Every time you flash a new rom or new release, many users recommend doing a full wipe (except the SDcards, & remember to perform nandroid backup). They feel that that is the way to reach the true potential of the ROM, without errors or FC. It's not generally needed if you switch from one version to another of the same ROM, but if you want to have a bug free life, please back up everything and wipe everything as above and then make a 'fresh' install.
All users agree, however, that a general clean up & fresh installation clears out all possible conflicts between the old files & the new ones.
Before proceeding make sure first that you've backed up your sms/contacts/apps.
- SMS can be backed up using various apps from market e.g. SMS back up+
- Contacts can be synced directly to your Gmail account.
- Apps - I use Titanium back up. But there might be options available e.g. MyBackUp Root . Titanium back up seems to me like 'the' solution. If you pay for it, then it's very easy but if not, you just need longer to restore your apps.
Once backed up and ready with your ROM.zip on SD card, boot into clockworkmod recovery.
These are the things which I WIPE.
Under advanced:
Dalvik cache
Under mount and storage:
Format /system
Format /cache
Format /data
Format /boot (controversial, so handle with care. If this step goes wrong for any reason, you will be bricked)
If you want to clean your external partition on SD card too, ONLY then format /sd-ext
Under main menu
wipe user data
wipe cache
Most of us already know about dalvik, cache and data - but wiping under mount and storage as well seems to help.
It's not generally needed if you switch from one version to another of the same ROM, but if you want to have a bug free life, please back up everything and wipe everything as above and then make a 'fresh' install.
(Source: http://android.modaco.com/topic/3431...flashing-roms/)
Comments (7)
leegalaxy said
at 9:03 pm on Jan 12, 2012
What is there to Wipe in the Boot partition? What files are these?
Gokussjx said
at 9:54 pm on Jan 12, 2012
Technically, I ca't say for sure. But I can assure its safety.
If I can guess, I would say probably the boot cache, or maybe something else
Gokussjx said
at 9:56 pm on Jan 12, 2012
Here you go, the technical delicacies: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/android-partitions-explained-boot-system-recovery-data-cache-misc/
Zatta said
at 10:49 pm on Jan 12, 2012
I would rather not recommend to wipe /boot, what happens when your kernel won't flash? Also, formatting /system is bit not needed as this is also done by the package, but that can't harm.
Gokussjx said
at 5:26 am on Jan 13, 2012
Actually, its BETTER to wipe clean everything off, before flashing a new ROM. Coz ROMs contain new stuffs to fill up those directories. Its better to prevent conflicts, which result in FCs, Not workings etc.
I've been safely wiping everything down (except SD card, oc xD ) before flashing EVERY new ICS release/build. I can guarantee when I tell you, I've faced LEAST of the problems listed on the forum. Almost everything works for me by default, unless its a ROM bug.
Its usually better to purge old kernels, as that makes space for the new kernel.
Gokussjx said
at 5:28 am on Jan 13, 2012
Agreed that few of the wipes is automatically handles when flashing new ROM.
But, I would suggest wiping /boot too, helps a 'vanilla' flash ;)
sgscm7 said
at 10:54 am on Jan 15, 2012
Edited for English, format and content clarity
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