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MultiSystem is a powerful tool for locked- and unlocked-bootloader Android devices with many features that at least includes the following:
Keeps stock system partition safe/rooted
Permenant root survival with proper use
MultiROM support via virtual ROMs
Unlimited number of virtual ROMs
Booting options to choose stock, primary, or secondary virtual ROM
Any of the virtual ROMs can work as a recovery replacement
Flashing multiple ROMs at the same time without a reboot
Ability to create/install ROMs on Linux to microSD card
Great performance & battery life on virtual ROMs
Recovery solution to install ROMs or Mods
Easy upgrade to newer versions of Android
Ability to safely apply OTA updates to virtual system
Permissive SELinux and other kernel tweaks
Safe flashing that doesn't trip KNOX flag on Samsung devices
Wrapper script runs via ADB or a Terminal Emulator on device
APK to manage all MultiSystem functions with a nice UI and extra options
Management for the best performance & user experience
Support for all Android devices with microSD card
Portability to almost all devices
Compatibility with all Android versions
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Q&A
What is the concept behind MultiSystem?
It runs virtual Android ROMs on microSD, like booting multiple systems on a PC from different partitions/disks. So, your stock system partition is kept safe/rooted. It won't affect performance or anything (might even be better on the virtual system if you've high quality microSD & the device supports its speed). Also, you can freely modify any of the virtual systems & in the worst case, reboot the safe stock system or another working virtual system to recover. So, no root loss or potential damage to the original device partitions.
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Is it a recovery or an APK tool?
It's a shell script that hijacks system at early boot & force Android to boot from the stock system partition or a virtual system IMG & an APK that manages all booting options, virtual ROMs, and works as a recovery replacement + extra features...
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Does it work as a recovery replacement?
It IS a POWERFUL recovery replacement. You can do whatever you do in recovery with the APK. HOW? recovery does its magic b/c it doesn't depend on the system & has its own kernel/ramdisk. In MultiSystem, you can boot a virtual ROM from extSD that sure doesn't depend on stock system partition or any of the other virtual ROMs (it does depend on the kernel, which you can't flash on locked devcies anyway). Hence, install, backup, restore, ... & all recovery functions are all possible +++ more features since you're running a full ROM not just a recovery ramdisk like Safestrap.
Bottom Line: I think it's the best & most convenient recovery replacement ever for locked devices & it can also attract unlocked devices for the powerful features, MultiROM, and recovery from within ROM.
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Can I use FlashFire along with MultiSystem?
Yes. MultiSystem is compatible with FlashFire & fully supports it on stock & virtual ROMs. So, you can use both/any of them for flashing to either a stock or virtual ROM. However, it's recommended to use MultiSystem when flashing to the stock system partition (shouldn't be needed anyway since you can always be safe & flash to your old/new virtual ROMs).
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Does MultiSystem require FlashFire?
No, MultiSystem doesn't require FlashFire. They're fully combatible though.
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Would the virtual ROM we install be exactly the one in the stock slot?
In MultiSystem APK, you can create a virtual ROM from stock system, a copy from other virtual ROM, a new IMG, a dev-provided ROM, a flashable .ZIP, ... etc. Literally, your virtual ROMs can be any stock or custom ROM that's compatible with your firmware/kernel.
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How can it run virtual ROMs from external microSD card?
External MicroSD will be formated into 2 partitions:
exFAT or FAT32 for the 1st partition (your new external storage)
EXT4 for the 2nd partition (your MultiSystem partition)
It'll hijack the system & boot a virtual system from the 2nd partition. The 1st partition will be automatically detected as your extSD.
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Can I run unrooted virtual ROM for work apps or any other reason?
Yes. You can add unrooted virtual ROM & reboot to it via MultiSystem APK.
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How do you boot back into a different ROM?
MultiSystem APK manages all functions including ROM activation & reboot to current system, another stock/virtual system, download mode, recovery, ... etc.
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Will it be OK to still store media like movies/photos/music to extSD?
100% OK; That's my setup a few months ago. 2 virtual ROMs in the SECOND extSD partition in EXT4 format while all personal data are stored on the FIRST extSD partition in exFAT or FAT32 format... TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERET PARTITIONS.
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How much space are we going to have for virtual ROMs?
The size of the 2nd partition is optional (> 4GB) for your ROMs, but here is an estimated sizes:
1 Virtual ROM Uncompressed = ~2.7 GB ---> ready for running
1 Virtual ROM Compressed = ~1.5 GB ---> for full ROM backups
I'd say better allocate 4 GB for each ROM you plan to run. If you just need one virtual ROM to keep stock system safe, 4 GB 2nd extSD partition is enough; The remaining space is allocated for the 1st extSD partition as your external storage.
For me, I run Linux too from extSD via MultiSystem. So, I've 64 GB extSD card with two partitions 32 GB each.
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Can I clear up space on an existing SD card and partition it while full or will the entire card need to be wiped and partitioned from scratch?
You need to backup all your files; it'll be wiped & repartitioned.
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How can I swap microSD cards & be able to run virtual ROMs?
You can swap microSD cards as you wish provided that the device is powered off; don't remove the microSD card when running a virtual ROM. If the new microSD card doesn't include a 2nd parition of available virtual ROMs, the device will boot directly to the stock system.
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Is there a specific sd card you recommended for this?
I personally have two microSD cards:
SanDisk Extreme Plus 64GB (Up to 80MB/s read speed)
Samsung 64GB PRO (Up to 90MB/s read speed)
You don't have to change your microSD card for MultiSystem; any card you use on your device should work just fine. The need for more speed is relevant when the device supports that speed & if you're going to buy a new card anyway that you may use with a newer device later.
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Can I copy virtual ROMs to a new microSD card?
Yes. I'll add a feature for swapping microSD cards so that you can backup/restore virtual ROMs from/to the current extSD to/from internal storage as follows:
power off device
use MultiSystem APK to backup your virtual ROMs
insert the new properly formatted microSD,
power on device (it'll boot to stock system)
use MultiSystem APK to restore your virtual ROMs
use MultiSystem APK to activate one of your virtual ROMs
use MultiSystem APK to reboot to any of your ROMs
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What about other data/cache partitions and internal storage?
Only system img's are in the extSD. All ROMs share all other partitions. This substantially improves the performance & you won't notice any difference between your stock & virtual ROMs. The reason for performance improvement is that EXT4 loop devices are very fast in reading but not in writing. Your system partition is read-only while data (for example) is read write & cache IMGs cause problems like Safestrap issues on ROM slots. Also, you don't have to worry about switching data/settings between ROMs (they're shared), but you just need to regularly backup your important data (which is healthy anyway).
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Can your elaborate where data is stored?
The userdata partition is also shared; so, you'll have access to all your FULL storage partitions & all apps/data similarly on either stock or virtual ROMs. This also solves the Safestrap issue of having less storage on ROM slots...
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Will mSDcard incur a significant performance penalty on some devices?
there's no diffrerence between virtual & stock ROMs in terms of performance & battery life. The reason is simple: loop devices associated with the READ-ONLY system IMG mounted from EXT4 partition using a high-quality microSD card IS very fast more than enough.
The read speed is faster than the device can operate anyway + the exact same device should perform on the lowest speed when reading/writing from/to the FAT/FAT32/ExFAT extSD card (where you store your files or even move apps!!!) anyway, which is much slower than the read speed of a loop device mounted from EXT4 partition.
That's why data partition is shared for many reasons, including the poor READ/WRITE performance.
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If virtual systems are read only, how do we modify them? Do we have to boot to another multisystem rom to modify a virtual rom?
The stock system partition is mounted by default read only & so are the virtual systems. To modify a stock/virtual system, the MultiSystem APK remounts them read/write. You can modify the currently running virtual system, copy it & modify the copy, modify another stock/virtual system.
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How is a corrupted virtual rom handled? Does it see it's bad and default to stock system?
At early boot, MultiSystem checks for the microSD & active virtual ROM to boot it. There's a boot menu that gives you options to select a stock/virtual system, but it crashes on LP. I'm debugging it, but all functions won't be affected if I removed it. To fail safe, you can remove the microSD card to boot to stock system & restore/repair your virtual ROMs.
UPDATE1: MultiSystem v1.0.1 now allows you to also switch to stock system on boot to repair corrupted virtual IMGs or any other reasons. More options will be added during boot to ultimately select another virtual system if the active IMG is not booting normally (e.g., bootloop after applying a mod or flashing a bad .ZIP).
UPDATE2: Now, on boot, you can choose from two primary/secondary virtual ROM or stock ROM. Flashing multiple ROMs at the same time without a reboot is now possible.
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How to check if an IMG is corrupted using MultiSystem status?
Code:
Current System IMG: Test_Rom.img
Current System DEV: [B][COLOR="Red"]/dev/block/mmcblk0p23[/COLOR][/B]
When you see "/dev/block/mmcblk0p23"; it's the original system partition; so MultiSystem failed to boot Test_Rom.img, but it should be your current system.
So, the check is simple based on "Current System Device":
/dev/block/mmcblk0p23 = Stock System Partition
/dev/block/loop0 = Virtual System IMG
Note: The block device number (mmcblk0p23) may vary per device & per variant !
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Does android do any maintenance whatsoever on stored data within /data or external sd? So if I have an app installed on 1 system and not on another system will android see it and clear the data?
No, all storage partitions are shared between ROMs. If you installed an app, it'll be availabe for all of them. Since on locked devcies we're limited to stock manufacturer-based ROMs, this makes the switch between ROMs very convinient (you don't have to worry about your changes/data/setup & storage space on the another ROM; all ROMs share everything except system). However, you should make regular backups in case a virtual ROM (probably with unsafe mods) results in bootloop due to your user data. In this case, it's safe to wipe data & selectively restore apps/data from backup(s). Another advantage of sharing all storage partitions is that your messages/emails/etc received on a virtual ROM are immediated synced (actually shared) to the other ROMs.
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Will anything like Xposed modify the virtual ROM system IMG as opposed to the stock system IMG?
When you run a Virtual System, everything incldung kernel & apps are hijacked to speak to it as the original system.
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Can we install AOSP ROMs on locked devices?
You can only install stock/manufacturer-based ROMs on locked devices while unlocked devices can use kexec or flash the required kernel to boot any AOSP/Stock ROMs. I've got a Note 4 Developer Edition & a lot of development is planned to go there (thanks to the unlocked bootloader!) More devices will get supported including unlocked TMO & international variants after adding more features untilizing the unlocked bootloader with kexec'd kernels.
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Are there limitations to the combinations of ROMs that can be loaded on the "stock" and "virtual" slots? Can you mix KK and LP?
Yes, if they can run on the same kernel. LP won't run on KK kernels & so, you'd have to upgrade the firmware anyway. As for running mixed compatible Android versions, this is possible but your'd have to backup your data before switching ROMs; if it cause no issues, enjoy smooth switch & if it doesn't, do factory reset in recovery & restore your data backup. Backups via MultiSystem are painless.
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Are applications installed once for each ROM slot that has that applicaiton installed, or can I share a game across ROMs (for instance?)
Everything is shared between ROMs, which is very good for storage & for easy switching. Just make regular backups of your sensitive data.
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How there are no performance hits while internal storage memory was much faster than any microSD technology?
Read speeds from microSD is very fast compared to write speeds & since virtual ROMs are actually a virtual read-only systems (hence, MultiSystem), they provide a high performance. Moreover, again, read speeds from EXT4 loop devices are higher compared to physical partitions. They're very bad in writing, which we don't need for the read-only "system".
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Is there a preferred "daily driver" ROM that should be installed in the stock slot?
Uses a stock ODEXED ROM on stock slot for better stability!
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Is it based off of Safestrap?
Short answer NO. I've been working on MultiSystem & Safestrap for ~7 months. Earlier versions of MultiSystem (called, JasmineREC) was based on Safestrap, but it failed to support newer versions of Android mainly due to TWRP changes in the graphics/UI libraries that cause segmentation fault & the stock kernel framebuffer issues. Then, I decided to find another solution. However, the basic idea of system hijack is powered by Safestrap (or 2nd-init recoveries in general) & all the work done by @Hashcode is GREATLY appreciated.
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How can it overwrite system files while running?
MultiSystem allows you to install safe mod's or a ROM in full or OTA-like update. It's strongly recommended to install .ZIP files NOT to the current system, b/c some files can not be overwritten while running. So, you can use backup function to copy the current system & install to the new img or any of your other virtual systems. You'll have several options to activate a virtual img & reboot directly to stock system, any virtual img you've activated, quick reboot, Download/bootloader, recovery,... etc.
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How would I benefit from it if I'm only running Stock ROM or would there be no point for me to install it?
If you run a ROM on stock system, you're vulnerable to root loss unless/untill a new rooting method for LP comes out. MultiSystem gives you the option to run safe-to-mod virtual ROMs + recovery replacement + extra features.
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Is there a way to convert a normal ROM .ZIP into MultiSystem .IMG?
Create or copy any of your IMGs, activate it & reboot to the active IMG! Then, use FlashFire to flash the ZIP file. However, the updater-script should be safe/compatible. Some devs mount the phyical partition, which will redirect everything to it!!
For example:
Code:
mount(“ext4″, “EMMC”, “/dev/block/mmcblk0p23″, “/system”);
will mount the original system partition; while
Code:
run_program("/sbin/mount", "-t", "auto", "/system");
will mount the current system (stock or virtual). This is recommended/safe.
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Would a KitKat ROM work with multisystem even though my stock is Lollipop?
Any ROM requires a compatible kernel & modem. So, running KK ROMs requires flashing KK firmware (namely, kernel & modem). This may work with MultiSystem on other devices, especially if the bootlpoader is unlocked. For example, I plan to add features for Note 4 DevED to allow different Android versions (including AOSP, manufacturer-based, & probably Linux systems) by utilizing kernel swapping or execution.
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When MultiSystem comes out will it be open sourced?
Most probably, haven't decided yet!
Anyway, here's the repository on GitHub: https://github.com/hsbadr/MultiSystem
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Video Tutorials
A quick preview of MultiSystem v1.0 tested on Lollipop for VZW Note 3. The video has been captured on a stable virtual ROM of JasmineROM v5.0.1. It's FULLY compatible with FlashFire on virtual/stock systems. More devices will get supported as well, after required testing.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hsbadr/videos/vb.331488823689599/428178174020663
How to check if you are running a Stock/Virtual System?
There're many ways to check whether you're running a Stock or Virtual system. MultiSystem app should include this simple check at some point. That's important to avoint ruining the Stock system & keep it safe. To make it clear to NOOBZ & anyone who's requesting "another" proof even though I owe hime nothing. Very weird!
Anyway, BusyBox mountpoint applet can print the current block/device mounted to /system mountpoint by running the following command:
Code:
busybox mountpoint -n /system
The stock system is mounts the original system partition:
Code:
[B][COLOR="Red"]/dev/block/mmcblk0p23[/COLOR][/B]
while the virtual system mounts a loop device associated with a system IMG:
Code:
[B][COLOR="Blue"]/dev/block/loop0[/COLOR][/B]
Here're two videos for both stock & virtual systems...
UPDATE:
Now, you could run the following command to print the current system (stock or virtual) and the system device (physical partition or loop device):
Code:
MultiSystem status
Note: The block device number (mmcblk0p23) may vary per device & per variant !
How to repartition microSD card for MultiSystem?
You can use any tool/program for partitioning on Android, Linux, Mac, or Windows. For example, MiniTool Partition Wizard is a good partitioning tool for Windows. So, let's use it for this task. Simply, you need to follow this PDF tutorial (thanks to @carl1961). In sum:
Step 1: delete old partitions on SD card
Step 2: create FAT32 PRIMARY partition
Step 3: create EXT4 PRIMARY partition
Then, apply changes (note that the program UI may get changed in newer versions).
Notes:
This partitioning tutorial doesn't create PRIMARY partitions (it creates logical partitions). So, you need to change "Create As" from "Logical" to "Primary" when creatig a partition.
The sizes of the two partitions are arbitrary depending on number of ROMs you plan to install on the 2nd EXT4 partition.
The 1st partition (check size) is automatically detected as your external storage
In Terminal Emulator or ADB shell, check the existence of the two partitions by running the following command (in red):
Code:
[email protected]:/ # [COLOR="Red"]ls -l /dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.3/[/COLOR]
drwxr-xr-x root root 2015-05-02 21:08 by-num
lrwxrwxrwx root root 2015-05-02 21:08 mmcblk1 -> /dev/block/mmcblk1
lrwxrwxrwx root root 2015-05-02 21:08 mmcblk1p1 -> [COLOR="Blue"]/dev/block/mmcblk1p1[/COLOR]
lrwxrwxrwx root root 2015-05-02 21:08 mmcblk1p2 -> [COLOR="Blue"]/dev/block/mmcblk1p2[/COLOR]
/dev/block/mmcblk1p1 is mounted by Android as your external storage.
/dev/block/mmcblk1p2 is NOT mounted & will be your MultiSystem partition.
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How to check microSD card partitions for MultiSystem?
You need to correctly repartition microSD card into two partitions:
exFAT or FAT32 for the 1st partition (your new external storage)
EXT4 for the 2nd partition (your MultiSystem partition)
Use the directions in this post!
You should check your 2nd SD partition in EXT4 format mounted to /MultiSystem:
check that the /MultiSystem directory exists after a reboot
check that the 2nd SD partition (/dev/block/mmcblk1p2) is mounted to /MultiSystem by running the following command in Terminal Emulator or ADB shell:
Code:
mount | grep /MultiSystem
The output should be:
Code:
/dev/block/mmcblk1p2 /MultiSystem ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
How to check MultiSystem Installation?
The 1st thing to do after installing MultiSystem is to check the /MultiSystem directory & its contents (it shouldn't be empty!). Then, check usage by running the following commands in Terminal Emulator or ADB shell:
Code:
su
bash
MultiSystem
If it retuns "MultiSystem not found" or permission denied, try to use open MultiSystem app to Update Configurations & try again. If this does't fix it, try the following command:
Code:
/MultiSystem/bin/MultiSystem
This should work if you've MultiSystem binaries installed in (extracted to) /MultiSystem directory. If so, you can create a symlink in /system/xbin as follows:
Code:
mount -o remount,rw /system
ln -sv /MultiSystem/bin/MultiSystem /system/xbin/MultiSystem
Then, test it by running:
Code:
MultiSystem
The last thing before using it is to check the boot options: reboot & monitor the GREEN LED indicator for 3 seconds (change in the app) , which give you the following options:
Volume UP = Primary virtual ROM
Volume DOWN = Secondary virtual ROM
HOME KEY = Stock System
Pressing nothing will boot the active system: stock or primary virtual system. Sure, you should have installed one or more virtual ROMs.
Backup & restore or creating/installing a virtual ROM are easy as copy & paste: all img's will be at
Code:
/MultiSystem/img/system
To backup a virtual/stock system, you have many options:
Use create function to create from stock system
Use copy function to copy the IMG
Copy & paste with a new name
Use FlashFire (fully supported on virtual/stock ROMs)
...
If you've IMG mounting issues, run the following commands:
Code:
mount -o remount,rw /system
busybox ln -sv /proc/self/mounts /system/etc/mtab
If this doesn't help, try mounting from Terminal Emulator or ADB shell after selecting the IMG in MultiSystem app, by running the following command:
Code:
MultiSystem mount virtual
This is the one thing missing from my Note 4. Thank you for the detailed Q&A and i can't wait to try this tool out.
MultiSystem Video Tutorial
Thanks To: @Tomsgt , aka RootJunky
Don't forget to subscribe & like the video to show appreciation of his great effort & time spent in making the video :highfive::good:
Thank you so much for this! My multbooting-manic* appetive is wet (read: RAVENOUS) :laugh: Thank you also for the extremely comprehensive and clear FAQ, which answered nearly every question that I had, as well as some other very helpful ones that hadn't even occurred to me! I just have a few other questions that arose when planning my own personal setup with the incredible tool (just to be clear, I don't plan on updating to TW LP.... propbably for a while). Also this is what I'm thinking for a 3x boot setup: stock odexed ROM (first question). virtual slot 1: Dynamic Kat 4.2 (KK), v-slot 2: AOSP LP... think I'm leaning towards XenonHD.
Questions:
1. Do you have a recommendation for a custom (Kit Kat) ROM compatible with the N910T? AFAIK JasmineROM isn't compatible, looks nice though. Am I correct in my interpretation that any stock-ish odexed ROM would be a good base for a stable installation? I need to look through the DevDB again, but just wondering if you had a recommendation.
2. I just want to make sure about this, because you asked and answered in the OP Would you consider using the stock kernel with the ROM in stock to be "best practice", or does it matter? I just ask because I've been a longtime supporter of the AEL kernel and would prefer to use that (with both the ROM in stock and v-slot 1). Thoughts?
3. RE: the BusyBox installation in the stock slot, is there a particular version/installer that you recommend? I usually use Sterickson's but have also used BB on Rails. both of which install to system/xbin (and remove any former installation from sbin), so just wondering if it made a difference.
Thank you so much again! BTW, just thought I'd mention that I while writing this, I saw that Amazon had PNY 128GB UHS-1 micro sd's for $75 and ordered one . I currently have 2 of that same card, one in my N4 and one in my Note 10.1 2014 and really think that PNY storage products in general are excellent. Just thought I'd put the word out.... curious why this topic made me think of that...
*multibooting-maniac adj. Descriptor of a person and/or geek who has "Hackintosh"-based triple boot installations on two or more personal conputers and needs the computer that they carrry around in their pocket to catch up with the rest of the gang :laugh:
Would a KitKat ROM work with multisystem even though my stock is Lollipop?
Any ROM requires a compatible kernel & modem. So, running KK ROMs requires flashing KK firmware (namely, kernel & modem). This may work with MultiSystem on other devices, especially if the bootlpoader is unlocked. For example, I plan to add features for Note 4 DevED to allow different Android versions (including AOSP, manufacturer-based, & probably Linux systems) by utilizing kernel swapping or execution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, this sounds like a really nifty and useful program/app/modification? Sorry, I don't know what to really call it.
As per the above quoted, I am a little confused. The part about (same kernel)? I may be missing something but in regards to being able to run Lollipop ROM along with KitKat ROM either of which located as primary or virtual (SDcard) , how is this actually possible? As far as I know, while we can use say COD6 - bootloader & modem, I am not aware of an actual "Kernel" that could support both? Hope I am voicing this correctly... :silly:
Other question and I apologize if I missed it as I tried my best to read the well detailed OP's...
- What actual recovery is being used? Can I assume TWRP, and if so, is it a "Special - modified version" OR can we use any of the later TWRPs at our choice?
Thanks! Interested in following this!
jazzmachine said:
Thank you so much for this! My multbooting-manic* appetive is wet (read: RAVENOUS) :laugh: Thank you also for the extremely comprehensive and clear FAQ, which answered nearly every question that I had, as well as some other very helpful ones that hadn't even occurred to me! I just have a few other questions that arose when planning my own personal setup with the incredible tool (just to be clear, I don't plan on updating to TW LP.... propbably for a while). Also this is what I'm thinking for a 3x boot setup: stock odexed ROM (first question). virtual slot 1: Dynamic Kat 4.2 (KK), v-slot 2: AOSP LP... think I'm leaning towards XenonHD.
Questions:
1. Do you have a recommendation for a custom (Kit Kat) ROM compatible with the N910T? AFAIK JasmineROM isn't compatible, looks nice though. Am I correct in my interpretation that any stock-ish odexed ROM would be a good base for a stable installation? I need to look through the DevDB again, but just wondering if you had a recommendation.
2. I just want to make sure about this, because you asked and answered in the OP Would you consider using the stock kernel with the ROM in stock to be "best practice", or does it matter? I just ask because I've been a longtime supporter of the AEL kernel and would prefer to use that (with both the ROM in stock and v-slot 1). Thoughts?
3. RE: the BusyBox installation in the stock slot, is there a particular version/installer that you recommend? I usually use Sterickson's but have also used BB on Rails. both of which install to system/xbin (and remove any former installation from sbin), so just wondering if it made a difference.
Thank you so much again! BTW, just thought I'd mention that I while writing this, I saw that Amazon had PNY 128GB UHS-1 micro sd's for $75 and ordered one . I currently have 2 of that same card, one in my N4 and one in my Note 10.1 2014 and really think that PNY storage products in general are excellent. Just thought I'd put the word out.... curious why this topic made me think of that...
*multibooting-maniac adj. Descriptor of a person and/or geek who has "Hackintosh"-based triple boot installations on two or more personal conputers and needs the computer that they carrry around in their pocket to catch up with the rest of the gang :laugh:
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Click to collapse
@jazzmachine Curious if you ever found out anymore information on this elsewhere that I may be missing. I see it's reference, youtube videos, and whatnot coming up in various threads but little known as far as it's usability on a (910T) Note 4 - mainly what kernel has to be used that supports kexec on STOCK?
lazer9 said:
@jazzmachine Curious if you ever found out anymore information on this elsewhere that I may be missing. I see it's reference, youtube videos, and whatnot coming up in various threads but little known as far as it's usability on a (910T) Note 4 - mainly what kernel has to be used that supports kexec on STOCK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there man, wish I could provide you some useful info wrt this project, but unfortunately I've been unable to find anything directly relevant myself. However, this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/general/dual-boot-n910f-snap-dragon-variant-t3065211 (shout out and thanks to @aukhan!), which you've likely seen as well, has captured my interest. There are direct references to our device in that thread, but I haven't really been able to make any attempts towards making use of it due to "life stuff" conflicting with my phone tinkering / XDA activity . I haven't been able to follow it as much as I'd like (or hit you up with any actual "useful" info ) but at this point (from what I've read) it seems more... practical wrt our N910Ts.
BTW, I've read and been really appreciative of your contributions to the Emotion kernel thread :good: Definitely keep me posted if you make any progress towards the "multi/dual boot dream"... I'll do the same
jazzmachine said:
Hey there man, wish I could provide you some useful info wrt this project, but unfortunately I've been unable to find anything directly relevant myself. However, this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/general/dual-boot-n910f-snap-dragon-variant-t3065211 (shout out and thanks to @aukhan!), which you've likely seen as well, has captured my interest. There are direct references to our device in that thread, but I haven't really been able to make any attempts towards making use of it due to "life stuff" conflicting with my phone tinkering / XDA activity . I haven't been able to follow it as much as I'd like (or hit you up with any actual "useful" info ) but at this point (from what I've read) it seems more... practical wrt our N910Ts.
BTW, I've read and been really appreciative of your contributions to the Emotion kernel thread :good: Definitely keep me posted if you make any progress towards the "multi/dual boot dream"... I'll do the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will have a look at the thread you mention. It just seems odd that this post popped up in here some time ago with some questions/replies and went completely abandoned, lol :laugh:
Like one of those teaser posts I guess. I've tried to "Google" around and found some YouTube videos along with active threads on different sections of XDA but anything coming down to usability on our N910Ts and for that matter, other devices, seem to indicated the need for a kexec Kernel in "Stock" Rom. I have yet to find/confirm ANY 910T kernel providing kexec support oddly enough but then again, maybe my google skills are lacking. :cyclops:
Primary system IMG
I can't seem to get MultiSystem to create my primary system IMG. I let it sit while the red LED is on and for quite some time afterwards but it only creates an empty file. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Just happened to stumble across this, I used multirom on my older lg optimus g pro.... It worked goud until I had a few custom roms , then it just went all to hell... I think I may give this a try.
No Virtual IMG Mode works...
hsbadr said:
There're many ways to check whether you're running a Stock or Virtual system. MultiSystem app should include this simple check at some point. That's important to avoint ruining the Stock system & keep it safe. To make it clear to NOOBZ & anyone who's requesting "another" proof even though I owe hime nothing. Very weird!
Anyway, BusyBox mountpoint applet can print the current block/device mounted to /system mountpoint by running the following command:
Code:
busybox mountpoint -n /system
The stock system is mounts the original system partition:
Code:
[B][COLOR="Red"]/dev/block/mmcblk0p23[/COLOR][/B]
while the virtual system mounts a loop device associated with a system IMG:
Code:
[B][COLOR="Blue"]/dev/block/loop0[/COLOR][/B]
Here're two videos for both stock & virtual systems...
UPDATE:
Now, you could run the following command to print the current system (stock or virtual) and the system device (physical partition or loop device):
Code:
MultiSystem status
Note: The block device number (mmcblk0p23) may vary per device & per variant !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I've chosen the image and tried booting it by VOL UP and over UI reboot into virtual/ active partition... both failed
/block/loop0 doesn't work, remains mmcblk0p23 though it changed to IMG Stock
Thanks for any help!!!
---------- Post added at 21:53 ---------- Previous post was at 21:48 ----------
fegar said:
I can't seem to get MultiSystem to create my primary system IMG. I let it sit while the red LED is on and for quite some time afterwards but it only creates an empty file. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does the log show the empty file? Exit 0 or something like that? Or do you see a 0 MB sized file created?
Have you checked the MultiSystem installation?
Disclaimer: Usual disclaimer applies. I've tested this recovery but it might not work due to a different ROM / device / moon phase / etc. Use at your own risk.
Introduction
After working with upstream TWRP developers and fixing some bugs (in TWRP itself and in this port) this device finally has an official port
There were various builds available at different times (some with bugs) but most of them should now be fixed.
Features
Works
backup/restore
installing zips
ADB
MTP
Screen turns off
Basically the rest of this list
format /data
Adoptable storage
Decrypt /data
Doesn't work (please ask if you need this)
Encrypted backup (set password for /data/data)
USB-OTG
Untested
Backup/restore of stock system / data.
Installation instructions
Warning: only use it on the G800F/M/Y, NOT on the G800H! I only tested the G800F, but think G800M/Y will also work. G800H will most likely NOT work, as it is based on a different SoC (Qualcomm).
Download the recovery image from twrp.me. It also includes some installation instructions.
There are more extensive installation instructions over at the LineageOS ROM installation instructions.
I personally prefer using Heimdall, but you can also use Odin. Commands in Download/Odin mode (power off, then press home+Volume-Down+power):
Code:
heimdall flash --RECOVERY recovery.img
If you're using the stock ROM, use:
Code:
heimdall flash --RECOVERY recovery.img --no-reboot
When you come from the stock ROM you have to make sure the stock ROM doesn't overwrite TWRP: Pull the battery, wait 5 seconds, insert it again, and press home + volume up + power to enter TWRP and replace the stock ROM from there.
If you already have TWRP or LineageOS, it's much easier to install from there, see twrp.me.
Another method is using ADB (from your computer). I used it a lot during testing:
Code:
adb root
adb push twrp-3.1.1-1-kminilte.img /dev/block/mmcblk0p10
Changelog
Code:
2017-07-10:
* fix formatting /data while the partition is encrypted
(device is not encrypted by default)
* add support for adoptable storage
* accept kminiltexx etc. for flashing basebands
2017-06-20:
* ADB
* MTP at the same time as ADB
* Screen turns fully off
* fix for restoring backups made using `adb backup --twrp`
Source code
Kernel: https://github.com/TeamWin/android_kernel_samsung_kminilte/tree/cm-14.1
Device: https://github.com/TeamWin/android_device_samsung_kminilte/tree/cm-14.1
This recovery is built using a LineageOS tree. Instructions are similar to the instructions for building LineageOS for the S5 mini. Differences are: you don't need to patch the source (skip that step) and the last step is mka recoveryimage instead of mka bacon - this only builds the recovery resulting in much faster builds. Also see the official build instructions.
Thanks
Other people who have worked on this project:
Team Win, of course, for the recovery itself! In particular bigbiff which has worked with me to make this device official.
hennymcc
RVR
---
Note to moderators: this is my first DevDB thread started on XDA so I may have made mistakes.
XDA:DevDB Information
Team Win Recovery Project, ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini
Contributors
ayke, hennymcc, RVR
ROM OS Version: 7.x Nougat
ROM Kernel: Linux 3.4.x
Version Information
Status: Stable
Current Stable Version: 3.1.1
Stable Release Date: 2017-06-20
Created 2017-06-24
Last Updated 2017-07-09
Thanks!
OFFICIAL TWRP...I can't believe it
Great work on this one...many thanks.
Thanks a million @ayke ! However, I found some bugs I'd like to submit some bugs I discovered:
- Recovery is not SEANDROID enforcing" message when booting TWRP, didn't cause any trouble for me but still - it was fine in your previous unofficial build
- Some zip files (tested with latest modem flashable zip) report "This package is for kminiltexx devices; this is a kminilte", so it doesn't flash and fails with ERROR:7
I can confirm that decrypting a File-Based encrypted /data partition works, I didn't test the backup tool though.
P.S. Is it possible to add support for adopted storage, that would be awesome!
Nevertheless - thanks for making this device officialy supported!
Friedensfurz said:
Thanks a million @ayke ! However, I found some bugs I'd like to submit some bugs I discovered:
- Recovery is not SEANDROID enforcing" message when booting TWRP, didn't cause any trouble for me but still - it was fine in your previous unofficial build
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current kernel used upstream is somewhat older and hasn't enabled SELinux yet. I don't see why you would want enforcing SELinux in TWRP, though.
Friedensfurz said:
- Some zip files (tested with latest modem flashable zip) report "This package is for kminiltexx devices; this is a kminilte", so it doesn't flash and fails with ERROR:7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I have a fix for that, please test https://aykevl.nl/download/2017-06-25-recovery-fix-ota-asserts.img (not tested by me)
Friedensfurz said:
I can confirm that decrypting a File-Based encrypted /data partition works, I didn't test the backup tool though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice!
Friedensfurz said:
P.S. Is it possible to add support for adopted storage, that would be awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might look into it. I don't use it at the moment but am considering it.
EDIT: I have fixed it, it will be included in the next build.
any chance for g800h support?
sasukesama said:
any chance for g800h support?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not from me. The G800H is a completely different device. I have a G800F so I can't test it.
ayke said:
I think I have a fix for that, please test https://aykevl.nl/download/2017-06-25-recovery-fix-ota-asserts.img (not tested by me)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but the build doesn't fix the wrong device id issue - still throws error " This is for kminiltexx your device is kminilte. Anyway - maybe the next build will fix it[emoji6]
Friedensfurz said:
Sorry, but the build doesn't fix the wrong device id issue - still throws error " This is for kminiltexx your device is kminilte. Anyway - maybe the next build will fix it[emoji6]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you give a link to where you downloaded this zip? Then I can test it myself.
I also get the device error with latest official and 2017-06-25-recovery-fix-ota-asserts.img.
Tried to flash one of Spookcity's kernels, you can find it here (search for "test9" that is what I used lately).
https://github.com/Spookcity/ROMS-G800F/issues/10#issuecomment-301915315
The latest pre-official TWRP 3.1.1-0 works (says kminiltexx).
ayke said:
Can you give a link to where you downloaded this zip? Then I can test it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This file causes problems with the device id: http://pt.tapatalk.com/redirect.php...1_22.05.2017_DRE-flashable.zip&au_id=13587482
It is a TWRP flashable baseband file, hope this helps
@Friedensfurz @Pat750
I couldn't find a (still online) kernel from Spookcity and I'd rather not flash a new modem unless I know why I should do that. So I haven't verified it.
But here's another build you can try. My previous attempt was incomplete.
https://aykevl.nl/download/2017-06-27-recovery-fix-ota-asserts-2.img
On my device I've verified it has a ro.product.device property of kminiltexx.
ayke said:
@Friedensfurz @Pat750
I couldn't find a (still online) kernel from Spookcity and I'd rather not flash a new modem unless I know why I should do that. So I haven't verified it.
But here's another build you can try. My previous attempt was incomplete.
https://aykevl.nl/download/2017-06-27-recovery-fix-ota-asserts-2.img
On my device I've verified it has a ro.product.device property of kminiltexx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah,I removed all of my test build links from my google drive, but have a thread on here. I already sent you this though. I will test your new build and see if it helps.
Edit:
Yep,fixed. Good work Ayke!
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
Friedensfurz said:
...
I can confirm that decrypting a File-Based encrypted /data partition works, I didn't test the backup tool though.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having a few issues with TWRP 3.1.1 where "wipe / format data" (where you have to key "yes") generates the following error msg (I posted a similar msg in Slim Rom 7 thread):
Code:
Error:unable to wipe /data unknown file system 'auto'
unable to format encryption.
I'm now wondering whether decrypting the data partition from within TWRP will address my format data issue reported above.
Can I ask how you did this? I've dug around the TWRP menus but nothing has jumped out at me (maybe it's something you need to run from the terminal?)
Many thanks!
fidoedidoe said:
I'm having a few issues with TWRP 3.1.1 where "wipe / format data" (where you have to key "yes") generates the following error msg (I posted a similar msg in Slim Rom 7 thread):
Code:
Error:unable to wipe /data unknown file system 'auto'
unable to format encryption.
I'm now wondering whether decrypting the data partition from within TWRP will address my format data issue reported above.
Can I ask how you did this? I've dug around the TWRP menus but nothing has jumped out at me (maybe it's something you need to run from the terminal?)
Many thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem
Here also this message in unofficial builds, don't tried it, but I think its still present in this version.
fidoedidoe said:
I'm having a few issues with TWRP 3.1.1 where "wipe / format data" (where you have to key "yes") generates the following error msg (I posted a similar msg in Slim Rom 7 thread):
I'm now wondering whether decrypting the data partition from within TWRP will address my format data issue reported above.
Can I ask how you did this? I've dug around the TWRP menus but nothing has jumped out at me (maybe it's something you need to run from the terminal?)
Many thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still haven't found a method to decrypt the /data volume from within TWRP (a reference earlier in the thread implied it was possible)..the hope being this would mitigate the "wipe / format data" error:
Code:
Error:unable to wipe /data unknown file system 'auto'
unable to format encryption.
What I did discover was that when reverting to an older version of TWRP (2.8.x) using Odin, " format data" (where you have to type "yes" to proceed) didn't error. I'm not sure whether that cured the issue, but after that I updated TWRP image back to 3.1.1.0 and installed my ROM as normal.
Still looking for a recognised method to wipe encrypted /data volume from within latest stable TWRP if anyone has any experience of that.
EDIT
Another thread suggests (to my untrained eye) that "unknown file system 'auto" may be related to how twrp.fstab is configured.
I'm very much out of my here ( so apologies for the crude suggestion), but could it be that another build of a TWRP image is needed where twrp.fstab is changed to allow "format data" to work, ie substitute "fstype" from "auto" to "ext4" as outlined below :
Code:
...
/data ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p21 length=-16384
...
fidoedidoe said:
I still haven't found a method to decrypt the /data volume from within TWRP (a reference earlier in the thread implied it was possible)..the hope being this would mitigate the "wipe / format data" error:
Code:
Error:unable to wipe /data unknown file system 'auto'
unable to format encryption.
What I did discover was that when reverting to an older version of TWRP (2.8.x) using Odin, " format data" (where you have to type "yes" to proceed) didn't error. I'm not sure whether that cured the issue, but after that I updated TWRP image back to 3.1.1.0 and installed my ROM as normal.
Still looking for a recognised method to wipe encrypted /data volume from within latest stable TWRP if anyone has any experience of that.
EDIT
Another thread suggests (to my untrained eye) that "unknown file system 'auto" may be related to how twrp.fstab is configured.
I'm very much out of my here ( so apologies for the crude suggestion), but could it be that another build of a TWRP image is needed where twrp.fstab is changed to allow "format data" to work, ie substitute "fstype" from "auto" to "ext4" as outlined below :
Code:
...
/dataext4/dev/block/mmcblk0p21length=-16384
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it to work by formatting/repairing/changing filesystem in TWRP. Just try some combinations, it will work eventually
Yes, I think it's because of the 'auto' in the fstab. I've set it to ext4 in this build (for data and cache):
https://aykevl.nl/download/2017-07-03-recovery.img
This build also contains the previous fixes (adoptable storage, fixing the kminiltexx error).
If it fixes the issue for you, I'll push the change for inclusion in the next official build.
I didn't see any negative consequences of changing the FS type in fstab. Even setting the fstab entry to 'f2fs' mounts /data as usual (as ext4) so I think it's safe.
ayke said:
https://aykevl.nl/download/2017-07-03-recovery.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone test this change? Then I'll integrate it in the official build.
What is 12gb of "other" storage data that I can not seem to find [OP3T, 128GB]
Hello,
I just reflashed OxygenOS from Paranoid android after a clean wipe of data, system, cache etc. After set up, I realised there is 12gb of data being occupied under the "other" storage. I proceeded to factory wipe as well and I still have this 12gb of data.
I can not seem to figure out what this 12gb of data is. It is not the oem_logs. I do not have nandroid back ups. I do have around 4gb of titanium backup that I can account for. That means there is still 7gb of data that I can not seem to find.
Any help with figuring this out?
The only thing I could think of now was to wipe internal memory and flash the rom all over. Is that possible? I heard that wiping internal memory is a no no.
I have included some screenshots. If anyone needs more information, please ask.
(The massive app data is because this morning I finally gave in and redownloaded my spotify playlists. Spent 2 days trying to figure out this damn 12gb other data...)
Edit: Forgot to mention, I am on the latest OxygenOS stable. Rooted with latest Magisk and using TWRP 3.1.1-2
An update
An update.
I deleted the titanium back up. Other storage now shows 7gb.
I used DiskUsage to further pinpoint my data use. 10gb in System and 8ishGB in app data.
I checked System folder, it is 2.8 GB.
10gb minus 2.8gb means around 7gb of data that I do not know what is.
Try look into /storage/emulated directory. I had same problem and in this folder I found missing GB's of storage.
Any apk files you've downloaded, logs you've recorded all in that category. Even large flashable zip files and other firmware files are also under that category.
EatDahPewPew said:
An update.
I deleted the titanium back up. Other storage now shows 7gb.
I used DiskUsage to further pinpoint my data use. 10gb in System and 8ishGB in app data.
I checked System folder, it is 2.8 GB.
10gb minus 2.8gb means around 7gb of data that I do not know what is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twrp backups
If this happens even after clean flashing a new rom/any rom then its something wrong with the partition.
I was facing a similar issue where my internal storage was being dislpayed as 24.6GB (Instead of 54GB) total capacity.
Can be easily fixed by using twrp, Firstly create a backup of the entire Internal Storage (Media)
Step 1. Go to Wipe>Advanced wipe>(Select all partitions)>Wipe.
Step 2. Go to Wipe>Format Data>(Type YES)>Done!
Step 3. Repeat Step 1.
Flash your rom and it would be fixed.
Mr.RooT said:
Try look into /storage/emulated directory. I had same problem and in this folder I found missing GB's of storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, Do you know what exactly I am looking for in there?
vighneshpillai90 said:
If this happens even after clean flashing a new rom/any rom then its something wrong with the partition.
I was facing a similar issue where my internal storage was being dislpayed as 24.6GB (Instead of 54GB) total capacity.
Can be easily fixed by using twrp, Firstly create a backup of the entire Internal Storage (Media)
Step 1. Go to Wipe>Advanced wipe>(Select all partitions)>Wipe.
Step 2. Go to Wipe>Format Data>(Type YES)>Done!
Step 3. Repeat Step 1.
Flash your rom and it would be fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you maybe right. I have flashed a few roms around and noticed it after flashing OOS. I do not know if it was also there before.
I do not care so much about my internal storage (media), I can afford to loose and restart all over.
Will wiping the internal storage be fine? I heard on forums that it messes things up.
Ill probably use OTG USB to flash the rom again. That should be good right?
EatDahPewPew said:
I think you maybe right. I have flashed a few roms around and noticed it after flashing OOS. I do not know if it was also there before.
I do not care so much about my internal storage (media), I can afford to loose and restart all over.
Will wiping the internal storage be fine? I heard on forums that it messes things up.
Ill probably use OTG USB to flash the rom again. That should be good right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done all sorts of things with my phone, i have even deleted the root folder using TWRP file manager and managed to bring my device back to life.
So I guess i can assure you that it wont do a thing to your phone if u wipe internal storage
Provided make sure you are using BLU-Spark TWRP.
(BLU-Spark-TWRP v45 for Nougat based roms &
BLU-Spark-TWRP V52 for Oreo based roms).
Do not use the official TWRP as it hasn't been updated since its 3.1.1.2 release.
vighneshpillai90 said:
I have done all sorts of things with my phone, i have even deleted the root folder using TWRP file manager and managed to bring my device back to life.
So I guess i can assure you that it wont do a thing to your phone if u wipe internal storage
Provided make sure you are using BLU-Spark TWRP.
(BLU-Spark-TWRP v45 for Nougat based roms &
BLU-Spark-TWRP V52 for Oreo based roms).
Do not use the official TWRP as it hasn't been updated since its 3.1.1.2 release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up doing the steps but I have TWRP 3.1.1.2. I am a bit out of loop, why is BluSpark better for nougat? I just knew that we needed a specific one for Oreo since TWRP had not been updated
For other people who may come here. I did follow the steps. From 5gb other data, I am now down to 0.8gb. I do not know what that 0.8gb is but ill take it for now.
Steps were
Step 1. Go to Wipe>Advanced wipe>(Select all partitions)>Wipe.
Step 2. Go to Wipe>Format Data>(Type YES)>Done!
Step 3. Repeat Step 1.
Step 4. Flash rom, gapps, etc etc
I DID RUN into a problem at step 2. I got an error and then when wiping or flashing rom, my /data would not mount. I googled and found that if you change the data to different format, ext4 and then abck to f2fs, the /data should mount and you can do whatever.
Maybe it is because of the TWRP version, I was on the latest 3.1.1.2.
EatDahPewPew said:
Hey, Do you know what exactly I am looking for in there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every folder except emulated directory. Firstly I thought that these other folders are links to their original location, but when I deleted that folders, original folders weren't affected. But delete it at your own risk! It could be coincidence, that these folders weren't linked to original ones.
EatDahPewPew said:
I ended up doing the steps but I have TWRP 3.1.1.2. I am a bit out of loop, why is BluSpark better for nougat? I just knew that we needed a specific one for Oreo since TWRP had not been updated
For other people who may come here. I did follow the steps. From 5gb other data, I am now down to 0.8gb. I do not know what that 0.8gb is but ill take it for now.
Steps were
Step 1. Go to Wipe>Advanced wipe>(Select all partitions)>Wipe.
Step 2. Go to Wipe>Format Data>(Type YES)>Done!
Step 3. Repeat Step 1.
Step 4. Flash rom, gapps, etc etc
I DID RUN into a problem at step 2. I got an error and then when wiping or flashing rom, my /data would not mount. I googled and found that if you change the data to different format, ext4 and then abck to f2fs, the /data should mount and you can do whatever.
Maybe it is because of the TWRP version, I was on the latest 3.1.1.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With every new update of Oneplus (wether it be Beta or Stable) the bootloader & firmware might (or might not) get updated and hence if u use the old TWRP there are chances of being incompatible with the new builds/roms. If u notice BLU-Sparks TWRP releases, they follow a trend i.e. he releases a TWRP after every major update of Oneplus Roms which is basically to make sure that the recovery is compatible with the newer builds.
So i would suggest you to use the BLU-Spark TWRP to be on the safer side.
Hope i have cleared the doubt. Cheers. Good day. :good:
vighneshpillai90 said:
With every new update of Oneplus (wether it be Beta or Stable) the bootloader & firmware might (or might not) get updated and hence if u use the old TWRP there are chances of being incompatible with the new builds/roms. If u notice BLU-Sparks TWRP releases, they follow a trend i.e. he releases a TWRP after every major update of Oneplus Roms which is basically to make sure that the recovery is compatible with the newer builds.
So i would suggest you to use the BLU-Spark TWRP to be on the safer side.
Hope i have cleared the doubt. Cheers. Good day. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! That helps. I guess I should flash the blu spark twrp soon. Or atleast when I am switching roms. Am on the last paranoid android for nougat. Will wait it out until Oreo is out on either oos or some major role.
Do you know where I can find blu spark twrp? I found blu spark kernel but could not find the twrp.
other than media files and unrecognized file extension
like .zip .apk .flac and etc
EatDahPewPew said:
Yes! That helps. I guess I should flash the blu spark twrp soon. Or atleast when I am switching roms. Am on the last paranoid android for nougat. Will wait it out until Oreo is out on either oos or some major role.
Do you know where I can find blu spark twrp? I found blu spark kernel but could not find the twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the Blu-Spark thread, go to downloads, keep scrolling and you find the twrp among the kernels listed there (Latest is v8.52).
- T W R P 3.2.3-0L [Labs Mod] -
The Swiss Army Knife TWRP Mod for the Axon 7
INTRODUCTION
This was a long term project that I have been using for a long time. I created some scripts to make it easier and faster to flash new roms and quickly restore the daily driver configuration after a testing session. For easier access I modified the TWRP interface to add direct access to the scripts. They had many problems but they were good to me since I created them and I knew how to used them well, but they were not ready for other users.
But the time has come and I have cleaned up most of the annoyances in the tools and in the UI. I have named it "Labs Mod" since it allows me to have my flashing lab on the go, making it extremely easy to switch to different configurations, or recover the daily driver configuration in a few minutes. I believe it is free of major bugs and now I can concentrate on adding new scripts, and more options to the current scripts.
FEATURES
On top of the latest improvements introduced in the official TWRP 3.2.3-0, this mod offers the following added features:
Full vendor partition support (mount, format, wipe, partition image flash, TWRP backup and restore).
Integrated Bootstack backup and restore.
Modem firmware image flash
Reboot to EDL
Button to enable device mapper verity (DM-Verity) enforcing
Button to disable the eMMC write protection (disemmcwp)
Backup/Restore internal storage to the TWRP Backup folder in the external SD. Ensure you have enough free space, free space check is not yet implemented.
EDL backup zip creation. Dual zip use since the resulting zip can be installed using TWRP from the phone or using MiFlash from the computer. It offers the following package creation options:
OS: Operating system (boot, vendor and system).
GPT: Partition table only.
CONFIG: Device config data (IMEI, SN, MAC, etc).
BOOTSTACK: Boot firmware without modem.
MINIMAL: Includes GPT+bootstack+modem+recovery.
EMERGENCY: Minimal + device config.
FULL: Minimal + OS.
FACTORY: Includes Full + config.
Integrated Treble PARTY tool for creating and removing the vendor partition. Vendor partition is required for Treble ROMs. Removal is required for flashing old non-treble roms.
Lockscreen security removal. Removes password, pattern, fingerprint, etc... (in case you forget your password or the security descriptor gets corrupted).
Google account binding removal (in case you want to wipe from within recovery and test with different google accounts).
Bootloader unlock message removal.
New! Expand OS partitions (Vendor and System) to fit the whole partition. Useful for expanding the GSI filesystem for having space for adding GApps or moving apps to system.
New! Deep Wipe function performs a low level wipe of the partition data, erasing the remaining the portions of the eMMC that stored the partition information.
REQUIREMENTS
You need an unlocked Axon 7
INSTALLATION
WARNING, THIS SOFTWARE COULD WIPE ALL THE DATA IN YOUR DEVICE, INCLUDING THE INTERNAL STORAGE.
IT REQUIRES TWRP CUSTOM RECOVERY IN AN UNLOCKED DEVICE, OTHERWISE YOUR DEVICE COULD BE BRICKED.
!!! Whatever you do, it is at your own risk !!!
Follow these steps:
1. Download the TWRP Labs Mod image to your External SD card.
2. Boot to TWRP and select the Install option in the main manu.
3. Tap on the install image button and select your external SD. select the image file you downloaded, select the recovery partition and confirm.
4. Reboot to recovery again to ensure the changes are applied properly.
DOWNLOAD
TWRP_3.2.3-0L_v1.3-Axon7-Labs_Mod.img Flavor of the mod using the official TWRP 3.2.3-0 Kernel binary (Quick boot even when using F2FS, full ADB support, NO B12 Oreo encryption). Use this if you do not plan on using device encryption. Please note that you won't be able to use any tool of this version if your device is encrypted.
TWRP_3.2.3-0L_v1.3.B12-Axon7-Labs_Mod.img Device encryption enabled flavor of the Labs mod. It use the 3.2.1-8 TWRP Kernel binary (Long boot when using F2FS, NO ADB support, B12 Oreo encryption). Use this one if you use device encryption. Please note that this flavor doesn't support adb interface.
NOTES
1. I do not have the time and expertise to dig into kernel hack so this is why I do not provide a unified kernel with fast F2FS boot, ADB and B12 encryption. Probably people developing kernels could help on this issue. It would be nice having a kernel with proper F2FS boot support, B12 encryption and ADB interface. Until then, there is no other way than having 2 flavors depending on the features we require.
SOURCES
C'mon, all of them are scripts!!! the sources are at glance. Use them in your projects but don't forget to give credit to the source !!!
CREDITS
@NFound for the recovery kernel binary supporting Oreo B12 encryption.
@someone755 for the keycheck binary I use in my scripts.
@Chainfire for the TWRP install script hacks.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating and learning throughout the enlightenment journey.
Nice.
Any info on the scripts that are included?
voetbalremco said:
Nice.
Any info on the scripts that are included?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, all of them are Bourne shell scripts. Some of them are stupidly simple such as those in the Reboot menu, and others in the Advanced > Oki Labs menu are very elaborated, specially:
- PARTY tool: for creating and removing the vendor partition. I released it a few days ago as a separated tool that could well work in other devices.
- EDL backup: for creating EDL flashable backups of a configuration. This tool will probably require a full thread due to the concepts involved. The big feature is that the generated zip can be also flashed using any TWRP.
- Internal Storage Backup/Restore: TWRP doesn't offer a straightforward solution for backing up the internal storage, since it is excluded from the data backup, now it is possible to create a backup and restore the contents of the internal SD in case you want to mess up with the userdata partition. Now this script creates a set of files under the TWRP/backup folder. I am planning to add the possibility of having different backup folders, the same way the GUI treats the data partition.
That is looking very sweet!!!
I'm excited, nice work man!
This is just fantastic!
Well, the non b12 version can't decrypt my device, running los 15.1
also, the lab options did nothing, and when I pressed on PARTY the recovery froze on me.
Hmm.
nfsmw_gr said:
Well, the non b12 version can't decrypt my device, running los 15.1
also, the lab options did nothing, and when I pressed on PARTY the recovery froze on me.
Hmm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's why in the OP I provide 2 flavors of the mod. If you require decrypt then you have to use the B12. PARTY will not work either if your device is encrypted and you are using the 3.2.3-0L. In your case, using device encryption, you have to use the 3.2.3-0L(B12). You will have all the functions except for ADB. PARTY will work fine too.
Oki said:
Well, that's why in the OP I provide 2 flavors of the mod. If you require decrypt then you have to use the B12. PARTY will not work either if your device is encrypted and you are using the 3.2.3-0L. In your case, using device encryption, you have to use the 3.2.3-0L(B12). You will have all the functions except for ADB. PARTY will work fine too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it.
I thought the B12 version was for stock-based ROMs.
Okay I'll flash the other one once I get home, thanks.
nfsmw_gr said:
Got it.
I thought the B12 version was for stock-based ROMs.
Okay I'll flash the other one once I get home, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll clarify it a bit more to avoid any misunderstanding. Sorry about that.
Oki said:
I'll clarify it a bit more to avoid any misunderstanding. Sorry about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnx for this tool ! I'll test that this weekend.
It would be great if you'd make a small guide on this with a couple of situations / a possible indepth review with screens / what's possible and what's definitely not possible with this twrp tool.
Anyway seems very promising :good:
Sheesh...i have no external sd card
I have garde flashed your TWRP_3.2.3-0L (B12) -Axon7-Labs_Mod.img but this version says when starting in twrp that my password is wrong. the version 3.2.1.8 of nfound unlocks my password quite normal
Excellent Job! I can't wait to get back my Axon 7 from RMA Services. I'm just going to need sometime to get this running coming from stock MIflavor.
Found bug. Installed the ADB version (thanks Cthulu!), wanted to check the functionality.
Went into the Storage Backup and my phone froze. Rebooting from ADB worked.
EDIT: tried to reproduce the issue - same thing happened 2nd time.
EDIT2: It freezes at any option in Oki Labs
docentore said:
Found bug. Installed the ADB version (thanks Cthulu!), wanted to check the functionality.
Went into the Storage Backup and my phone froze. Rebooting from ADB worked.
EDIT: tried to reproduce the issue - same thing happened 2nd time.
EDIT2: It freezes at any option in Oki Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't duplicate the issue. Are you sure you downloaded it properly? Do you have an SD card? The backup requires an SD card with enough space. Checking for free space is in the todo list for this weekend.
raystef66 said:
Thnx for this tool ! I'll test that this weekend.
Anyway seems very promising :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not good enough!
It is downloaded properly. SD card has more than 100gb free space.
As mentioned in edit it is any option that I used in Oki Labs menu that froze my phone
docentore said:
It is downloaded properly. SD card has more than 100gb free space.
As mentioned in edit it is any option that I used in Oki Labs menu that froze my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What option are you testing? the Storage Backup? What format are you using in your SDCard? Does it happen at the beginning or after a while? Is there any file under TWRP/BACKUPS/STORAGE in your Micro SD after the failure?
@Oki this is amazing. Thank you.
Is it possible to use the recently released kernel sources from los15 to solve the issue of needing two revisions?
Would it be possible to backup different images from different GSI ROMs to be able to test and restore each one without losing all the apps, configuration, etc. in the process.
For example:
1. Install "GSI name1" configure it, install apps, my Google account, etc.
2. Somehow, make a backup of the required partitions "backup name1" (At the computer?)
3. Install "GSI name2" configure it, install apps, my Google account, etc. (Not necessarily the same apps than before).
4. Somehow make a backup of the required partitions "backup name2".
5. Continue testing other GSI or restoring one of the previous ones from the backups and be able to use the phone as it was before, including apps, configuration, etc.
I can imagine two ways to face this task:
A. Using a custom recovery to backup partitions to SD card.
B. Using fastboot or mtk_client to backup partitions to the PC.
Would be easy? Possible? Not recommendable for some reason?
I am new on this flashing-bricking-sweating-unbricking thing, so I would appreciate feedback.
Thank you!
Hi
If your goal is to test the GSIs, it's easier to use the DSU-sideloader instead of the backup.
This app enables you to dual boot.
You will be able to move back and forth between images. Even if you get into a boot loop, you can return to the original image just by rebooting.
If you have root, this app will be easier because there will be less operations.
https://github.com/VegaBobo/DSU-Sideloader
I have been taking a look to the DSU concept. It is interesting, but not what I want. Also, it requires the main ROM to be stock ROM (maybe in future is fine to use with custom ROMs).
DSU would be perfect if you want to keep romA and romB working in parallel in your daily life (for example, one for work and business and the other one for gaming and social apps).
What I want to do is to test romA for a while, move to romB for a while, if I prefer romA, reinstall it and forget about romB (literally, delete it). Maybe in few months, backup romA again and check romC for a while...
As I do not want to be swapping from one to another in daily life, it does not make sense to reserve space for having both simultaneously ready to work on the phone.
By now I have been learning about adb and recovery backup options. I need to check more during the next days, but I noticed that from Recovery, I can also use adb (it says not authorized device, but that is for not being rooted yet, I suppose). If it is possible to use adb from recovery after rooting, it would be easy to have a PC software for backing up ROMs easily (system, data and userdata partitions?).
I will keep researching about it...
The DSU does not have to be a stock rom.
It's just desirable.
Currently I have crdroid GSI as the first OS and the second OS is trying several OSs.
If you try it, you'll notice how easy it is.
Currently, TWRP does not support backup or encryption on Android 12. It is the same even if it is the official latest of other models.
I have a 128GB model, so it took too long to back up using mtkclient and I quit halfway through.
The problem is time and encryption, keep them in mind.
Currently, TWRP does not support backup or encryption on Android 12. It is the same even if it is the official latest of other models
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, definitely untrue now as most devices have got it sorted out with decryption, Android 12 being a pain some devices got 13 done before 12, but as of the time you wrote this post my device Motorola stylus 22 5g Qualcomm, we hadn't figured out the decryption yet but you could definitely just patch your fstab in vendor either by hand or with DFE neo, to disable the encryption and TWRP would run fine. You would just have to make that first format reboot back to recovery immediately and while it still stays the data from a fresh format flash the other handy RO2RW re zip and DFE neo. Honestly the boot times are so much better without decryption I don't think I would go back as long as I've got a password on orange fox or whatever.