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Cant wipe all data with factory reset or Odin 1 click!!! HELP

Hi, Im trying to exchange my phone and Im having issues with getting the phone bone stock. I used odin 1 click, did a factory data reset, and all my pictures, app folders and various other things are still on the internal SD card. I was using titanium backup, I think thats the cause (not sure though)
I also just flashed JH3, super rooter, and the OC kernel. But as far as I can tell, those are back to factory. I just cant wipe all my data and I dont know if doing it manually will clear up everything.
Suggestions/questions? Thanks!

I even tried the master clear. I can still see files for shootme, sl4a, clockworkmod, update.zip's, and tons of other folders including busybox

Did you try connecting your phone to your computer, mounting the sd card, then open the driver than your sd card is on and manually delete the files that way? You can move the titanium back up to an external sd card and see if that helps.
Go to Titanium Backup support and shoot them a pm, they got back to me within a day when I had questions if you think it's related to that.

Rhiannon224 said:
Did you try connecting your phone to your computer, mounting the sd card, then open the driver than your sd card is on and manually delete the files that way? You can move the titanium back up to an external sd card and see if that helps.
Go to Titanium Backup support and shoot them a pm, they got back to me within a day when I had questions if you think it's related to that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can do that, But what Im worried about is all the application data (including data for apps that require root) wont be deleted. Im not sure exactly what I would have to do to remove that as well. I wanted to leave it there, so that if I did manage to wipe it, Id know for sure everything was gone.
Ill also try sending them a message. Is it on that forum site they link to? Its not very clear as to how to contact them

commander2k said:
I can do that, But what Im worried about is all the application data (including data for apps that require root) wont be deleted. Im not sure exactly what I would have to do to remove that as well. I wanted to leave it there, so that if I did manage to wipe it, Id know for sure everything was gone.
Ill also try sending them a message. Is it on that forum site they link to? Its not very clear as to how to contact them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.legendroid.com/titanium-backup-official-support/
I pm'd Shazd, I have the pro donated version so I had everything backed up, moved the folder for Titanium Backup and the folder for Titanium license to my exteral card. Then I flashed with Odin to stock and swapped my phone for a new one. Then I put the sd card in the new phone, connected to my computer and moved the files to the internal sd, installed Titanium from the market and when it installed my entire backup was there, settings, apps, and data were all there. I did a restore and everything was just as my old phone. Then I installed Unleash The Beast, the cool battery indicator, thanks to Designgears and the rest is history. When I flashed with Odin, all evidence of root were gone. AT&T didn't even check the phone, all I said was random shutdowns and a crack in the screen and they swapped it.

I have the paid donate version as well. I mean, I have the backup saved to my microsd and on my computer, Its just weird, I mean for some reason its not wiping. Im literally trying everything. I had a backup with clockwork mod and I re-rooted with 1 click root so that I could run that... It may be super rooter, Im starting to think thats more the case. But I really am just stumped

I flashed with Odin3 one click, maybe that's the difference. What did you use exactly?

Rhiannon224 said:
I flashed with Odin3 one click, maybe that's the difference. What did you use exactly?
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Click to collapse
Both versions lol. 1-click and version 1.0 or whatever by flashing the stock firmware Jh6 from samsung-firmwares.com. I even tried a factory data reset
It may just be files in my internal SD card themselves that arent being deleted... but Im not really sure

It didn't wipe all of my info when I did master clear and then doing the one click wipe. I'm bit sure why it wouldn't either but it did remove most of what I wanted gone.
Sweet life

Huh... Well I did a bunch of clear cache things, wiped my internal sd, and went throught my phone with root explorer and deleted whatever else I found. Wow that was a huge hassle

I think the best thing to do in the future is clear all user data through clockwork, then use odin for master clear then odin start to do it all. It is a hassle that's for sure.

The SD cards (internal and external) are not cleared with a full system wipe. When you delete all data through a system clear, it deletes everything stored internally to apps - in the phone memory where apps are installed.
Although the internal SD card is not really an SD card, the system treats it as an SD card. You can unmount both internal and external SD cards and then format them - that will wipe all data. Follow that with a system reset or Odin 1 click recovery and everything on your phone is factory new.
The phone is behaving as designed.

[Q] Possibly quick noob question? Help needed! :)

Right now I'm using CM 6.1.1 on my Nexus One. When I flashed CM for the first time I wiped my SD card right after I installed the ROM, so I really don't remember too much about what happened to my apps or anything like that. So, my question is, if I want to install CM 7, can I just wipe my phone with ROM manager right before installing it, and then not wipe my SD card afterwards? Will the apps, pictures, ect., that is on my SD card right now magically appear untouched on CM 7? I guess I'm just not sure how the SD card contents will be affected when flashing ROMs, and I'm not sure if after you flash a new ROM, the ROM can use all of the stuff that's on your SD card just like the ROM you had before did.. Does that kinda make sense? I feel dumb for asking all this. Also, when I save a backup of my ROM, the backup will just be a copy of all of my phone's internal memory and the operating system, right? And when I wipe my phone and install a new ROM, the new ROM just replaces all of my phone's old contents? So if I ever flashed my original ROM again, it'd bring back all of my phone's contents, system memory, operating system, apps installed on the phone, ect?
Thanks for taking the time to read my long, poorly written batch of questions Help would be very very appreciated!

SD card isn't touched when flashing ROMs.
You can restore your backup and it'll be all like it was.
If you use DT A2SD - things start being more complicated.

Yumunum said:
can I just wipe my phone with ROM manager right before installing it, and then not wipe my SD card afterwards?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can leave your SD contents as is, they won't be touched.
Will the apps, pictures, ect., that is on my SD card right now magically appear untouched on CM 7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pictures, Music, Videos etc that are stored on the SD card will remain untouched by flashing a new ROM, however apps are a different story. Basically you've got two main types of Apps on SD cards. The first is froyos implementation which is basically used to free up space on the phone memory but will not survive a wipe or flashing a new ROM. The alternative is Dark Tremors A2SD which uses a dedicated partition on your SD card (Created through recovery) to store apps by tricking the system into thinking the folder on your SD card is actually on internal memory. Once a new ROM is installed over the current (Which obviously must use DT A2SD also) these apps should be available again with their settings etc remaining.
I guess I'm just not sure how the SD card contents will be affected when flashing ROMs, and I'm not sure if after you flash a new ROM, the ROM can use all of the stuff that's on your SD card just like the ROM you had before did
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, all data/media remains but apps require A2SD or its variants.
Also, when I save a backup of my ROM, the backup will just be a copy of all of my phone's internal memory and the operating system, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you backup/nandroid you take a screenshot of sorts of your system. By default I think most recovery images save the boot, system, data and cache partitions when a backup is being made. Certain recoveries offer to backup other partitions such as sd-ext (Where A2SD stores the apps). Backups are designated by folders with a time stamp, I personally rename these to reflect the contents e.g. MM.v.20 tells me this is MicroMods v.20 of his GB ROM. Obviously yours will differ but I find this keeps things organised. Basically think of nandroid as the Android equivalent of Acronis true image or Norton Ghost for the PC. It lets you create any number of backups which will restore your device to the exact state at the moment of backup.
And when I wipe my phone and install a new ROM, the new ROM just replaces all of my phone's old contents?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A newly flashed ROM will basically restore your device to factory settings but on the new ROM. Once you've signed in to your Google account certain settings and content will be automatically downloaded e.g. Calendar appointments, Contacts. Other settings will not be restored e.g. Display brightness, alarms.
So if I ever flashed my original ROM again, it'd bring back all of my phone's contents, system memory, operating system, apps installed on the phone, ect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, again it would return to the factory settings. However you can restore nandroid backups you have made of your original ROM which would return the system exactly to its previous state.
Basically if you're on a stock ROM it won't have A2SD. If you wish to use A2SD from now on then find a ROM which uses it, partition your SD card appropriately (Plenty of guides around) and you'll have minimal problems moving from ROM to ROM. As for Nandroid you'll find that most ROM devs recommend wiping all data from the phone (Not SD card) before flashing their ROM. Otherwise files or settings from other ROMs can cause some undesired effects on your current one.
Good luck and get reading the Nexus wiki, it's very helpful for these types of questions
Note: For some reason I vaguely remember someone noting that Froyos A2SD can be used to move apps to another ROM or at least the base app itself (If not the individual setup/settings) but I can't seem to find any info after a quick Google and it never interested me enough to look into it further. Perhaps someone can clear this up?

Hollow.Droid said:
Note: For some reason I vaguely remember someone noting that Froyos A2SD can be used to move apps to another ROM or at least the base app itself (If not the individual setup/settings)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think thats true.. suppose it's formatted during a wipe.. titanium backup serves the purpose like a charm.. (with all the settings for the apps and the resumes for the games)
Sent from my Nexus One

I have a similar question to the OP. I use a 1GB EXT through DT's A2SD. If I wanted to flash a new ROM would the following be my step-checklist?
1 - Nand backup (just in case)
2 - Backup apps with Titanium
3 - wipe system data & cache
4 - flash new rom
5 - restore apps?
I'm just wondering what the procedure is to keep the apps in A2SD on a new flash without re-setting up.

Wiggz said:
I have a similar question to the OP. I use a 1GB EXT through DT's A2SD. If I wanted to flash a new ROM would the following be my step-checklist?
1 - Nand backup (just in case)
2 - Backup apps with Titanium
3 - wipe system data & cache
4 - flash new rom
5 - restore apps?
I'm just wondering what the procedure is to keep the apps in A2SD on a new flash without re-setting up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah that would be fine..
btw 1: if you upgrading a cm nightly, you need not wipe system n cache..
2: if you do a titanium backup before, then you can finish all the steps in the recovery in one go..
n I dint quite get what you are asking. but from what I know, apps 2 sd folder (ie android.secure) is erased in a wipe.. that isnt changing
Sent from my Nexus One

shreyas - thanks for your help.
I understand the A2SD (EXT) partition onthe sd will be wiped, but I'm assuming I would have to do nothing to get the new rom to see the ext and use it?
That's really my question. Would recovering my apps from Titanium push them back on the A2SD location or would I need to install A2SD again?

i don't think so..
I suppose that the pro version must support the direct a2sd.. but give it a try.. if it dosent work then you have do manually..
Sent from my Nexus One

[Q] Internal SD card not recognized CyanogenMod 7 nightly

I've just now flashed the latest Cyanogenmod 7 nightly on my O2X, and I'm experiencing a problem with my internal SD card.
Any app that want to use the internal SD card is unable to do so because supposedly the card is not mounted, while under Settings - Storage - Internal SD Card, it gives me an option to unmount the card. I've tried unmounting and mounting again, but that didn't do anything.
When I connect my phone to my laptop using USB, the only option I get is the USB Debugging (if I have that on). The only way to get the option to turn on USB storage is if I power off the phone, connect the USB and then power up the phone. That way I get the option to turn on USB storage, but when I do that, nothing happens on the computer or the phone.
If I reboot the phone in recovery mode, then I can select instal zip from internal sd card and then see the different folders on the card, but I have not dared to see if can actually flash Cyanogenmod again in fear of not being able to get any kind of contact with my sd card.
Now I realize that there are ways of fixing this issue, but is there a way that will help me keep the data I have on my internal sd card? I have a lot of information on it that I don't want to lose at all.
Even ideas of how I could backup the internal sd card so that I can just go crazy and format the card would highly appreciated! I've tried the Software Data Cable app, but that didn't work either.
Any help you can give me would be a major relief as I have been struggling with this problem through the night without much results.
Some info:
Before flash: Stock Gingerbread (Android 2.3.4)
Flashed ROM: CyanogenMod-7-20120313-NIGHTLY-p990 (Android 2.3.7)
Phone: LG Optimus 2X p990
No external SD card

Accessing internal storage
Go to settings - CyanogenMod Settings - Application
And check the Internal storage box.
If you have issues with some apps check the "allow moving.." as well
AND change the install location to internal. On automatic this should work anyway since you are not using an externalSD.
--- REMEMBER TO REBOOT---
If you are still having problems fix permissions and reflash the same nightly or a newer one. (data is not lost... dont wipe)
Dont think this applies to you.. but just in case.
If you still have issues with any apps and their settings. Delete the app data at the Application Manager. Then before opening/running the app, delete its associated folders on the sd. (You should be able to mount by now.) Reboot and things should be working fine. Dont worry about this last paragraph if you are not having issues with apps not saving data/starting/cant find sd card etc. Since you dont have a external SD.

Yeah, I found this out just two minutes ago, and now everything works! Thanks a lot elkhawkes!
Woah, I'm happy now!
I don't see why this isn't standard in CyanogenMod though. What are the benefits of "hiding" the internal SD card like that? Is it considered that people who flash CyanogenMod doesn't have anything useful on their internal SD, but rather the external one? At least for me, I had a lot of application data, pictures and text files I needed on the internal SD card.
Well, anyways, all is well for me now, so far...

Ok, I've noticed a problem.
You were right about some apps having problems. It seems like Whatsapp and SwiftKey is unable to save their stats. Message count and keystroke count returns to 0 every time I reboot. Its not the biggest problem, but it might be a symptom of a bigger problem, so I want to fix it.
I have tried all the different suggestions you mention for solving problems with apps, but none of them work. Even when I delete the Whatsapp folder on the internal SD card, the app still has problems saving its stats. I guess that might be because there are more Whatsapp files in one of the android folders on the card.
I was thinking that I might be able to do this sequence of things to fix it, but I'd like to get some confirmation that it might work and I won't brick my phone or will be having to buy and external SD card:
1. Copy everything on the internal SD card to my computer. (Already done!)
2. Re-flash the latest CyanogenMod nightly (and Google Apps) from the internal SD card using ROM Manager and delete all data cache, dalvik and so on.
3. Before installing any apps I go to Settings - CyanogenMod settings - Application and check Use internal storage. That way my internal SD card will be "visible".
4. Go to Settings - Storage and then selecting Erase SD card (note this is the internal SD card, I do not have an external card).
Questions:
- Will step 4. delete everything on the SD card, including all files in the Android folders?
- Will I still be able to use my phone with Cyanogenmod without having any files on the internal SD card (and no external card in the phone) or does flashing CyanogenMod or any other ROM on the phone install crucial files on the internal SD card? I want to know this for sure, because if I can't, then I will have no way of returning to a working ROM or flash a new one. I want to avoid a brick at all cost.
- Can I then start installing all the apps I want and then trying to copy only the folders containing for example the media and messages folders for Whatsapp back to the SD card to recover those on the fresh install?
** What about the Factory data reset option in CyanogenMod? Is that something I can use for this? Will the phone be reset to "factory" with CyanogenMod installed and no other old files on it, so that everything is fresh and I can install my apps and then copy media/backup folders to get the apps running without problems and with my old media?
Any help with this matter would be highly appreciated!

Testing7 said:
Questions:
- Will step 4. delete everything on the SD card, including all files in the Android folders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
- Will I still be able to use my phone with Cyanogenmod without having any files on the internal SD card (and no external card in the phone) or does flashing CyanogenMod or any other ROM on the phone install crucial files on the internal SD card? I want to know this for sure, because if I can't, then I will have no way of returning to a working ROM or flash a new one. I want to avoid a brick at all cost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: No properly made Android version should depend on certain files being present on the SD-card. CM7 is a "proper" version.
- Can I then start installing all the apps I want and then trying to copy only the folders containing for example the media and messages folders for Whatsapp back to the SD card to recover those on the fresh install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should in most cases be able to do that, yes. You may run into trouble if you copy the data back after installing the app if it is running at the time. You may want to mount USB storage/copy data while in CWM to be sure that does not happen.
** What about the Factory data reset option in CyanogenMod? Is that something I can use for this? Will the phone be reset to "factory" with CyanogenMod installed and no other old files on it, so that everything is fresh and I can install my apps and then copy media/backup folders to get the apps running without problems and with my old media?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you should be able to do this. (Be aware that a factory reset, whether built-on or CWM, does not delete anything on the SDcard.) Some apps may initialize their external storage on the first start, some apps may find inconsistencies in the external data, especially if they use som kind of secure or encrypted storage, but that is probably not very common

Fix for apps
... Follow the steps in my post above and then uninstall the effected app, reboot and install again.
If you have backed up the whatsapp folder. Put it back on the sdcard before running the newly installed whatsapp and it should ask to import the backed up files.
- I think it only works if you place the files back before running the freshly installed app.
I`m guessing you might have tried this already. Hope this helps
Like Testing7 said, the files visible on the sd card are safe to delete but erasing the sd and factory resetting is probably not necessary. Personally I backup my important folders.. whatsapp etc on the pc regularly and erase the sd all the time. Its not really neccessary and I do this because I like to keep it clean and its just a "bad" habit from testing out different roms. The folders there are generally just clutter and also use a minimum amount of space, so really it is up to you. They do build up again pretty fast so dont worry about it.
- If you are still having problems... Just start from scratch again
# Backup - SMS and apps... I use Sms/app backup and restore... 2 separate apps on market (both free).
# Copy necessary folders and files to pc - then erase SD
# Recovery - Wipe cache, factory reset, Dalvik, battery stats ... on full battery
# Reflash nightly cm7
# Change all settings like in my first post and then reinstall all apps and backup files.
# And remember to restore files first before running the apps for the first time

guide to installing jb rom

will remake a more detailed guide later with images.
heres how i went about it.
download philz kernel (according to your firmware i.e ics or lsc, lsa etc)
transfer it and the rom you want to your sd card or ext sd. now goto cwm and flash philz kernel zip (we will flash the rom later on). then reboot your phone.
now once in your phone goto settings, storage, then erase the sd card and the mass storage. then goto factory and erase phone (this will make everything go away). you may need to delete the samsung account. just goto accounts and sync and delete the samsung one.
now reboot your phone into recovery. once there follow this youtube video (it shows your what to wipe in cwm) then once done flash ultimate rom. and everything will work smooth. rep if this helped. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI6KyqnuixU
once your done there is and updateme option in the settings menu under about. this has mods like awesome beats etc.
last thing that really helped me was backing up contacts, sms , call logs, calenders etc. i used this amazing free app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idea.backup.smscontacts all the backups it makes are saved in your internel memory. there will be a folder called "SmsContactsBackup" make sure you copy that to your pc or save it somewhere as you will need to copy this back to your internel memory once you have installed new rom to restore the contacts etc.

dead4ngel said:
now once in your phone goto settings, storage, then erase the sd card and the mass storage. then goto factory and erase phone (this will make everything go away). you may need to delete the samsung account. just goto accounts and sync and delete the samsung one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why you need to erase SD card?

helps. just incase. ensures nothing can conflict

delacius said:
why you need to erase SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, imo useless point.

Changing internal SD to portable storage for root

I want to flash Xposed Framework and some other things to my phone, but I figured out that TWRP cannot find my zips in the internal SD card. I think I need to change my internal SD card back to portable storage in order to flash things. I backed up my data (Nandroid) so when I do change my SD card to portable, I can recover everything. Will changing my SD card affect SuperSU or anything on my phone?

fairnightzz said:
I want to flash Xposed Framework and some other things to my phone, but I figured out that TWRP cannot find my zips in the internal SD card. I think I need to change my internal SD card back to portable storage in order to flash things. I backed up my data (Nandroid) so when I do change my SD card to portable, I can recover everything. Will changing my SD card affect SuperSU or anything on my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did that few days ago, I rooted 7 days ago , and find out that in MM you can format sd card as internal memory. Wasn't with android for the last 2 years and i am learning every day about new features that i missed.
I formatted sdcard to internal and coudn't flash enything, however if you copy that zip to /data folder you can see it. Huge problem is that nandroid cannot be performed, I usually have 2 backups always and with 5GB of availabole memory, and 2-3 gigs are already taken it is impossible to backup my system which takes around 3 GB of data, even more .
I was thinking about getting USB OTG cable and external flash for nandroid and dflashing things, but still I am looking for some news about TWRP support for internal memory in some new editions.
When I switched back to normal mode ( sdcard as portable storage ) I didn't lost anything, only thing that you want to take care of is that when you are ready to switch back your sdcard as a portable, to perform migrate option and leave phone to do it ( 5 minutes ), to free sdcard and move back data to internal ( if there is a space enoough on internal so that is one more problem to care about.
I also asked this question and got no answers, but I really do like to know how other members manage their free space with this MM stuff, which is good but very limiting so far.

dejson said:
I did that few days ago, I rooted 7 days ago , and find out that in MM you can format sd card as internal memory. Wasn't with android for the last 2 years and i am learning every day about new features that i missed.
I formatted sdcard to internal and coudn't flash enything, however if you copy that zip to /data folder you can see it. Huge problem is that nandroid cannot be performed, I usually have 2 backups always and with 5GB of availabole memory, and 2-3 gigs are already taken it is impossible to backup my system which takes around 3 GB of data, even more .
I was thinking about getting USB OTG cable and external flash for nandroid and dflashing things, but still I am looking for some news about TWRP support for internal memory in some new editions.
When I switched back to normal mode ( sdcard as portable storage ) I didn't lost anything, only thing that you want to take care of is that when you are ready to switch back your sdcard as a portable, to perform migrate option and leave phone to do it ( 5 minutes ), to free sdcard and move back data to internal ( if there is a space enoough on internal so that is one more problem to care about.
I also asked this question and got no answers, but I really do like to know how other members manage their free space with this MM stuff, which is good but very limiting so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I move the zip to the data folder, I can flash? If so, could you show me step by step, because I tried but it wouldn't let me copy or paste anything. If not, I could just backup my photos (all other data not important), redownload the apps from the playstore, then just use link2sd to move the apps to portable SD card.

fairnightzz said:
So if I move the zip to the data folder, I can flash? If so, could you show me step by step, because I tried but it wouldn't let me copy or paste anything. If not, I could just backup my photos (all other data not important), redownload the apps from the playstore, then just use link2sd to move the apps to portable SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wll actually i found that here post #6, you have to use root explorer or similar app.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/help/internal-storage-twrp-external-sd-card-t3242540
You can save apks with titanium backup and restore it with update.zip option ( to save a lot of time of redownloading apps.
link2sd doesn't work with MM, requires that micro sd is formatted as internal.
There is workaround and I will maybe test this tonight and will let you know if it works.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65411424&postcount=19

Thanks, dejson! I figured out that I wasn't using a root explorer, so I downloaded Solid Explorer and moved the zip to data/media and it worked! Thanks a lot for helping me!

fairnightzz said:
Thanks, dejson! I figured out that I wasn't using a root explorer, so I downloaded Solid Explorer and moved the zip to data/media and it worked! Thanks a lot for helping me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhm, there is a thank you button also available .
Glad you did it mate, I tested everything with sdcard formatted as internal, but losing option to perform nandroid is not the compromise that I am able to consider.
I was very tired last night and accidentally deleted a lot of things from sdcard which was formatted as internal, I forgot to migrate data, but luckily fresh nandroid backup was taken just before testing and saved to laptop.
I can confirm that after installing apps2sd from playstore, and after that I installed link2sd and boom, the app is working good. This kernel supposedly doesn't have init.d enabled [decypher] so I need to test even more because even when it was working every few minutes i was receiving message from system that sdcard is corrupted and some minor errors.
This idea about first installing apps2sd is something that I found somewhere, and it is not my invention. So I think that after some more testing I week find a way to finally utilize my big sdcard.