For Samsung devices, using Odin (or Heimdal) it is possible to flash the bootloader (BL), main software (Application Processor, AP), the modem/baseband (Communications Processor, CP), and the CSC. Each of them correspond to a different section number. Now, people are often confused how to use these because there are different types of files for flashing. Mainly there can be two types:
- One big tar.md5 file which is Odin compatible, and you only have to select it in one of the section buttons. It seems that you can then selectively choose which partitions you actually want to upgrade. For example you might only flash a new modem/baseband. However, selecting one big file trigger actually does not work and a /data wipe is triggered and I believe all of the phone is flashed. If you want to selectively flash partitions you can delete the respective files from the firmware archive first (which is how modem files offered on the various sites, including XDA are made).
- Different tar.md5 files for each of the sections. Of course, when not selecting one of the files in corresponding sections, that particular partition will be left alone.
Additionally, note that Odin does not wipe /data (when using the standard settings and a regular firmware update, usually stock), so even if you factory reset all partitions, the /data partition may still hold all your downloaded apps and settings. If you used a previous custom ROM before, these are probably not compatible with the full firmware you are flashing with Odin. So after a flash you probably want to either wipe /data (and leave the /data/media folder intact, or format /data, completely erasing all user data.
Maybe it's a good idea to sticky this in order to let people find answers to these basic questions, which may clear up confusions.
- One big tar.md5 file which is Odin compatible, and you only have to select it in one of the section buttons. It seems that you can then selectively choose which partitions you actually want to upgrade. For example you might only flash a new modem/baseband. However, selecting one big file trigger actually does not work and a /data wipe is triggered and I believe all of the phone is flashed. If you want to selectively flash partitions you can delete the respective files from the firmware archive first (which is how modem files offered on the various sites, including XDA are made).
- Different tar.md5 files for each of the sections. Of course, when not selecting one of the files in corresponding sections, that particular partition will be left alone.
Additionally, note that Odin does not wipe /data (when using the standard settings and a regular firmware update, usually stock), so even if you factory reset all partitions, the /data partition may still hold all your downloaded apps and settings. If you used a previous custom ROM before, these are probably not compatible with the full firmware you are flashing with Odin. So after a flash you probably want to either wipe /data (and leave the /data/media folder intact, or format /data, completely erasing all user data.
Maybe it's a good idea to sticky this in order to let people find answers to these basic questions, which may clear up confusions.
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