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what is in "data" & Dalvik and why do you have to wipe?

mslisaj

Android Enthusiast
Feb 11, 2010
370
8
Klamath Falls, Oregon
I just attempted to install DC's v2.09 over his v2.08 with out wiping and ended up in an endless boot loop after 25 minutes. Some say it's not necessary to wipe on a simple upgrade and others say you do. My question is what is in "data" and what is in Dalvik and what exactly do you loose when you wipe?

How is the Dalvik created?

What data is created and how?

I would just like to understand this process more.....

Thanks for your help.

Lisa
 
data is just that.. data.. as in EVERYTHING you configured on the phone.. if you wipe that, when the phone boots it asks you to go through all the setup again.. contacts are wiped, gmail account info, any social networking, it even prompts you to go through the keyboard tutorial..

here's a great explanation of what Dalvik is.. xda-developers - View Single Post - What is Dalvik Cache?
 
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data is just that.. data.. as in EVERYTHING you configured on the phone.. if you wipe that, when the phone boots it asks you to go through all the setup again.. contacts are wiped, gmail account info, any social networking, it even prompts you to go through the keyboard tutorial..

here's a great explanation of what Dalvik is.. xda-developers - View Single Post - What is Dalvik Cache?

Great explanation, Thanks! A nandroid backup contains these files, so if one restores from the nandroid, these settings, etc. are all back in place. So, Lisa shouldn't be worried if she wipes, as long as she has a nandroid backup to restore to, and she wants to go back to the previous ROM. A new ROM will require setting up again...which a backup file from Titanium or Backup Pro will help with.
 
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As you guys can tell I'm trying to learn all I can about what we are doing to our phones. It's the suspense of not knowing what I'm doing that makes me nervous. I have a licensed version of Titanium on my phone now too. I believe in backups.

So now I'm going to dig through my phone and find internet account settings, programs, widgets and applications so IF I can get .09 on and working the set up may be easier.

As always I appreciate the help and encouragement.

Lisa
 
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