Ultimate wipe? - Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys!
I've been fiddling around with different ROMs. With every new rom I install, I always wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache + Dalvik cache.
However, it seems there still are files lingering from earlier versions (eg. wallpaper settings).
Is it possible, and if so how, to do an ultimate reset, to make the phone as bare as possible before installing a new rom?
I've tried using CM recovery, TWRP, CWM, and others based on earlier mentioned recoveries. Right now I'm running the latest Candy 5 (infected) + CWM

It's not quick but if you encrypt before wiping it that is one way. I've always reccomended doing this when selling your device.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app

usually I do a full wipe with TWRP (go advanced wipe and check everything including internal sdcard), this will wipe everything you have on the phone like pics and other stuff, so make sure TO COPY THEM FIRST, the are not included in a nandroid backup, had to learn that the hard way

There's no better wipe then what you do (except formatting sd card).
I think the settings that stay between flashing are the one restored by your Google account.
Uncheck backup / restore from Google settings next time you install a rom and it should be all new !

pec0ra said:
There's no better wipe then what you do (except formatting sd card).
I think the settings that stay between flashing are the one restored by your Google account.
Uncheck backup / restore from Google settings next time you install a rom and it should be all new !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm quite sure it's more than just the google back-up files lounging around, but I'll make sure to try and set it up as a new phone next time around. Thank you for your help

munte89 said:
I'm quite sure it's more than just the google back-up files lounging around, but I'll make sure to try and set it up as a new phone next time around. Thank you for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean files that are on your sd (internal or external) they are not Google's backup but have no big effect on your settings (except for some apps). If you want to get rid of this, just format your sd.
Now if you mean some settings like the wallpapers, they are restored by Google automatically but the setting is stored on the data partition (which you wiped).
Do you have other examples of things that stay between wipes?

pec0ra said:
If you mean files that are on your sd (internal or external) they are not Google's backup but have no big effect on your settings (except for some apps). If you want to get rid of this, just format your sd.
Now if you mean some settings like the wallpapers, they are restored by Google automatically but the setting is stored on the data partition (which you wiped).
Do you have other examples of things that stay between wipes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing that comes to mind, only the reoccuring feeling of "Huh? That shouldn't be there anymore". However, I'm quite sure I solved it using PhilZ to advance wipe and wiped everything but the boot.

Related

[Q] Apps Remained after a full wipe

Something strange happened to my S3 after a simple reboot I noticed that some app have been removed so I decided to clean my phone on the way.
I made a full wipe + everything you can think of to clean, delete, format the phone but after I install the rom I can still see my apps in the application manager and I can't get rid of them even if I uninstall them through the application manager the come back after a restart.
I tried 2 different roms but it happens on both of them, both are xxDLIB .
How to fix that?
pls help me
AriHell said:
Something strange happened to my S3 after a simple reboot I noticed that some app have been removed so I decided to clean my phone on the way.
I made a full wipe + everything you can think of to clean, delete, format the phone but after I install the rom I can still see my apps in the application manager and I can't get rid of them even if I uninstall them through the application manager the come back after a restart.
I tried 2 different roms but it happens on both of them, both are xxDLIB .
How to fix that?
pls help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the SuperWipe from "Android Revolution HD" here --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1797334
Be careful, this will erase everything that is not on your external SD-card. Read the instruction first.
AriHell said:
Something strange happened to my S3 after a simple reboot I noticed that some app have been removed so I decided to clean my phone on the way.
I made a full wipe + everything you can think of to clean, delete, format the phone but after I install the rom I can still see my apps in the application manager and I can't get rid of them even if I uninstall them through the application manager the come back after a restart.
I tried 2 different roms but it happens on both of them, both are xxDLIB .
How to fix that?
pls help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the apps system apps perchance? A wipe of data WILL wipe all user installed apps, the full wipe script alluded to doesn't do anything that you can't do manually from recovery.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
So you did a full whipe but did you do also a factory reset?
AriHell said:
Something strange happened to my S3 after a simple reboot I noticed that some app have been removed so I decided to clean my phone on the way.
I made a full wipe + everything you can think of to clean, delete, format the phone but after I install the rom I can still see my apps in the application manager and I can't get rid of them even if I uninstall them through the application manager the come back after a restart.
I tried 2 different roms but it happens on both of them, both are xxDLIB .
How to fix that?
pls help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure the apps aren't part of the ROM. Depends on what the dev has cooked into it.
Sure you're doing a full wipe vs wiping caches only.
Could also be syncing to your Google account meaning when you launch play store it automatically detects your market links and reinstalls previously installed apps
Sent from my SG3
CWM Recovery mounts and storage FORMAT system cache data and preload .
That fails wipe internal sd card .
jje
explanation
I think I didn't explained my self right, these apps are "user" apps downloaded from Play store.
things I did before installing the rom:
1. factory reset from setting.
from cwm:
2. wipe data/factory reset
3. wipe cache partition
4. wipe dalvik-cache
5. wipe battery stats
5. format /cache
/system
/data
/preload
/sdcard
* also I removed the external sd.
but still I have these app "ghosts"
Then i suggest as per previous replies to the same question you are auto downloading from Google play after installing a rom .
jje
JJEgan said:
Then i suggest as per previous replies to the same question you are auto downloading from Google play after installing a rom .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disabled wifi/data and sync when it ask for a wifi connection (at the openning screen of the new rom) so there is no way it somehow sync with play store.
you can see below what I mean by saying "ghosts"
imageshack.u s /a/img59/3716/screenshot2012100201142.png
AriHell said:
I disabled wifi/data and sync when it ask for a wifi connection (at the openning screen of the new rom) so there is no way it somehow sync with play store.
you can see below what I mean by saying "ghosts"
imageshack.u s /a/img59/3716/screenshot2012100201142.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder what kind of apps behaving so stubborn and weird. Mind sharing the apps name?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Well.. I don't think it happening because of the app, any way here are some names (from the picture above)
google chrome
betterbatterystats
aide
sdtools
and many other
What rom are you using?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
I tried Omega, HyperGalaxy and WanamLite
Could possibly be a problem with your CWM installation or any dependencies such as ?busybox
Ok so I installed Samsung 4.1.1 stock rom and reinstalled CWM and afterwards install Omega rom and it worked!!!
Clean Rom Install
Many people don't exactly know what a Data Wipe / Factory reset is. NO it does not delete "all" your data on Internal SD-Card. It Deletes all you user data and settings and stuff, like it says it formats "system". For Example if you Full wipe you loose Whatsapp, but the Whatsapp folder on your internal SD-Card remains untouched, that means you can restore your Conversations with ease. This means you can cause a huge mess on your internal SD-Card over time. This is my way how to do a CLEAN install. Doing this prevents many unwanted issues like Bootloops, FC's and all those other nasty laggy ****.
1. Put new rom on EXTERNAL SD Card (if slot available)
2. Data Wipe / Factory Reset
3. Wipe Cache
4. Wipe Dalvik Cache
5. Format Internal SD card
6. Install Rom and enjoy
Keeping your personal Data on your external SD-Card is a good idea (pics, music, vids , docs ...)
[You can do this even if you don't have an ext. SD-Slot. After "cleaning" your device mount USB-Storage in CWM Recoery and you can connect to pc and pull over your rom. ]
And this is probably one of the best ways to do a clean install without aditional Scripts like superwipe or other "flashy" stuff. (DO NOT USE THOSE SCRIPTS UNLESS THEY ARE IN AN INSTALLATION GUIDE)
One addition to above format/preload as well .
jje

[Q] DZ's jb 10A2 - cache and data

I can't post in the regular forum - so hopefully someone can answer this question here.
I updated to DZ's 10A2 from 9 this morning. No problems - except there appear to be broken file links, which I imagine is due to the sdcard renames.
For instance: I can open Google Listen, but none of the podcasts will download and there is an error finding a file at /sdcard/com.google.etc. Also Evernote has no notes in it. Swiftkey can't load a language pack. Gmail and calendar app work fine.
The instructions said coming from 9-10A2 you shouldn't have to wipe data and cache but it hadn't been tested.
So my question's are:
1. Is the problem I'm seeing because I didn't wipe data/cache?
2. Can someone let DZ know that his instructions might need to be updated that going from his 9B1 to 10A2 will probably need a data/cache wipe?
xdevnull said:
I can't post in the regular forum - so hopefully someone can answer this question here.
I updated to DZ's 10A2 from 9 this morning. No problems - except there appear to be broken file links, which I imagine is due to the sdcard renames.
For instance: I can open Google Listen, but none of the podcasts will download and there is an error finding a file at /sdcard/com.google.etc. Also Evernote has no notes in it. Swiftkey can't load a language pack. Gmail and calendar app work fine.
The instructions said coming from 9-10A2 you shouldn't have to wipe data and cache but it hadn't been tested.
So my question's are:
1. Is the problem I'm seeing because I didn't wipe data/cache?
2. Can someone let DZ know that his instructions might need to be updated that going from his 9B1 to 10A2 will probably need a data/cache wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know anything about Google listen since I dont use it. But for Evernote, are you saying the notes you had are not showing up anymore? This could be due to the fact that CM10 is back to the old storage method. CM9 had the flip flop mod in there that made you external card show as the Internal storage so we had more storage space for internal storage. So if your notes were saved on the internal storage on CM9, which was actually your external card, you may have to move them back to the internal storage. You can find everything on CM10 in storage/sdcard0 (for internal) and sdcard1 (for external)
EDIT: And I dont know where you read you shouldnt have to wipe data and cache. Its ALWAYS a good idea to wipe everything when coming from one ROM to another.
jsgraphicart said:
I dont know anything about Google listen since I dont use it. But for Evernote, are you saying the notes you had are not showing up anymore? This could be due to the fact that CM10 is back to the old storage method. CM9 had the flip flop mod in there that made you external card show as the Internal storage so we had more storage space for internal storage. So if your notes were saved on the internal storage on CM9, which was actually your external card, you may have to move them back to the internal storage. You can find everything on CM10 in storage/sdcard0 (for internal) and sdcard1 (for external)
EDIT: And I dont know where you read you shouldnt have to wipe data and cache. Its ALWAYS a good idea to wipe everything when coming from one ROM to another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Looks like I'll just wipe. It's just a pain to reinstall all those apps and get my phone screens setup the way I like.
I read about not having to wipe from the install instructions:
Installation:
This can be installed over CM7/CM9 or BLUR but you MUST wipe data and cache if from CM7/BLUR. (CM9 should work w/o wipe, but it's untested).
I know it's always a good idea to wipe, but I was hoping I could get away with it. The phone works okay, it's just some apps that aren't finding their data. Not a big deal.
Titanium Backup is the best way to get all your apps back with their data. Thats what I use and dont lose any data when I go to a new ROM or SBF.
jsgraphicart said:
Titanium Backup is the best way to get all your apps back with their data. Thats what I use and dont lose any data when I go to a new ROM or SBF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used it before, but it seems like every time I read flash instructions they say: "Don't use TiBu" to restore from a previous ROM!
It looks like it would have been okay this time - so lesson learned - might as well use it just in case.
Are there particular things you should/should not backup in prep for a new ROM? Just wondering.
Thanks
Apps and app data are fine to restore. SYSTEM data is what causes problems. Don't bother with system data.
jsgraphicart said:
Apps and app data are fine to restore. SYSTEM data is what causes problems. Don't bother with system data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - I'll start doing that. Appreciate the help.
The wipe seems to have fixed all but Listen, which I guess is a lost cause. I remember a couple of times when a download would foobar and it was just screwed forever. No way to really clear it. Apparently it's not supported since August anyway so using a different program.

[Q] Wiping Data

I noticed that after wiping data & cache and installing a new rom using CWM recovery, my device still knows my name. I have a US SGP5 (YP-G70) and I'm running the latest BeanStalk ROM. Is there a user friendly way to COMPLETELY wipe the device of all user data prior to installing a new or updated ROM ?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions/replies.
Why does it matter if it still knows your name?
Inquiring minds want to know
TheKryptonite said:
Why does it matter if it still knows your name?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure that it does matter, but being a student and having the desire to learn about this stuff prompted me to ask the question. Also, I think it is counter intuitive that the device owners name and other user data (e.g. old alarm clock data) would still remain after instructing CWM to "wipe data".
The funny thing is that right after I posted this question, a newer release of BeanStalk came out, and I don't think my name was displayed upon initial boot after install, like it had been in previous versions of the ROM. I believe that data is still on the device, but just not shown.
So I think I figured out the answer...Wiping data/factory reset in CWM does NOT clear internal storage, and some user data is stored there.
So to rephrase the question, is there an easy way to clear internal storage? Is clearing internal storage an option in TWRP or PHILZ ?
In cwm, go to mounts and storage, and you can format everything from there
In TWRP, go to Wipe > Advanced Wipe, and select every everything

[Q] So, Cyanogenmod installation on Nexus 5

Basically I have very vague idea of what to do. So far, I have backed up my Apps data using Titanium backup and put that backup folder on my PC. I googled around a bit, but the instruction that I found required me to have a SD card reader to backup my things (apps and ROM). So is there any way around that? Also, when wiping my phone to prepare for flashing Cyanogenmod, what type of data do I wipe? (cache, Dalvik, etc.)
Oh, I already downloaded the snapshot version for Nexus 5 and the gapp already. So far all I know is: Backup -> Wipe (which data?) -> flash ROM -> flash gapp -> done. Am I missing something else?
bump...
Obviously you must be rooted to use Titanium Backup, but do you also have the bootloader unlocked and custom recovery? If so, you can just put the rom zip and gapps zip on the internal storage, boot to recovery, perform a backup (called a nandroid) and then factory data reset and install rom zip and gapps. Reboot and enjoy. Your internal storage will not need to be wiped unless you have not unlocked your bootloader. At that point, just make sure you drag everything off the internal storage to the PC, then unlock the bootloader, install the custom recovery, and wipe and install.
es0tericcha0s said:
Obviously you must be rooted to use Titanium Backup, but do you also have the bootloader unlocked and custom recovery? If so, you can just put the rom zip and gapps zip on the internal storage, boot to recovery, perform a backup (called a nandroid) and then factory data reset and install rom zip and gapps. Reboot and enjoy. Your internal storage will not need to be wiped unless you have not unlocked your bootloader. At that point, just make sure you drag everything off the internal storage to the PC, then unlock the bootloader, install the custom recovery, and wipe and install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So all I have to do now is flash the .zip files and not worry about my data? I am rooted and the bootloader is unlock, I just thought that flashing a new ROM would wipe the phone out (Nexus 5 only have one internal storage)
Depends on which data we're referring to. You will need to perform a factory reset which will wipe your phone as far as the accounts, passwords, settings, call log, texts, apps, contacts, etc. But the recoveries are made to skip wipe /data/media which is the internal storage or what the system considers your /sdcard/. Thus not needing to worry about your pics, music, backups, etc. However, it's always good practice to do a back up of anything super important before attempting any major modification to the system to a safe place. In case of emergency, I recommend having the stock img files to restore the phone to stock. This will save time in getting the phone working again should something go wrong. Never fear though, it's very hard to hard brick the Nexus.
Sent from my One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
es0tericcha0s said:
Depends on which data we're referring to. You will need to perform a factory reset which will wipe your phone as far as the accounts, passwords, settings, call log, texts, apps, contacts, etc. But the recoveries are made to skip wipe /data/media which is the internal storage or what the system considers your /sdcard/. Thus not needing to worry about your pics, music, backups, etc. However, it's always good practice to do a back up of anything super important before attempting any major modification to the system to a safe place. In case of emergency, I recommend having the stock img files to restore the phone to stock. This will save time in getting the phone working again should something go wrong. Never fear though, it's very hard to hard brick the Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I'm backing the phone up right now (barely made it within the available SD space). So next is wiping the phone, correct? Then I assume after that I can flashing the files. Next is... I have no idea...
K, so next is rebooting to recovery and going to Backup and backing up the rom you're on. Then it might be good to back that up too. After that, go to recovery and perform the factory data reset and then install rom, then gapps, and reboot. It'll take a while longer to reboot than usual. After that you'll be presented with the setup wizard that'll walk you through getting the phone ready again.
Sent from my One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 05:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 AM ----------
Wait, you do or don't have a custom recovery? Because that is needed. I recommend TWRP, but Philz is good as well. But really any of the newest ones will do what you need, just slightly different features and UIs.
Sent from my One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
es0tericcha0s said:
K, so next is rebooting to recovery and going to Backup and backing up the rom you're on. Then it might be good to back that up too. After that, go to recovery and perform the factory data reset and then install rom, then gapps, and reboot. It'll take a while longer to reboot than usual. After that you'll be presented with the setup wizard that'll walk you through getting the phone ready again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, few more dumb questions. After I back the phone up, where does the backup go? If it is the backup of the current ROM, should I transfer it to somewhere safe (like a PC) before I do a factory reset? Sorry, I'm just having a bad anxiety about all of this flashing and wiping and ROMing...
The backup is stored on your /sdcard/ but yes, I was recommending to also copy that to the computer for safe keeping.
Sent from my One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] TWRP/Nandroid question

Hi, I'm not exactly new to XDA, however my Note is my first real Android phone. My question is this: If I want to make a backup of the entire phone, so that I can install a new ROM, then restore the phone to exactly the way it was before I installed said ROM, what do I need to select to back up in TWRP? I'm wanting to play with the Lolipop build for i717. I already have a good EFS backup stored separately just in case, so I need to select System, Data, and Boot, and this will save the kernel and the ROM contents, correct? ...and when I restore this backup it will be just like I left it, right?
Also, what do I need to select to Wipe to perform a 'Full Wipe' as is recommended before install?
Thanks for your time.
-josh
joshsmit07 said:
Hi, I'm not exactly new to XDA, however my Note is my first real Android phone. My question is this: If I want to make a backup of the entire phone, so that I can install a new ROM, then restore the phone to exactly the way it was before I installed said ROM, what do I need to select to back up in TWRP? I'm wanting to play with the Lolipop build for i717. I already have a good EFS backup stored separately just in case, so I need to select System, Data, and Boot, and this will save the kernel and the ROM contents, correct? ...and when I restore this backup it will be just like I left it, right?
Also, what do I need to select to Wipe to perform a 'Full Wipe' as is recommended before install?
Thanks for your time.
-josh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use gimmeitorilltell's version of twrp as some specifics have not made it to official version. I've had great results using 2.8.0.0 though I believe some newer versions are working now as well. I backup android secure as well. Not sure if this is necessary, it was the default setting. Wipe is generally accepted as factory reset usually followed by going to advanced wipe and checking cache, and dalvik cache and wiping these again. Then install your new rom zip, gapps zip if required, wipe cache and dalvik cache and reboot. First boot will take a long time. Possibly as long as 5 minutes or more. Once booted let rom settle for at least 10 minutes before adjusting any settings. Good luck.
Edit: Your backed up rom system will restore everything back to the way it was if you desire to go back (installed apps and settings as well).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717
Thanks @developweb, works perfectly. Also thanks to @gimmeitorilltell for his TWRP and Lollipop ROM.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA Free mobile app

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