yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] PesSarmiento:
Hi. Please could you tell me how to flash the S3W Firmware? The last version.

I have the last version on S3S.

A tutorial or some link would be great.

Thanks
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nggies:
Hi...thanks for the information can you give me the latest link for S3SW....
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] cacan031:
Hi PesSarmiento,

S3SW firmware and flash tutorial can be found here: http://www.needrom.com/download/s3s-nfc3gb-ram-2015-02-13/

Note: go with ROM1: RC_mt6752_h560_s3sw_jyt_cc_128-24_kk_lte_5m-cs_mul_tphone_20150213-171816_songlixin_PC

It's working flawlessly with my S3advanced [3GB]. Previously I had S3S and manually installed Gapps, but contacts sync and some other oogle services were not working at all.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] No1VIPER:
People asking for flashtool version for 'clean install' doesn't make sense. You can do that with a zip file via TWRP. It's easier, and you have more control.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] CRULLEX:
I totally agree with you
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] superdragonpt:
Well I don't , the speedtest app team caused that NPE .( kinda)

I blame mediatek ( like always) and speedtest for causing it on their newest app version

There's still several other devices with this issue ( S5 on tw 5.1.1 , moto x, etc )

My point is, it shouldn't be "ROM devs" /oem's fixing "app devs" mistaques

Just saying ... That's my point

I also sent them 2 detailed reports, never got an answer from them ...

Maybe you should just send the fix to Motorola , Samsung ,others , that still suffer this issues ?

:p

Every version haves fixs ...

Yeah

You can do a "clean " install via recovery also

But, I get you, I personally like way more the SPFT method, but that's just me

Cheers/ danke / obrigado / gracias (...)
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] gfofanov:
What about wi-fi hotspot (access point)?

In RC2 Wi-Fi Hotspot still can't connect more than 1 user (with password).
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nggies:
Agred, please do a "clean" install using SPFT method... it's simple and clear..
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] apogen:
Nice to hear that!!!

Cause i'm the only one probably here who can't flash rc2 using TWRP.. Bootloop all the time.. Tried several times with no luck (wipe everything, install rc1 first etc.........)

Hope to have flashtool version!
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] wangdak:
Guys, please help me! I am on RC3 and I have tried to install some Layer package from play store but after reboot my phone does not start and it is freezes on Jiayu logo. I tried to go to Recovery and deleted Dalvick Cache but it did not help. Any ideas please?? Thank you!
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] superdragonpt:
http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=63123700&postcount=2
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Sta'ko:
Yep no drop, it's all good. To prevent that to happen with your new battery i recommend - Do not overhead your batttery, no playing games wile charging (thats when you heat up your battery most, and very heavy online games,(but i still do that will buy new battery that's the advantage of that phone :silly: :p)

Cheers!
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] pl4za:
Hey guys,

A friend of mine purshased the S3 plus version, and i took some photo comparisons with my S3.

http://imgur.com/a/vDuk9

All auto, mediatek camera app.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] CRULLEX:
S3 IS a beast............ Its Awesomeness is Epic[emoji7] [emoji7] [emoji7]
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] MadaliNec:
What ROM do you have on your S3? S3+ are way better than the S3's. What I hate the most about our S3 is the focus while taking pictures in (not very) low light conditions.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] CRULLEX:
S3 is beta.....just that its too vivid...the night picture is more better on s3 than s3+
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] pl4za:
I have RC2. My friend has the latest official.

What i can say is that focusing is extremely fast on the S3 plus.

I was only dissapointed on the lighter shot, overall low light capture was better on the plus, and it uses a lower iso on the shots.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] frulex:
Uh, the Konpson 3400/3500 mAh battery just arrived :) Measured the weight - it's 55.25 grams vs. the original one which is 51.40 g. Just popped it in phone, it was charged at 60% so now I wait and see how it will hold, hopefully I reach the 8 h mark of SoT with this one :)
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Saikamur:
Is the 3G 900 band issue fixed in the new baseband of the RC3? Thank you.

Enviado desde mi JY-S3 mediante Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] CRULLEX:
PlEASE endeavor to keep us posted on SOT and BATTERY DROP
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] DerTeufel1980:
No. Modem is kind of prebuilt by mediatek... And they broke it... Seems there hasn't been a big demand for fixing it... There's nothing (probably), which we can do.

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Saikamur:
Too bad. It is right now the only thing preventing me from moving from KK to LP... :(

Enviado desde mi JY-S3 mediante Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] frulex:
Of course, but that probably won't matter much to LP users as I don't have a battery drop even with the original battery with my current ROM (ColorOS KitKat).
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Sta'ko:
That means your old battery is not broken.. Have you ever had it.?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] frulex:
I had it for a while but I don't think my (original) battery had anything to do with it. To put it short in time, for last 6 months of use:

1) first 2 months of use (with stock KK) - no drop

2) then something messed up with Xposed, phone started rebooting, so I did factory reset on same stock KK and for another 2 months of use I had regular 15% drop

3) now 2 months on ColorOS KK - no drop.

That's the reason I think the issue is mostly SW, well, except for people who really might got the non-functional battery.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] superdragonpt:
In addition to what DerTeufel1980 said ...

Nope, newest lp baseband doesn't fix it either.

It has been broken since they released The LP.

There's an issue with it alright, and this band seems to mess with other bands.

I think they just disabled it, to avoid more failures.

Cheers
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] frulex:
Sorry, did I understand correctly - if I upgrade to RC (or any LP), I will not be able to use 3G 900 mHz band (and by that, e.g. not have internet in rural areas)?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nedst:
That's right ,i travel often from Split to Zagreb and while on lp i am not receiving 3g for almost whole trip ,except when in cities .I only have edge.So i searchin for good kk room .How about that room you 're using, color ,is it any good ?does it have problems with mic like other kk roms?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] apogen:
But why in cities 3g is ok? i dont understand you
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Saikamur:
3G coverage in cities is usually on 2100 band. 900 band is usually used on rural, less populated areas.

Enviado desde mi JY-S3 mediante Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nedst:
Thats correct ,also on highways and roads you will have 3g covered with 900mhz ,mostly because lower frequencies have greater reach ..so they do not have to put so many cells.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Lappethx:
Idea why with rc2 ROM some apps in google play market are missing? This problems are only with this ROM so far.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] heyhey99:
Not true, 900mhz is also good in built up areas because the lower frequency can also penetrate buildings better in urban areas, so I'm led to believe.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] genesisalgor:
Like [MENTION=5238428]superdragonpt[/MENTION] would say

blame the chineses hehe (no racism)

Which apps you refer? I have no problems here.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Lappethx:
All supercell games. When i installed this ROM first time there was not this problem. But now when I installed back from xtreme 1.3 that happened.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Borizzz:
JiaYu Official Lollipop 5.1 NewUI 20160123 ROM

JiaYu Official Lollipop 5.1 NewUI 20160123 ROM

Source: ejiayu.com

Changelog:

Increased fast charge technology, maximal current charge value reaches theoretical 1.8A (note: the original charger maximum charge is 1A);

Repair NFC recognition;

Default memory changed to phone;

Improved talk and notification and ring sounds;

Improved WiFi connectivity;

Hidden root switch in developer options;

Camera optimizations;

Removed version that comes with the drop-down weather feature.

Install Notes:

Flash via SP FlashTool using Firmware upgrade mode.

Don't use format all+download mode, or baseband, serial, IMEI and other information will be erased, which may cause strange problems.

Flash recovery version only after previous version from 28122015!

Screenshotes:

Download:

SP Flash Tool Yandex.Disk, baidu.com, androidfilehost

Recovery Yandex.Disk, baidu.com, androidfilehost

SP Flash Tool & Recovery View attachment jiayus3-5.1_20160121-212346.torrent

jiayus3-5.1_20160121-212346_PC.zip, 765Mb, md5 f3fb72026d09e7a98ff829b38cc27501

jiayus3-5.1_20160121-212346_TF.zip, 747Mb, md5 657e95ce6d52ce1d92af4fcc9e3dc785
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Borizzz:
Could you check modem from fresh 23012016 version?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] ASW1:
Well that finally explains to me why my 3G connection is so crappy inside buildings.

Every one else has signal...
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] bibibuba:
The newUI release is charging really fast. By using USB current detector i can reach 1.7A :)
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Borizzz:
Just do not overheat your charger and do not explode your battery, haha :p
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] sirdickens:
I've seen Android 6 is coming for Lenovo K3 Note :)

I guess MTK6752 has possibilty to run MarshMallow :D [MENTION=5238428]superdragonpt[/MENTION] [MENTION=4196889]DerTeufel1980[/MENTION] maybe check ot out ;)
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] zed-78:
Will Rc3 be released on jiayu.de - forum, today?

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nedst:
What is not true?In cities operators use 900 Mhz but mostly 1900, 2100 (for 3g)MHz for denser populated areas ,i suppose because 900mhz reaches further and you dont want to have signal from one cell to a lot of people because of limitations of conectivity and bandwith to one cell.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] apogen:
could you please check the camera improvement? especially in low light conditions.

thanks!
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] ASW1:
It's not true that not having 900mhz makes no difference.

It penetrates much deeper into buildings, so it gives you decent signal where connection over 1800/2100/2600 is already long lost.

I have noticed the really crappy 3G connection inside large buildings, and now I finally know why.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nedst:
And who said it makes no difference ?

Thats why i bought in the first place this jiayu s3 because i saw in specs it has all the right freq. 900 ,1900 for 3g and 800 ,1800,2600 for 4g .But on LP so far there is no rom with 900 mhz that ain't broken.

---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:35 AM ----------

Has anyone tried this new ui rom ,is it multilang ?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] ASW1:
Someone wrote that 900mhz is more a frequency for rural areas.

Thereby suggesting that it has little or no use in densely populated areas, and that is not true.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] snabben:
Same for me, inside houses I hardly ever have signal where we miss edge, and only have 3g/4g.

Dirty wifes™ rocks!
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Bantryred:
I had Gnomo Rom V.2 installed for a few days and I thought the reception was a little better and less if not any missed calls indoor at home. Back on rc2 now again but willing to test something's if required.

---------- Post added at 11:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:30 AM ----------

Is there an app that can monitor what bands your on?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Lappethx:
Is there version where chines text are deleted?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] frulex:
I don't think he meant it's exclusively used for rural areas but in our country operaters use it frequently on islands, mountain areas etc. so we need that band pretty much, especially on holidays :)

---------- Post added at 01:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:00 PM ----------

For me, it's perfect - everything works without hickups (BT, NFC, mics etc.), battery life is excellent and still haven't find any bugs, that's the reason I still hesitate to upgrade to LP...
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nedst:
I've installed it yesterday and so far it seems surprisingly well,pitty it is not multilang ,thx for the tip.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] TommeleTBone:
geee, this saturday is boring, i need something to flash ...

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] RalphMalph:
Fast charging ... nice! Something for RC4?

And maybe someone can extract the modem from JiaYu Official Lollipop 5.1 NewUI 20160123 ROM?

Superdragon? Teufel?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Borizzz:
Photos and videos from JiaYu Official Lollipop 5.1 NewUI 20160123 ROM: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-6BIQC_H2vlZFIxa0NOeldSY0k&usp=sharing

So you can compare quality.

Seems like video is fine at last.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] apogen:
i can also confirm that now camera is great (front and rear) and very goodin low light condition.. also video is very nice!! that was really an improvement in camera.. stuck with newui rom till devs use camera drivers from tis rom!!!

also very smooth rom.. i think jiayu did a big step now!!
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] genesisalgor:
Bad thing is I've heard that devs didnt have access to any of these NewUI rom sources. If the improvement is real, so Jiayu should give them acess to at least those drivers (if any)

I'm pretty satisfied with S3 yet, the devs keep this phone a beast!

I guess I'll be getting an Elephone P9000 this year as backup phone, when released, new Helio P10, 4GB of Ram, 32GB, 3000mAh battery with fast charge and wireless charge support, plus Fingerprint on Marshmallow.

Jiayu is great for me, but they are sleeping, this P9000 looks like Jiayu S3 was last year. But I dont really trust Elephone yet, so holding it a bit, besides they are sharing sources now.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] RalphMalph:
Whatever you do, DONT buy an Elephone. WORST support ever (check their forum)
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Bernie_W:
Battery

Hi,

I was reading (almost all) articles of this huge thread silently so far, but I think, I might have something to share. I was a bit disappointed with the battery life of my S3 (I am using ES TF 1.3 ROM). So I ordered three new different batteries to check if the ones with higher capacity may really improve usage time. One was the original one, I ordered a second one from Jiayu.de, another one was the Konpson with 3400mAh and the third one - I thought I give it a try - was a 3600mAh capacity battery.

I took all and tested them by using my daily behavior for a week each and it really turned out that this no-name 3600mAh had the largest endurance. The weakest was the Konpson battery, which discharged quite fast in my point of view.

But as all this is not really profound and thus just based on my subjective experience, I wanted to ask, what tests you would recommend to have a more technical view of the battery life. Is there an app or something that would allow to test the three batteries a bit more deeply?

BTW: I saw today that there is a new NEWUI Rom from Jiayu China. Is this Rom-factory somehow related to Jiayu ES, as they were announced to be official developers for Jiayu China. Or are these two Roms something completely different?

Thanks
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] pl4za:
Flashing New UI. Will give feedback later. ;)
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] genesisalgor:
Thats why I'll ve waiting for reviews.

But its something in all MTK, if you're not backed by a good developer who has the phone (our example, luckily two good ones) or you start to learn or you're screwed up [emoji14]

My biggest concern with Elephone are fake info and bad build quality.

/OT

But well I'm happy with my S3 [emoji14] no matter what happens I won't be leaving him hehe

---------- Post added at 10:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:28 PM ----------

How is it after testing?

Bad/equal or better than original?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] superdragonpt:
i have to agree, they suck !

There's some other "China" / Taiwan OEM's way better than Elephone ...
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] ivivdim:
Is this Official Lollipop 5.1 NewUI 20160123 ROM multilanguage?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] superdragonpt:
Nope ..

But it's easy to just decompile all apps and add the xml resources for multi-lang ...

(im just busy in real builds right now, no time for this )
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] genesisalgor:
Someone said to be reaching 1.7A current while charging on this newUi rom, it is possible? Or safe?

I dont think it is safe lol There must be a reason for Jiayu limiting thr charging current.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] snabben:
Ofc its safe , been charging my t0lte with 2amps since release of phone. Batteri still do 5h SOT+ as it did when it was new.

Skickat från min GT-N7105 via Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] genesisalgor:
Not really concerned about battery as it id removable is the last one of our problems, but the whole USB circuit on this phone is capable of "overcharge" having in mind that was builded with 1A limit in mind.

Hmm...

Lenovo testing 6.0 for some beta testers, few bugs and worst battery life, interesting news f9r the SoC, although SD's already said some good news for us, overall "they" said it is good.

But at least for me, Lenovo software sucks.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] pl4za:
Flashing with Flashtools gets stuck at 14%... anybody knows why ?

EDIT:

IT WAS THE CABLE !
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] RalphMalph:
Dont know if you have connections with Wade, but maybe you can ask him to make an old-UI rom? Just plain Android
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] kyltraq:
RC4 Flashtool Version

RC4 Flashtool version was just published at the usual place.

Big thanks!

Cheers!
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] coreinsane:
Can someone PM me where to download the new jiayu.de rom please? I cant find it.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] TommeleTBone:
I LOVE D&D, THEY KEEP OUR DEVICE SAVE!

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] RalphMalph:
RC3 is included in RC4 or not? because in the changelog it is saying, only security-fixes. so I dont think RC3 is included, but maybe somebody can tell
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] apogen:
i dont know if it is safe but it really charge fast.. using a 2amp charger charged my phone at about 1.5 hour.. but it was the first time my phone get really hot as charging :)
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nature boy:
I don't think the devs have the time or the will to undo all the changes from rc2 to rc3 ;).

Changelog is what's new in RC4 and it's mostly security updates and fixing the speedtest app.

Great job guys :good::good::good:
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Valentino001:
Somebody pls pm me link to download rc3
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] edinunes:
Rc4 now

Enviado de meu JIAYU-S3 usando Tapatalk

---------- Post added at 10:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:23 PM ----------

https://mega.nz/#F!JR8EDBgS!lKWiG4rxr5vwVzqX20jv5g

Enviado de meu JIAYU-S3 usando Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] pl4za:
Just tested the New UI for the camera, and i can confirm it is improved. Otherwise, not so good for daily use (lots of chinese stuff..)

Here are some comparisons: http://imgur.com/a/p0wQX
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] apogen:
you can easily root your phone from developer menu and remove all those chinese apps..
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nggies:
RC4 was really great news.. but it contains big size data (1.6gb) for slow networks its really hard. Could someone help me with compressed file (zip or rar) please. Thanks for the advance
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] DerTeufel1980:
Sorry, I had been in a hurry. Didn't think of compressing it. I'll do tomorrow

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Levered:
Please hurry, i can't wait yet. Thanks;)
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Borizzz:
[MENTION=4488810]Levered[/MENTION], [MENTION=4412739]nggies[/MENTION]

There is a torrent with RAR5'ed RC4 and link to RAR5'ed RC4 on Yandex.Disk.

RAR5'ed RC4 is only 622Mb.

Unfortunately, I can't publish them here.

You can look it on Russian 4PDA forum.

Cheers.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nggies:
Than thank you mate..can you Pm me the link. Thanks
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] g.andi:
[MENTION=3279686]DerTeufel[/MENTION] just to remember nothing essential, pls next rc or stable add the # modprobe to build.prop for tasker su permissions, for mantaining ota functionality.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] gladijator22:
anybody test RC4 modem on 900MHz? that is the only reason I'm still on colorOS 4.4.4.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Borizzz:
Can someone compare photo and video quality between Chinese NewUI 23012016 and Jiayu.de RC4 23012016?

Also HDR mode is very interesting.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] TommeleTBone:
RC4 runs perfect.

did dirty flash, no issues yet to report.

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] DerTeufel1980:
900mhz won't work on lp

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] haasgo:
Still dont get it: is rc3 included in rc4?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] xda75:
A big thanks for the developper :)

RC4 can be flash by flashtools ? (i'm on 4.4.4 stock whitout root or recovery )

I've just to select firmware upgrade when I want to flash ?

Where can I find the last version of flashtools to flash ?

Thanks again for you work !!!!
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] viktorlj:
There is still bug that only one device can connect to wifi hotspot.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] DerTeufel1980:
Yes, of course. Please also refer to the changelog posted by [MENTION=5238428]superdragonpt[/MENTION] in the changelog thread.

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] justnewsp:
Jiayu S3 Advanced, stock rom 4.4.4, CWM recovery

MediaTek USB VCOM drivers, Windows 7 x64

SP_Flash_Tool_v5.1524.00.000

JiayuS3-5.1.1_jiayu.de_RC4

Turn off phone > hit download > connect phone > Error: PMT changed for the ROM, it must be downloaded.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] nggies:
Thanks mate for your support..
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] makingccc:
can i install the rc4 using recovery?
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] justnewsp:
Using SPflashtools 5, there is no big button Firmware upgrade - there is only dropdown list.

So, I will try Firmware upgrade, like it says here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=63667599&postcount=628

Later edit: it worked like a charm, finished in under 5 minutes.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] JohnGR71:
Hi All,

has anybody tried to install the TWRP Recovery in RC4?

[MENTION=5238428]superdragonpt[/MENTION] and Der Teufel:

Thanks one more time for your superb work. You guys are awesome. :)

Is there a technical reason for changing the Recovery?

Thanks.

Gesendet von meinem JY-S3 mit Tapatalk
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Pocoloco73:
Thanks for the great RC4, I miss the swap storage option which was in RC2
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] AlexZap:
It is still there, I'm still using it. You have to enable the advanced options (settings->about) before you can access it. Also, if you had storage swapped when you upgraded you will need to set it to normal, reboot, then swap the storage again. Something changed in the code somewhere.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] trollex:
If you don't know how to do it, don't do it. ;)

How -to: change the recovery.img in the RC4.zip by a twrp one, flash only that recovery.img to the device.
[JiaYu S3 Questions & Answers] Sinek_:
Can RC2 be upgraded to RC4 without checking the "data" box of FlashTools (to prevent data loss) or is it better to make a clean install?