Hello to all experts and ambitioned users
I just upgraded my Prophet to the newest QTEK ROM. Everything worked perfect.
But I am really sick of setting up the new installed programs. I tried to make backups with PHM Regedit and also tried to restore them.
PPC PocketProfiles was one of the programs. But after restoring the rbk file to registry I softreseted and nothing happened. While booting the Prophet always freeze at splash screen.
Another one was MortPlayer but I gained no better result.
Does anyone know a better working solution for such problems?
Thanks for your help
Everyone will tell you that it's not wise to use a backup from a different ROM. The reason is that when you have upgraded from AKU2.0 to AKU3.0 chances are big you have a completely different registry layout. Same for the new functions AKU3.0 provides above previous versions.
Some programs can just be copied when you want to create a backup. But most, like Windows, have scattered pieces all over the Program Files and Windows directories.
So first you have to see witch programs you actually use, are they easy copied for backup purposes? What registry tweaks do you use, aren't they available as a single CAB?
Upgrading always comes with installing/personalizing the complete system all over again. But that's why we’re here on this forum, right?
Thanks for your fast reply.
I backuped only the part which is especially for PPCProfiles or MortPlayer. So I thought it would work well.
I am quite sure about the ROM Upgrade problem and that it isn't possible to restore the complete regestry.
Maybe I didn't explained my issue not good enough, sorry
hi guys,
I've been following all the different threads and topics for a while and it has been a very nice friendly place to be in.
Anyhow.. i would like to know if someone can direct me to how to make a cab file which will input all my setting, owner name, install program a, b, c, d, e, f, g and etc then will fix up the registry key and enter all the serials i have brought in the past. This way i don't have to reinstall each program (both cab and exe) again after upgrade the ROM
I'musing Black 2.5 atm and looking forward to get balck 3 today
Thanks guys
Ditto!
I think such app would be very useful for all of us beta testers
Or taster of new flavours!
Maybe our chefs already has something like this that they use!
Some are in the works
JJ and walshieau are working on projects similar to this.
JJ has "Pimp my Black" which is HTweakC on steriods and walshieau is building an app that will restore your carrier settings.
Loading apps back on are easy, as long as you sync with a PC. They never uninstall from your PC, just simply re-check the ones you want to reload on your device and there they are again.
Backup programs like SPB and Sprite have known issues between builds, as I'm sure you know since you posted as if you've read the forums on this subject. Kudos.
It would be really cool if JJ and walshieau would combine forces and make that one killer app for all customizations to be saved to a file and restored once flashed, and if a customization were to have a format or length issue, then toss an error and let the user know. (hint, program spec??? )
I keep a backup on storage card of each of the roms I've tried...just in case.....I wonder if this is misguided somehow.
Thanks.
This is my current method:
put all the cab files (inc carrier setting -offline by walshieau) in the storage card and also along with all the serial numbers in there.
I tended to do things on the go (out of the house/ no pc) so if i happened to flash my phone before i leave my house then i will be able to install all the apps back by the time i get to work. Altho it's a lengthy instalaltion process (swapping the apps, folder, serial number, folder, app, enter rego).
i actually i was going to ask so if SPB backup and other back up will not work properly right? Say, i am using black 2.5 and backup here.... then upgrade to black 3 version then if i use restore program.. it will restore me back to 2.5 instad of 3 ... is this information correct? i read it somewhere....
I used SBP backup on Black 2.0 and then flashed 2.5 and restored from the 2.0 backup. It worked and shows the new com manager skin but it reports as 2.0 in the "about" screen so I know that this isn't the right way to go. Knowing that 3.0 was comming soon and considering that the device works great I've left it this way.
When 3.0 comes out I will load my apps and data without SBP. Then after it's up I will make a backup of the fresh 3.0 installation.
i am interested in such tools too although using the Dopod D810 aka Trinity.
RemE said:
I used SBP backup on Black 2.0 and then flashed 2.5 and restored from the 2.0 backup. It worked and shows the new com manager skin but it reports as 2.0 in the "about" screen so I know that this isn't the right way to go. Knowing that 3.0 was comming soon and considering that the device works great I've left it this way.
When 3.0 comes out I will load my apps and data without SBP. Then after it's up I will make a backup of the fresh 3.0 installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using Sprite 5.1 and it does the backup and migration from Black 2.0 to 2.5 very well only have to redo my Wifi and Email settings, all my apps works fine. The FAQ to do it is available at Sprite's website on doing devie upgrade or OS upgrades with Sprite and WM5, works fine with WM6
Be aware that SPB Backup and Sprite Backup cant restore backups on different ROM's. Mobile Backup 2007 says it can but I havent tried it yet..
Dunno if I can post the follwing link but its the place you can get Mobile Backup:
http://www.ipmart-forum.com/showthread.php?t=157755&highlight=mobile+backup
I have Sprite but last time I used it on WM5 after a hard reset, it would not restore my data So I dumped it and went with SPB which has worked flawlessly ever since. I just don't see how any backup would work properly when restoring onto a different rom, I got away with it but I know that it's not 100% right now.
i was thinking of making my own cab file where specific to install
A, B, C, D....... G software (cab files), then install carrier setting, patch all the serial numbers to each softwares, change the look and all the setting in WM6 to match my like... damn it sound so hard and i don't even know how to make a cab file...
is something like this possible to learn?
I am slowly reducing the number of cabs I need to keep on my storage card by combining and creating them with my set ups.
As I have limited knowledge, this involves using sktracker to see exactly what changes were made in the registry when I changed a setting, and then using cabmanager to create a cab containing the reg settings (or say for spb weather, adding the changes to the original cab).
I understand that patching in the serials is not straightforward as it is not meant to be easy by design.
Am having trouble with some settings like email account setup, but am working through others.
crazyC: Im having the same trouble with email accounts. It doesnt look like they are saved in the registry settings, must be in the database somewhere.
Also if you add your own registry settings to the original Cab files do you know what order things are done? ie. if it writes your reg file then installs the app it might overwrite yours.
senergy said:
crazyC: Im having the same trouble with email accounts. It doesnt look like they are saved in the registry settings, must be in the database somewhere.
Also if you add your own registry settings to the original Cab files do you know what order things are done? ie. if it writes your reg file then installs the app it might overwrite yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't know anything about creating the database entries so am going to have to leave that.
As for the second point - I am kind of winging it so to speak, so no I don't realy know.....
As I said, am most pleased with my custom SPB weather cab, as this installs the BBC template and sets up my work and home locations as the two tabs, linking off the bbc weather source.
Have also modified the Phone Alarm cab for my skin and settings, but as there is anew beta every few days at the mo, not so useful
Am about to start work on O2 plus, and setting up my shortcuts etc on install.
looking for mobile backup 2007...is this the one
trial here
CrazyC-
been messing around with the same ideas and it's driving me crazy ha.. Do you have to manually duplicate the registry entries you want when you're adding them to the original cab file (phone alarm, for instance)?
I was trying to extract the relevant registry entries, and have a program that would let me pack them into a cab, but everything i found wanted me to manually create registry keys..
any thoughts? cause it's flashing season ha
The safest way when going between ROMs is reinstalling. I use a few techniques.
1. Install CAB files from SD card. Then you just install them one by one by tapping. Installing from Activesync can be problematic memorywise as the CAB will copy down to main memory and then be deleted after installation. This can be an issue if you have too many apps to install at once.
2. Unless the new ROM has the same device ID, email settings really have to be manually entered each time. I experimented with workarounds but they simply don't work.
3. After you install all your programs, import registry keys containing your common settings. Before erasing the previous setting, do a registry dump and then search for and find those registry keys that contain the settings. Most (but not all) are in HKEY Current User. Be careful. Don't import stuff that might break the new ROM.
4. Copy files or shortcuts from old ROM to new one. Careful though - if you are going to copy directories, use Total Commander or something. SPB Backup and WM File Explorer will REMOVE the old contents of a directory and replace it with only the stuff you have in your new copy of the directory! Total Commander only updates the new items.
5. Unfortunately, the only way to REMOVE files or registry keys (short of writing a DLL file or fancy XML?) is to manually search and delete them. I think you could probably use Mortscript to automate this but not worth the time probably unless you are flashing every day.
Between copying certain files and registries, many of my programs end up 'pre registered' on the new system. (SPB time, etc.)
Actually, I make a cab file with my preferred settings and files. I just click and go. This covers pretty much everything except email. Unfortunately the program I use cost 89$... but when I consider my billable hours, it's worth the saved time over the long run.
I can get all programs + settings in place in about 40 minutes now.
Actually, I am using visual studio 2005 and making the adjustments to the emulator image, whilst watching the registry in the remote registry viewer. Once have identified the keys, I export them as reg files and then simply import them into cabmanager.
Depends on if you have access to VS2005.
I am sure there is a simpler way, (and am happy to learn it) but as I have occassional access to VS2005, this was how I decided to do it. Am using the WM6 SDK as well of course.
Because I keep updating the Phone Alarm beta, I actually modified the cab for the VisDaPhone skin to include my modified icons, and also to install the PA export file. Just running that cab after installing Phone alarm, and then importing the theme etc works for me. I did roll it all into one on an earlier version of PA, so it all started as per my settings, but then there was a new beta......
khammo01 said:
I can get all programs + settings in place in about 40 minutes now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I reckon (thanks to the exchange server) I can be back up in twenty!
If I can sort out the O2plus setup then I will reduce that as well.
I keep a word document on my sd card with a step by step guide for myself with serial numbers etc and settings.
khammo01 said:
Between copying certain files and registries, many of my programs end up 'pre registered' on the new system. (SPB time, etc.)
Actually, I make a cab file with my preferred settings and files. I just click and go. This covers pretty much everything except email. Unfortunately the program I use cost 89$... but when I consider my billable hours, it's worth the saved time over the long run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do yo mind telling what's the program name/url that woul dbe?
If I install a new ROM, I have to install again all the software.
Has anidoby made a software for automatically install the software ?
nevermade said:
If I install a new ROM, I have to install again all the software.
Has anidoby made a software for automatically install the software ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends. If you have installed software to your device memory it will be wiped by the flash. If however apps are installed to your storage card, you can recreate the links to the programs.
There are a few options regarding auto installing apps, depending on the rom. Some of the roms have used UC (User Cutomization) or AutoInstall which does allow soem auto intalling of apps (provided the rom caters for this). The most flexible and comprehensive program however is Sashimi. You can find more info and links to it here
Thanks for your reply but...
I have seen one program that install all the cab, that you store in one directory, in your SD.
Never seen ???
found
It is in italian, I hope it could be usefull.
http://samsung.hdblog.it/2009/03/30...ropri-programmi-e-settaggi-con-un-solo-click/
http://www.tecnophone.it/2009/04/21...applicazioni-in-un-attimo-dopo-un-hard-reset/
Anyway, in the second link they say Thanks to XDA for the script. Probably there is omething in your database for make it.
ByBY
Only software I'm aware of that can fully restore all apps/software/contacts/emails etc straight after flashing new rom is Sashimi. Other backup software won't work in same manner especially when upgrading roms (i.e.wm6.1 to wm6.5) as folders/directories/registries will be different. Sashimi automatically re-installs all your data/apps etc to your specified location and saves you the hassle of having to manually install them again.
My problem is making the device as it was before a firmware upgrade, without being forced to reinstall everything.
Supposedly there are now backup options (from Sprite and SPB) that allow you to restore to a firmware updated device (or even a new device!).
I don't trust those. They vaguely claim that they do that, but we have to wonder how.
Also there are a few programs (a couple of them in here - even one with subscription) that "re-provision" the device. To be honest I find them VERY complex. I think it takes more time to set those up properly than re-install everything (if we talk about 20-30 apps and a normal "firmware update" cycle... I am not talking about people with 400 apps and testing all the custom ROMs 3-4 a week). Even if you set those up properly, they take long time to re-install everything.
I thought about this and the problem is in fact simple:
What possibly changes between firmware updates?
- ROM software
- Auto-installed from ROM software
- Some registry entries (also possibly some removed and some added)
Is that true?
So. The solution I propose is not as "stupid proof" as commercial backup/restore solutions, but I think it is also WAY safer than them. It is also much faster than "re-provisioning" programs.
What is the process to follow:
- Install the program I propose (let's call it "Smarter Upgrader") FIRST before anything else installed on the device (maybe only after the forced provisioning that happens anyway).
- You tell the program to take a "fresh system backup".
- Program makes a nice image of the whole registry.
- Program makes a nice backup of everything without "ROM" attribute from main memory.
- You forget about the program.
- You install everything you need and work with your device normally.
- A new ROM comes up and you want it badly.
- You run the program and command it to take a "pre-upgrade backup".
- Program takes a full registry backup or if it is smart enough, already makes a comparison with first backup and just stores the changes (also detects possible eliminated keys - although this is rare from factory to used non-upgraded device).
- Same for main memory software. Backs up only what shows different (or new) from the time of "fresh system backup". If some ROM software is replaced (as is the case of hotfixes), then it is detected as new (as in "fresh system backup" ROM files were ignored anyway).
- User does the upgrade.
- After the upgrade (and forced provisioning), installs this program first.
- Program is run in mode "post-upgrade, new fresh device" backup ("new fresh device" as this mode will also replace the original "fresh device backup" with a new one).
- This mode will take the full image of the registry.
- Compare this registry with the ORIGINAL "fresh device" registry and the differences it detects are the new or changed keys of the new firmware (correct?).
- Will then compare those "differences" to the "pre-upgrade backup". The program here has many many new keys (from the installs of apps before the upgrade), that will normally RE-ENTER back to the registry and possibly a few keys that are different between ALL THREE: the original registry, the upgraded registry, the pre-upgrade registry. These are normally system related keys that the user (willingly or without knowing) has tweaked while using the device (before upgrade). Here the program should ASK the user what to do (this is why the program I propose is not for the "WM freshman"). For example there is a possibility that a key in 1.43 Leo ROM, sets the screen sensitivity to something, then a tweak program sets this to something else. Then new ROM has a different default value. Here the user will decide if he wants to follow the new ROM default or his tweak. I don't think this will be for 100 keys. It will be a much smaller job.
- Next the program will do almost the same for main memory software. Will compare "fresh device" with "post-upgrade". If there is anything (non-ROM attribute) different, it is marked as "new ROM default".
- Then system compares this with the "pre-upgrade" backed up main memory software. What is not "new ROM default" and is not already in the device, it is written back on the device.
- For the programs that ARE in "fresh install", ARE marked "new ROM default" (so the new ROM has a new version) AND are in the "pre-upgrade backup" (so user has installed some version manually), system asks. For example (again Leo) has Google Maps, user finds a new version in Google (well this is real example) and new ROM has yet a different one. System asks which to keep. Later if program becomes smarter, it could detect version strings and automatically use the newer one.
- Program performs a general clean up (for example make sure the Start Menu is as the user had it configured before upgrade, or as close as possible - I for one like to make folders and move everything in them) and soft resets.
...after this procedure (that seems long but I doubt is longer than "re-provisioning" and is surely shorter than reinstalling and WAY safer than "ROM upgrade" backup software modes), the device should have the new ROM and the software that was installed before.
Three steps:
- Backup clean device (this is what commercial backup solutions lack so I don't trust them)
- Backup device before upgrade
(upgrade)
- Post-upgrade Process (which also serves as the NEW backup clean device file for further upgrades)
...allow the system to do it's magic during the third step.
BTW as an idea for the concept I propose, SKTracker is a program that half-way goes where I want.
What do you people think?
Hi
I think is a nice idea. I cant understand why other programs dont include it right now. Is a very interesting and useful project. For sure most of us would use it. This days I am very busy but if no one do it I will develop it as soon as I ve time....
Dani
I hope someone can handle this.
I didn't include databases in my analysis, but I am sure we can stuff them somewhere in between...
BTW I also pointed this thread to the SK Software guys... Maybe they could make something (since their software is already halfway there)...
Here is SKKV reply:
Hallo, Nick.
We have quite a long time thinking about it. At this time exist many not solved problems which not allow create high-quality product with this feature.
I hope ever been we will release it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if someone is up to the task, all yours.
Firstly let me say, Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
I don't know about y'all, but, i kinda get a little fed up of re-entering all my settings after each flash, wouldn't it be nice if someone developed either a script or app that backed up email, sound, wallpaper, visual style's and just about everything else into a cab or xml file?
Well i have searched the forums and have come up with nothing so far!!!
Now... I haven't looked into this in great detail, but, i have written many a script and such for Desktop Windows that when run create a backup copy of documents and certain registry settings then reboot into PE (in a separate partition) format, reinstall windows and applications and then re-apply settings and files (see http://www.msfn.org/board/forum.html search for my username for confirmation)
I know that Windows Mobile and Desktop are very different, but, i feel confident that i can accomplish the same results (with the help of ROM Chefs and other apps already written)
My Goal... To write an app/script that when run, backs up various registry keys/values and/or files and saves to either a .cab or .xml file in a UC folder stored on a memory card and if a RHODIMG.nbh file is present then will reboot the phone into bootloader mode and install the new ROM (this is where ROM Chefs need to come together and become uniform) if it isn't present and is connected to a pc asks for the location of a ROM and copies it to the memory card (renaming if needed)
Problems... Unlike Windows Desktop there are so many different things that i have to account for EG: Each Chef has their own style and preference, i CANNOT create an automated backup for every chef (nor can i be biased) so to start i will choose my own way and if chefs/developers want to jump in and help then perhaps we can create something with template files to suit, i don't want to sway anyone or anything and I have tried many, many ROM's (have never created a ROM so i dare not criticize, but, more often than not, my preference has been NRG's and that's where i will start...) as such i will have to look into the main core of ROM's to see what is available on MOST ROMS, IE: Facebook, twitter, email, sound...
This is likely to be a long project and very unlikely to be a one man band. And like i said, i have not looked into this all that much, and may be a little more difficult than i first thought (please remember i have to learn a whole new environment and depending on the complexity AND the amount of free time i have "kids!!! who'd have'em...lol..." depends on the timeframe of this potential project)
So if you can bare with me and/or share a little knowledge to speed up the process of this, then please do... It will be greatly appreciated
Happy Flashing
Lee
You might check Sashimi and XDA_UC.
Also commercial apps, spb backup & spb clone...
PimBackup does the same thing...
Well minus the reg entries.
You could also script using the beta form of AutoHotkeyCE (version of Autohotkey being ported to PPC), I know you could write a script to backup the reg entries and automate the restore of stuff in that too.