[Nexus 6P Android Development] micmars:
By nuking the contents of your internal memory, through either fastboot or a toolkit using fastboot (same means to that end, just that the toolkit sets up the fastboot environment), or via TWRP.

If you want to decrypt, here is the surest means towards doing it in a way that preserves your files once returning them to your device)...

Before you start, backup your setup via TWRP if you wish to keep it.

1. Copy Files and Folders

1.1. Connect device to computer, copy the contents of all folders you wish to keep from your device to your computer

1.2. After copying a given folder's contents rename the folder after it's on your computer...there is ONE exception to this

1.2.1. Example, for items in the "Downloads" folder, call it "Downs" or something similar on your computer

1.2.2. Do not rename the folders for your TWRP backups you wish to keep

1.2.2.1. Dig deep...Nova Launcher has its own backup folder, same for Zooper, Titanium Backup, etc...find and copy

1.2.3. Only copy the TWRP subdirectory named after the date of the backup, and NOT the folder labeled "TWRP" or the one directly below that, named after your device ID

1.3. Pictures taken with your camera are in DCIM, camera...again, do not keep that named "camera," and do not copy the DCIM folder unless you rename it on your computer, too.

1.4. Copy your rom zips to your computer

1.5. Copy a kernel like Elemental X that does not force encryption, if you plan on using one...otherwise the rom zip includes a no force encryption stock kernel

2. Nuke Your Internal Memory

2.1. Using Wugfresh or similar toolkit, follow the onscreen instructions

2.2. Using fastboot, go to this guide and scroll to where it tells you the command for erasing user data...

http://xdaforums.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928

2.2.1. Save that link

2.3. If nuking via TWRP, reboot to recovery, tap "wipe," then the red button labeled "format user data." Type "yes," when prompted, and watch your contents disappear

2.3.1. IF going the TWRP route, all of your files will have a date from some bygone cool era, like when Hendrix was breathing

2.4. Staying in recovery, move the rom files to your device

3. Flash rom, Gapps, and custom kernel if desired

4. Let your device boot, perform a rudimentary setup or a full blown one, up to you

5. On boot, your device recreates all of those folders I indicated that should be renamed (camera, downloads, pictures, etc)

6. Go back into recovery, and backup your device...TWRP folder gets recreated...

7. On boot, copy those files back to their source directory, or keep the cloned name and do it in one directory at a time

8. IF you want to save your original backup (ie, you liked your setup, just wanted no encryption), copy that first backup you made to the subdirectory of TWRP that contains the one you made in step 6

8.1. Restore your original backup

A few final notes...you would be surprised how odd things can get with the folder structure...take for example Zooper...it has like 7 subdirectories...and it'll put those back the minute you install the program and open it up for first use. If you copy those before reinstalling Zooper, you'll create the potential for havoc, so just don't do it.

Is the above worth it? I think so. First, it gives you an idea of what the heck is on your device. Also, you'll have a nice backup of your important files, instead of relying solely on the cloud and your good fortune for preservation of your files (these devices and this hobby of ours can cause unwanted outcomes, such as the inability to boot).

Good luck!

Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression

---------- Post added at 09:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:06 AM ----------

You know these scoundrels?

[MENTION=4603975]daveyannihilation[/MENTION] is a true gentleman miscreant if ever there were one...

[MENTION=4854133]bajasur[/MENTION] is about the hippest dude I've come to know, not only for the fact that he is a self-proclaimed carnt that carnt admit it, but also because I carnt see fit to find fault with him.

Oh, welcome to hell. I hope you like it here.

Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression