How to clear /data?

[supremekizzle]

Hey all I've read that it is recomended to clear /data when installing new rom or going to stock. How does one do this WITHOUT factory reset? Also, if I may, I have a sholes file on my phone called init.sholes.rc. it will not let me delete it because it is read only. Any suggestions? Btw I am using Bugless Beast so I do not need the sholes file.

[Tanknspank]

If you installing a rom for the first time, do a nandroid restore and having data checked in that makes sure you don't carry anything over. Just make sure that if your installing something like AdamZ smoked glass rom which he says to uncheck data, you listen to what he says. Most guides tell you how to do a nandroid restore in their thread.

[supremekizzle]

I'm completely comfotable with the concept of nandroid backups and all that. If you will please re-read my question I am asking about /data and deleting the sholes read-only file.