Database Develop

Noob root question

after rooting and flashing ROMS, im confused on somethings. When flashing a new ROM do you ALWAYS have to wipe? Also, when you make a Nandroid back up, wipe and flash a new ROM, can you restore from that backup so you dont have to download all your apps//set up your screens all over again? Please help.

If you are switching to a completely new rom, then yes, you have to do a complete wipe. If you are upgrading a rom, adding mods or something similar then you don't need to do a data wipe. If you are switching from a rom that uses apps2sd from one that uses it you should probably wipe your ext partition as well.
To answer your second question, a nandroid backup backs up EVERYTHING on your phone, so using a nandroid restore will knock out your new rom and put everything back the way it was, including apps and settings. If you nandroid back from your new rom (lets say your phone gets stuck in a boot-loop or something...) you should do a data wipe and wipe ext partition, then nandroid.

one-of-four said:
If you are switching to a completely new rom, then yes, you have to do a complete wipe. If you are upgrading a rom, adding mods or something similar then you don't need to do a data wipe. If you are switching from a rom that uses apps2sd from one that uses it you should probably wipe your ext partition as well.
To answer your second question, a nandroid backup backs up EVERYTHING on your phone, so using a nandroid restore will knock out your new rom and put everything back the way it was, including apps and settings. If you nandroid back from your new rom (lets say your phone gets stuck in a boot-loop or something...) you should do a data wipe and wipe ext partition, then nandroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what does wipe ext partition wipe

also...
I want to use stock Android 2.1 ROM but want to use SetCPU to overclock. I tried flashing this kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690238 but was stuck on the white/green HTC Screen. I then tried this kernel: http://forum.androidcentral.com/162759-post49.html and it got rid of super user permission so I couldnt use SetCPU. Is there another kernel I can use? If so can you PLEASE provide download link? One more thing, how do I compile this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...ghlight=kernel

shamrock11 said:
what does wipe ext partition wipe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has your apps2sd info in it, hence wiping before changing roms because most use different versions of a2sd.

one-of-four said:
It has your apps2sd info in it, hence wiping before changing roms because most use different versions of a2sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to use stock Android 2.1 ROM but want to use SetCPU to overclock. I tried flashing this kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690238 but was stuck on the white/green HTC Screen. I then tried this kernel: http://forum.androidcentral.com/162759-post49.html and it got rid of super user permission so I couldnt use SetCPU. Is there another kernel I can use? If so can you PLEASE provide download link? One more thing, how do I compile this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...ghlight=kernel ?

shamrock11 said:
I want to use stock Android 2.1 ROM but want to use SetCPU to overclock. I tried flashing this kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690238 but was stuck on the white/green HTC Screen. I then tried this kernel: http://forum.androidcentral.com/162759-post49.html and it got rid of super user permission so I couldnt use SetCPU. Is there another kernel I can use? If so can you PLEASE provide download link? One more thing, how do I compile this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...ghlight=kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok... I'll give you what info I can, but I'm somewhat new to this myself... the first kernel you tried to flash has to be used in tandem with the rom listed at the top of the thread (darchdroid...) the second needs to be used with damage control's rom. I don't understand why you lost su permissions by flashing the second one, but again I'm new to this.
I hope you made a nandroid backup (always do this, otherwise some people around here will flame you...) I would restore, try installing the rom for the kernel you want to use and then re-flash it.
Something you might like is freshtoast (check: http://geekfor.me/new-release/fresh-toast-v21/) it has a stable rom (fresh 2.1.x) and all the overclocking goodies you're looking for. That way you won't break your phone / lose root in the process.
P.S. your link is broken for your last question, so I can't answer it

one-of-four said:
Ok... I'll give you what info I can, but I'm somewhat new to this myself... the first kernel you tried to flash has to be used in tandem with the rom listed at the top of the thread (darchdroid...) the second needs to be used with damage control's rom. I don't understand why you lost su permissions by flashing the second one, but again I'm new to this.
I hope you made a nandroid backup (always do this, otherwise some people around here will flame you...) I would restore, try installing the rom for the kernel you want to use and then re-flash it.
Something you might like is freshtoast (check: http://geekfor.me/new-release/fresh-toast-v21/) it has a stable rom (fresh 2.1.x) and all the overclocking goodies you're looking for. That way you won't break your phone / lose root in the process.
P.S. your link is broken for your last question, so I can't answer it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to use a rom. I was told I can overclock if I use a custom kernel. Which kernel should I download from the second link and heres the last link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=684838&highlight=kernel

Sorry for the delay... long day(s) at work!
For your kernel problems, please read this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=622916
It gives you step by step instructions on how to compile and install (probably the wrong term, but whatever...) the kernel you want.
In order to use setCPU you'll need a custom kernel, the CDMA Hero doesn't support it straight out of root.
This thread seems like it may contain your answer: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=699792
I also highly recommend heading to following link, it has tons of guides and will answer most of your questions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6738713&postcount=1
Hope this helps, but as far as more in-depth kernel questions, you'll need to find someone else to ask, I'm all out of ideas

Flashing over a rom?

So im wondering, what is the standard practise, or based on your own experiences. What is the best way to flash over an existing rom using CWM? What do you do to prepare the fone for new rom, wipe user data, dalvik cache, before or after flashing. Just trying to get a good idea of how to do it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

going from rom to rom:
put rom.zip on /sdcard/
reboot to recovery
install zip from sdcard
point to rom.zip
flash
reboot
any rom that has been properly done will wipe user data and dalvik cache for you. no need to do it manually

i always flash back to eclair and master clear with odin one click to make sure all files from previous roms are gone then CWM flash new ROM

Pirateghost said:
going from rom to rom:
put rom.zip on /sdcard/
reboot to recovery
install zip from sdcard
point to rom.zip
flash
reboot
any rom that has been properly done will wipe user data and dalvik cache for you. no need to do it manually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Except I do clear the caches manually, but that's just because I have OCD.

CremeFraiche said:
i always flash back to eclair and master clear with odin one click to make sure all files from previous roms are gone then CWM flash new ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lets look at the master clear function shall we?
when you flash to stock...your entire / is stock (RFS, eclair 2.1, /data /system, etc)
essentially, you have just reformatted your root, think of it like formatting your C drive and your sdcard is like a secondary internal drive that contains storage
master clear at this point will only delete items off your /sdcard
roms dont care about your /sdcard, master clear is worthless when you are stock
there was a time where it was necessary to flash to stock to reset the filesystem and then flash the rom. it has not been needed in months, but it continues to get preached as gospel.
even flashing to stock isnt necessary unless you are trying to come from CM7 or MIUI....or if something goes horribly wrong

Thx for info guys, I have flashed a few times and it seemed like now and then my fone must became bogged down and needed to be fully wiped, sound didnt work or lagfix folders bunch of text docs, just seemed cluttered. So if wanted to really clear out junk what would be a good way without having to flash back to stock?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Just flash. If you have a problem then back to stock Ans a MC. I have flashed hundreds of time back to stock once.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App

Pirateghost said:
lets look at the master clear function shall we?
when you flash to stock...your entire / is stock (RFS, eclair 2.1, /data /system, etc)
essentially, you have just reformatted your root, think of it like formatting your C drive and your sdcard is like a secondary internal drive that contains storage
master clear at this point will only delete items off your /sdcard
roms dont care about your /sdcard, master clear is worthless when you are stock
there was a time where it was necessary to flash to stock to reset the filesystem and then flash the rom. it has not been needed in months, but it continues to get preached as gospel.
even flashing to stock isnt necessary unless you are trying to come from CM7 or MIUI....or if something goes horribly wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely agree. I have also seen people say to disable lagfix before flashing. I have not done that either and never had any problem.

Would just like to amend the advice already given with the following:
Pre-flashing:
1. Titanium Backup of apps and data
2. Nandroid backup in case something goes boom.
Post-flashing (assuming success):
TB restore of user apps/data only. NEVER RESTORE SYSTEM FILES.
They may not apply to some people, but I feel those are necessary steps for anyone that actually uses their phone daily.

modest_mandroid said:
Would just like to amend the advice already given with the following:
Pre-flashing:
1. Titanium Backup of apps and data
2. Nandroid backup in case something goes boom.
Post-flashing (assuming success):
TB restore of user apps/data only. NEVER RESTORE SYSTEM FILES.
They may not apply to some people, but I feel those are necessary steps for anyone that actually uses their phone daily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why not restore system files? Does this apply if coming from flashing back to stock first, or just flashing from one rom to another?
Glad to hear the advice about not flashing back to stock, that's been one of the major reasons I haven't flashed quite as many rom's as I want, too time consuming.........not to say that i'm not flashing a couple rom's a week, but there's just so many options to try

neophile said:
why not restore system files? Does this apply if coming from flashing back to stock first, or just flashing from one rom to another?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making "search" a standard practice would be very helpful.
Restoring system is known to mess up ROMs in all cases. Though may not be mandatory, but make it a standard practice to flash stock. Takes hardly 10 mins, and helps save big headaches later.

neophile said:
why not restore system files? Does this apply if coming from flashing back to stock first, or just flashing from one rom to another?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incompatibilities across rom versions, mostly. As the guy above me said, restoring system files tends to mess up a rom because you are overwriting part of it with files from a different rom.
There is one caveat, however. If you're flashing back to a rom you originally performed the backup on, you can safely restore system files. For example, if you were running Cog 4.3 and did a full TB backup, then decided to flash Serendipity 6.3, you would want to restore only your user apps and user data. However, if you decided to flash back to Cog 4.3 at some point, you could do a full TB restore without worrying about incompatibilities.

I agree with everyone else. Flashing over another rom seldom causes issues. I make s nandroid backup of my favorite rom with everything setup the way i like it. then flash away trying different roms. When i am done, i just restore my backup and all is good!

I have done a search, couldn't find the specific answer I needed, hence my asking. Could be I wasn't phrasing the search correctly......but here I am.....
To clarify, what do you dpo to get your system settings back after flashing a new rom? I flashed to serendipty 6.4 last night, as per the advice, I didn't restore system files, just apps and data, but that didn't work so well for me. I lost my data connection, could only use my wifi, and had no contacts, or any sms msgs. I don't know what else was missing, but I then went and restored system files, everything came back as needed, and there seems to be no issue......
How do I get my info setting back, or do I just need to manually re-set everything after flashing? Apart from wireless info, msgs and contacts, what else do you lose by not restoring?
Appreciate your help

havent flashed a new rom in a while and forgot if anything extra was needed when flashing a rom over a rom
thx!

[Q] Help with root and custom ROM.

Hello guys,
I've been looking around hier for a while, and I spotted a Custom ROM that I'd like to try, it's this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424260
I've never rooted my phone before so I don't have experience with it.
I found a couple of threads that can help me but, I don't know in wich order I have to follow them.
First of all, I'd like to make a complete back-up of my current ROM, so in case something goes wrong, I can restore it. How do I do this? I read something about ClockWorkMod and a nandroid back-up, can somebody clear this out?
I have an unrooted HTC Incredible S with S-ON. So first, I think that I have to get S-OFF? I found a tutorial with the Revolutionary tool, but it doesn't support my HBoot, so I think that's not an option?
So then, I found this tutorial: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1337105
The tutorial is easy to follow, but can I create a full back-up before I start the tutorial?
And to get S-OFF, do I need a rooted device?
I hope somebody can help me. If you need more information, just ask.
Here is some information about my device:
- Android 2.3.5
- HTC Sense 3.0
- S-ON
- Not rooted
- HBoot 2.00.0000
- No SIM-lock
If more information is needed, please ask.

Unfortunately having your current h-boot the method available to you to root and install custom ROMs does not let you back up your phone prior to flashing. As the method used is flashing a new ROM that allows root access to your phone. Prior H-boots (1.13.0000) allowed you to root your phone without flashing a custom ROM thus unlocking boot loader to be flashed CWM as a custom recovery and allowing you to create a nandroid backup of your current state before flashing a new rom. However[/] the process you are going to need to complete might contain a back-up function included in the flashing process, I don't know for sure as I flashed from 1.13.0000, but it doesn't really matter as your going to have to complete the process anyways. I say just go for it and follow the instructions to the "T". If you follow everything properly and take your time you shouldn't encounter any problems.

In the tutorial I posted, step 10 is
10. Using volume up/down and power to select, go down to Backup/Restore. Select it, then hit Backup. ClockWorkMod will backup your stock ROM in case there are any dramas and you want to go back to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this create a complete back-up? So when I restore it, will everything be back the way it is right now?

MrSenne said:
In the tutorial I posted, step 10 is
Will this create a complete back-up? So when I restore it, will everything be back the way it is right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Stay safe.

So if I just follow that tutorial, I will have a Custom ROM with root? And do I still have to get S-OFF?

You don't need to go S-OFF to flash a custom rom. There is actually no need whatsoever to go S-OFF, unless you want to go and flashing other radios. But the lastest sense 3.0 and android 2.3.5 update included the lastest radio, so keep S-ON. Better for warranty.
First go to htcdev.com and follow the instructions to unlock bootloader. BE AWARE THAT THIS WILL WIPE YOUR PHONE TO FACTORY DEFAULTS for security reasons, sdcard remains untouched.
After bootloader unlocked you can flash the clockwork recovery (you're still S-ON). Once you flashed that you can go into recovery with volumebutton down and power on. Take a backup with clockwork (=nandroid = full image of the phone in its current state) of your original rom and start flashing custom ones.
They're is probably a time where you gonna think you bricked your phone, I have. But I always got through it by searching the forum. Always, in any circomstance, manually push the boot.img of the associated rom from a PC to your phone. So never flash a ROM from your sdcard if you don't have a PC in hand. Otherwise it will probably not boot or get hardware not working (not broken in anyway, just not properly loaded).
Before changing roms, I always do the ARHD wipe script. Just to be sure every trace of the previous rom is gone. There are multiple partitions on your phone (system, data, boot). It wipes all of them to start clean.
The ROMs you are going to flash are rooted by default.
So now, of you go and be a ICS beta tester

Thanks fot the explenation.
But, because I can't root my phone because it's HBoot 2.00.0000; I can't make a back-up of it? Not even with Titanium Back-up.
Is there any way I can back-up my app's? So I don't lose all the saved data in the app's?

MrSenne said:
Thanks fot the explenation.
But, because I can't root my phone because it's HBoot 2.00.0000; I can't make a back-up of it? Not even with Titanium Back-up.
Is there any way I can back-up my app's? So I don't lose all the saved data in the app's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know the answer is "no".
You need clockwork for a nandroidbackup, you need bootloader unlocked for clockwork, unlocking bootloader wipes your phone.
I accidently wipe mine with the unlocking of the bootloader. It seems harder than it is to start over. Just link contacts and calendar with gmail, backup sms on sdcard in messaging. That's all you need. Starting over is good to get the crappy apps gone

Hmm, okay, then I'll have to do it without making a back-up.
And is there an easy way to switch between ROM's? Without using a computer.

MrSenne said:
And is there an easy way to switch between ROM's? Without using a computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is very easy to change roms. They are stored in zip-format on your sdcard which you can browse to with clockwork. Also the nandroidbackups are stored on your sdcard and can also be chosen with clockwork.
Experience tells me that you still need to flash the boot.img of the rom manually after you flashed the rom (something to do with clockwork not able to write in boot partition while in recovery-mode, you have to be in fastboot-mode). Flashing the boot.img litterly takes 2 secs to upload, done, and reboot.
So it is no big deal to swich:
- boot in recovery
- browse to the desired rom/backup
- start and wait 5 mins
- boot in fastboot
- connect to pc and flash boot.img
- wait 2 secs and reboot
Do not flash when you need the phone and there is no pc around. If it goes wrong, you need your usb pc to fix things.

I heard something about Rommanager, can I use this and what does it do excactly?

MrSenne said:
I heard something about Rommanager, can I use this and what does it do excactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM Manager is an app that works with ClockworkMod recovery to keep it up to date and allows you to make and manage CWM nandroid backups and manage partitions on your SD card. The paid version also allows you to download custom ROMs and flash them.
It requires root access in order to run.

But it's not a necessary application?

MrSenne said:
But it's not a necessary application?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not really.

Ok, propably I'll try it this evening.

Thanks for everything who helped me, I followed the tutorial and everything is working fine.

[Q] Installing a ROM and Updating

Hey guys,
Sorry if this seems really noobish, but I seem be to kinda lost in all of this ROM'ing goodness.
I have read up on installing custom roms and plan on doing so but I have a couple of questions first before I take that last step (already unlocked and rooted on my One) - note: I have read through the guides but I still seem a little confused as to what exactly changes.
I notice that all tuts mention that you will lose all data on your phone. Does this include installed apps or are we just talking system files needed for the new rom? I have my phone setup already and have my apps backing up with Helium (Carbon) but this is something I seem to be a little confused with
Secondly, using something like CWM (Premium), can I update my ROM quickly and easily without losing any data?
I know that unlocking my bootloader will not get me OTA's so I am looking forward to using many of the awesome ROMs here on the site!

1) When you flash a rom, you need to do a full wipe in aroma.
Full wipe will erase all but not the sd, so your app in home, your background, your account will be erased.
2) You can upgrade your rom with CWM if is the same rom and the base isn't different.
If the base is different you have to do a full wipe.

One more
How likely is base to change for a ROM package? And if I have to flash that new ROM package instead of doing the update through CWM, am I back at square one again with my apps and data or is it just updating what it needs to?
Thanks again for the help!

Then:
Now, all the rom is based on 1.29.401.13.
When it will change (it depens from htc) and you will flash the latest update of rom, you have to do a full wipe, and you will lose all file, settings and other.
Instead, if you have to flash an update like: you're on 2.5 to 2.6, you can flash the rom with only dalvik cache and cache wipe.
But it depens, you always have to read in thread rom

I guess its not so big of a deal considering I can backup most of my apps using Helium and the rest of the apps can just be redownloaded if I keep a list. Configurations should be backed up anyways.
Thanks for the help!

If you're rooted and you will restore your app after a full wipe, i advise you titanium backup.
With this you can do a flashable zip with all your apps and data

Thanks!
I will take a look at Titanium backup and see what it can do! It would only make sense that someone would invent a way to backup all your apps and data (no matter what) to be able to restore them after a ROM update that wipes the phone completely!

Titanium backup can do this
However, only data app, not system app.
If you backupping system app too, you can have issue with new update of rom

[Q] KitKat to Marshmallow with rooted G800H ???

Hi Folks,
It's been a long time since I did anything with my phone so I feel a bit rusty and it might be best to ask before I brick it.
I've got a G800H dual sim non LTE. It's got root, TWRP 2.7.x.x (can't remember) and is stock 4.4.2 ROM with xposed framework
Baseband G800HXXUIANGF
I want to update to Marshmallow.
I've done a Nandroid backup and ran Titanium on my apps for the new ROM.
Can I just flash the 6.0.1 ROM via odin? Or do I need anything else?
Any and all help greatly appreciated
Keliuss

have the same phone. when you do it you'll have to reflash twrp and supersu to maintain root, also a custom version of xposed. just search for wanam xposed here on xda. dont forget to wipe dalvik cache.

GustavoLCR said:
have the same phone. when you do it you'll have to reflash twrp and supersu to maintain root, also a custom version of xposed. just search for wanam xposed here on xda. dont forget to wipe dalvik cache.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Gustavo, having done it all I found it can't get a GPS lock. I use GPS a lot and have tried multiple solutions from different threads. None work How's your GPS?
Now I'm trying to restore the old nandoid backup but wifi, gps are gone now along with the soft buttons. If I cant get it back to it's old state I might have to stay on MM with no GPS which really sucks
Keliuss

keliuss said:
Thanks Gustavo, having done it all I found it can't get a GPS lock. I use GPS a lot and have tried multiple solutions from different threads. None work How's your GPS?
Now I'm trying to restore the old nandoid backup but wifi, gps are gone now along with the soft buttons. If I cant get it back to it's old state I might have to stay on MM with no GPS which really sucks
Keliuss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, for me gps never worked even on 4.4.2, i dont care for gps so when i updated if it worked or not i didnt check, so i dont have a solution for that. maybe using the gps.conf of your nandroid backup on the new rom(on the /etc folder). for the wifi/soft buttons, re-flashing should solve it (backup or rom). dont forget to wipe dalvik-cache. if that fails, the only solution is factory reset. also if it comes to it, the nandroid backup of twrp is bs, learned the hard way, it doesnt backup the /media/0 (internal storage where downloads, photos, music stays) so be sure to manually backup that.

GustavoLCR said:
well, for me gps never worked even on 4.4.2, i dont care for gps so when i updated if it worked or not i didnt check, so i dont have a solution for that. maybe using the gps.conf of your nandroid backup on the new rom(on the /etc folder). for the wifi/soft buttons, re-flashing should solve it (backup or rom). dont forget to wipe dalvik-cache. if that fails, the only solution is factory reset. also if it comes to it, the nandroid backup of twrp is bs, learned the hard way, it doesnt backup the /media/0 (internal storage where downloads, photos, music stays) so be sure to manually backup that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help Gustavo, I ended up flashing an old 4.4.2 firmware to get my buttons working again then restored my old 4.4.2 nandroid backup and I have my GPS working again. There could be some hints here as to why so many people have GPS problems with this phone. Perhaps it's a baseband thing. I will post in another thread about it.
Keliuss