2nd time flashing what do I need to know before do a mess?

[VSMiguel]

Hi XDA!
I am using FreedomOS 1.9 so I'd like to change it to Resurrection Remix-OS.
Before do it, I have the next questions:
I already Have the .img from Codework's TWRP, can I dirty flash it through my current TWRP to "upgrade" it or should I just use cmd via Windows with fastboot mode?
I want to wipe all my actual data (apps, media, etc) to let the OP5 empty and begin form 0? Can I wipe data now that I am in FreedomOS and it will start the rom like the 1st time? Will may be some problems if I do it?
I have my OP encrypted, is this a problem? If I must unencrypt it, how can I do it?
I hope you can help me, I do not want to become my OP5 in a paperweight.

Thank you for the help! :fingers-crossed:

 

[smohanv]

Make sure the following,

1. TWRP should be latest, atleast 3.2.1 (check RR ROM about which version of TWRP it suggests)
2. Most of the custom ROM suggests clean flash i.e wipe Dalvik, Cache, System and Data in TWRP
3. Take complete backup of your apps via Titanium Backup or any similar app
4. Before you flash, make sure to take a full system backup in TWRP and transfer to your PC just in case
5. Secure all your images, videos, files from your device internal memory to your PC just in case your phone gets formatted
6. If the ROM sugest to do format data in TWRP (TWRP > Wipe > Format data), it will decrypt your phone and consequently you will loose all your information from your internal memory, and this is the reason why you have take full copy of your info as explained in step 5 above

As long as you make sure the steps mentioned above are taken care, you are good to go..