big Nd bold letters STABLE is written in. Just delete the bloatware given by samsung to get ur phone clean and ram light. You can delete system apps by using titanium backup.
Happy to help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing is, that I am rooted, done with Odin, by following this guide: http://www.androidrooting.com/how-to-root-samsung-galaxy-s3-gt-i9300-or-gt-i9300t-cwm-recovery/
So I have CWM, and with I tried Android 4.3 via SuperNexus, Android 4.3 via ParanoidAndroid 3.97 ROM, then, lastly CM 10.2 (4.3). With none of them did I managed to get the Wifi going.
Here is my current "About device": https://www.dropbox.com/sc/8hp04dn5o5flytd/LpoJCgZ7sK
Is this stock samsung firmware? Coz I can't tell. It seems stock, but maybe it changed with the rooting procedure.
So I repeat, only with this setup/build does the wifi work. With no other custom rom does...
I did backup and recovery to my current working wifi rom. That's how I recovered after trying these custom roms mentioned before.
Guys, help me pls, with at least flashing to the stock samsung rom with Odin or Kies (Odin failed, scroll up see my recent posts with screenshots)
Note that on my last try, Odin just froze yet again: http://cl.ly/image/0o0o0k2L3J3m
If not with Odin, then how do I restore it to stock samsung rom with KIES?
thx!
You dont do it with kies. Kies is such bull**** software. Dont use it at all. You wanna backup, use TI(titanium backup) or nandroid backup. Take a system backup from CWM. As you said in your post, u want to go back to stock, dl the stock rom, do the same procedure u did to root your phone via odin (pda, etc etc), just this time instead of the root zip file, just put the stock rom zip file.
It should take some time, and aftet its done, your phone will be as good as new. To restore the backup via TI, dont select system apps. Only the apps which are in green font or downloaded apps. Other wise u will have force closes.
Also, when u flash the stock rom via odin from your pc, you will not have root. Just a note.
You can simply remove bloatware like live wallpapers, samsung "never gonna use" features like Svoice via TI by just uninstalling them, but note, if fiddling with system apps, them make sure u take a backup.
I have written it all in simple language so that you understand every essential part and have fun with your rooted phone.
Happy to help
As always last resort restore original firmware with Kies and probably a better method than some others posted.
SEE The how to restore your original firmware using Kies post .
Sent from my GT-N8010 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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