Best way to back up apps/settings? - EVO 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Ok, I have the Evo completely rooted.
I want to be able to back up my applications, settings for those applications, as well as standard settings on my phone.
Titanium Backup - I can backup apps, however system info seems to break / cause force closes among different roms. It is hard to tell what is important and what isn't. I want settings such as default ringtone / configured desktop widgets and folders / wifi settings / lock pattern etc. to be backed up and restored easily.
Nandroid - Nandroid backups are almost perfect, except that they don't work w/ different roms. I want it to do exactly what it does.. copy everything as is.. but while retaining the functionality of the rom I choose. I get that this is not what it is supposed to do, I'm just giving it as an example as to what I would like in a back up app.
So basically, I want to be able to easily switch between roms (I use Avalaunch Froyo most of the time, 2.1 for photos/recording etc, and will probably use new Froyo builds coming soon) and maintain all the OS settings and App settings. So far I haven't been able to find what I need. Can someone point me in the right direction?

ive always has this question as well...

I am not sure how often you switch between ROM's, but I switch every other day or so. When I switch I make a NANDROID before hand then when I get to the new ROM I delete the old one off the SD card. I know that isnt an answer to you question. It is just what I do and it works for me. If there is a program that would back up all of it would be amazing.

Titanium backup. Available in the android market. Only works on rooted phones.

carguy4471 said:
Titanium backup. Available in the android market. Only works on rooted phones.
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Click to collapse
Not to sound like a douche, but I'm fairly certain you didn't even read the post.

Check out my sig. All your answers should be in my guide. If you have any questions or think it's missing something feel free to leave a comment in that thread.

I checked it out, and it just isn't specific enough. It is good though.
As a previous poster said, I change my rom every few days and do Nandroid backups.. but with the new froyo source released, I'm sure a flood of good roms will come out, and while I try them out, I don't want to have to configure my basic settings each time, such as where I like my widgets, enabling swype keyboard, or disabling default SMS and setting all the options in handcent, etc.
Trust me, it takes over an hour each time. As more cool apps come out, it'll take more time to configure. Also, since Sprint is awesome and lets you upgrade every year now by being a premier customer, I plan on sticking w/ android and want to be able to have a smooth transition when I get my next phone.
Titanium Backup seems like it can get the job done, and maybe I just need a specific listing of which system data file is for what. I tried to copy just the things that seemed necessary, and I still got force closes on things such as trying to open my sound settings.

Most of the system items highlighted in Green in Titanium are of important settings/databases. Also, I can confirm that if you back up the "[DESKTOP]HTC Sense 1.00" entry, then your sense Desktop (meaning icon locations and widget placements) will be restored to where you had them.
If you are not running Sense though, and instead using a custom launcher like ADW, helix, launcher pro, etc...Then I can only guess that if you back up those using the App+Data option that it will also remember icon/widget placements, but that is only an assumption. I have limited experience with those launchers.

MichaelWestin said:
I checked it out, and it just isn't specific enough. It is good though.
As a previous poster said, I change my rom every few days and do Nandroid backups.. but with the new froyo source released, I'm sure a flood of good roms will come out, and while I try them out, I don't want to have to configure my basic settings each time, such as where I like my widgets, enabling swype keyboard, or disabling default SMS and setting all the options in handcent, etc.
Trust me, it takes over an hour each time. As more cool apps come out, it'll take more time to configure. Also, since Sprint is awesome and lets you upgrade every year now by being a premier customer, I plan on sticking w/ android and want to be able to have a smooth transition when I get my next phone.
Titanium Backup seems like it can get the job done, and maybe I just need a specific listing of which system data file is for what. I tried to copy just the things that seemed necessary, and I still got force closes on things such as trying to open my sound settings.
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Click to collapse
If you are going to be going back and forth between Froyo and Sense 2.1, don't bother trying to back up your account/widget/home configuration. It's different between the two and could mess things up. Also, many people put out roms that are zipaligned or deodexed, you might not want to restore stock apps on top of those.
I'd recommend doing two things.
1. Use a nandroid backup to save a "snapshot" of your current rom so that you can easily go back to it (with all of your settings intact).
2. Use Titanium Backup to just get your user apps and information when you want to move to a new rom. Setting things back up can take a little time, but it's better than wondering why you're getting force-closes or wakelock problems. This will keep all of your user app settings (like Handcent or Swype) but you will just need to enable them in your settings menu.

Related

NEWBIE ALERT: Looking for ROM that has...

UPDATE - deleted old post...
So I just finished Rooting my phone and putting a new rom.
I used the following root guide:
[TUTORIAL] EVO Full Root|OTA Root|Nand Backup/Restore|Flashing|for n00b's + videos
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=721055
Now I realized all my phone contacts are gone....
I wished he had put a disclaimer about that.
and what sucks is, I dont have a backup to those contact # either so im screwed.
Anyways my question is: Once I have all my contacts and I wish to change ROM.
Will I lose all my datas?
If I download a game app - IE - Tower Defense - will it keep game saved, unlocked maps, etc etc?
if it doesn't, how do I transfer contacts, game saved to the next Rom when I wipe (I assume wipe = format which it deletes everything).
I already forsee im gonna test all the roms out there but I HATE to re-put all my contacts over and over again...
im already mad I lost half of my contacts I wont be able to retreive.
with that said - I guess I have few more question than.
WHAT IS Nand Backup? what does it do?
What is Titanium Backup? what does it do?
Do I need 1 or both?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=746611
In the op there is a link to google docs spread sheet that compares the most popular roms comparing there performance, battery life, extra features, what features it has working, ect.
nief1313 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=746611
In the op there is a link to google docs spread sheet that compares the most popular roms comparing there performance, battery life, extra features, what features it has working, ect.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the link but it doesnt answer some of my other questions.
what kind of pre-loaded apps comes with each one?
you will have to individually check out their threads to find out what they have included/excluded, but for most of the ROMs, they generally include all the stock stuff(sometimes removed sprint apps or an easy way of removing them) and a few include an app for rom specific updates/changing profiles. besides that most of them dont preinstall any extra apps.
nief1313 said:
you will have to individually check out their threads to find out what they have included/excluded, but for most of the ROMs, they generally include all the stock stuff(sometimes removed sprint apps or an easy way of removing them) and a few include an app for rom specific updates/changing profiles. besides that most of them dont preinstall any extra apps.
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This man speaks the truff.
Most roms are pretty identical, just check them out and view which one you would like the most.
I suggest making a nandroid backup of what you have now and then installing different roms and testing them out. Find the one thats fits you and stick with it.
Evio is my current rom, it seems to be the only one where the cache is on the /cache partition instead of the data partition, and everything is working, he adds a few apps but you can wipe it to get the full 427MB for apps. also u can uninstall any sprint apps you dont want with titanium backup.
BTW good luck on the 60 fps, expect 50-55fps.
Use the evo kitchen. Search for it. Lets you make one to your liking.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
UPDATE - check first post for my new issues. Thanks to the previous posts answering my other concerns.
for starters save all contacts to gmail that will help you to avoid having to re-enter your contacts everytime, when you link your gmail to your phone it will pull your contact. since u already lost em id recommend going to gmail now and adding them manually, had my mom do this in the begining when she 1st got her moment, and i found out after the fact on my hero.
Nandroid is a full back up of your phones current state (rom wise). so when you have one set up the way you like it make a nandroid so when you decide to jump to another rom or you flash a soemthing you dont like you can revert back to your previous state. its like system restore for windows but 20x better.
Titanium backup lets you back up apps uninstall apps etc etc, it does alot, too much for me to explain, i say check out their site. also titanium back up is the one you would need if u wanted to back up apps and restore them on another rom.
Titanium back up was how i was able to keep my free copy of lets golf xD

[Q] Backup tool

Rooting and loading rom after rom can be quite exciting. However in doing so can bring about hours of time spent setting up preferences, adding back shortcuts, widgets, and installing all your apps again. Aside from Titanium, does anyone know of an easy one click type of app that will backup user settings, shortcuts, widgets and apps. Putting your gmail settings back in is not hard, but annoying after you've done it for the 100th time. Mostly the hard part comes from trying to remember how my screens were setup. Titanium is great for apps, but you have to do them individually, and I have never found a way for it to backup account settings.. although this may be user error. I would love to try new roms as they come out but, knowing I will need to spend the rest of the day or night setting it all back up creates hesitation. I understand that with new roms comes new frame work and most data thrown back into a completely new rom can create issues, however it seems that some sort of program could automate this process to a point. So any suggestions, as I have been unable to find any on the forums when doing a search?
SoCGHOST said:
Rooting and loading rom after rom can be quite exciting. However in doing so can bring about hours of time spent setting up preferences, adding back shortcuts, widgets, and installing all your apps again. Aside from Titanium, does anyone know of an easy one click type of app that will backup user settings, shortcuts, widgets and apps. Putting your gmail settings back in is not hard, but annoying after you've done it for the 100th time. Mostly the hard part comes from trying to remember how my screens were setup. Titanium is great for apps, but you have to do them individually, and I have never found a way for it to backup account settings.. although this may be user error. I would love to try new roms as they come out but, knowing I will need to spend the rest of the day or night setting it all back up creates hesitation. I understand that with new roms comes new frame work and most data thrown back into a completely new rom can create issues, however it seems that some sort of program could automate this process to a point. So any suggestions, as I have been unable to find any on the forums when doing a search?
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Click to collapse
Titanium Backup is the way to go.
Once you upgrade to the paid version, you will not have to click "OK" for each app when restoring.
I was unaware that the paid version did so much. Will it retain the screen shortcuts / widgets as well as keeping general appearence settings? If it does a one click restore of all the apps, that alone may be enough, but I am always skeptical when it comes to purchasing an app, vs what they say it will do.
It can't store screen appearances but its worth it if you like to keep a lot of apps on your phone while trying new ROMS. An added bonus is that the backups store SMS history too.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

Using Launcher Pro, looking to uninstall unneeded Sense

Since I use Launcher Pro instead of the default sense I was wondering if someone could let me know which things would be safe to uninstall?
So far..
Rosie.apk
POQbum said:
Since I use Launcher Pro instead of the default sense I was wondering if someone could let me know which things would be safe to uninstall?
So far..
Rosie.apk
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Click to collapse
I've done this same thing, removed all HTC* and Sense* apps and services from my phone. I staged it using Titanium to freeze them all first, then after a week of no crashes, no FC's , and having the kernel I wanted, I removed them all.
The problem I'm having is how to convey this info to you. Titanium backup will produce a list but it seems a bug will only list the user apps, not the system ones in the resultant email.
I think I could just do a complete listing from adb of the content of /system/app, and you can diff it with your own to produce things that do no harm when removed.
If you're interested, let me know. There is , I think, no "sense" left when done with this. Compared to say the Rom called Senseless R., it has much less apps & services (that are all social networking garbage) installed and it runs very well. Normally, at any given time, it is running 8-18 services & apps, compared to ~50-60 before I did this.
I guess I'd rather make my own mistakes then install someone else's. (which might make you think twice about doing anything I recommend )
Of course, as always, do a full nandroid backup before starting on this type of thing. Remove one wrong thing and you're likely not going to be able to reboot, but I think if you freeze them first with TB, then you might be able to boot using 'safe mode' (see XDA) and still unfreeze the culprit keeping it from rebooting (use logcat to figure it out if you can).
--
Thanks for the tips.
I'm using 'root uninstaller' that shows all apps and 'com.android' stuff.
I did a full backup and am experimenting uninstalling different things.
One of the .htc uninstalls resulted in crashing mms, 3g and just about anything major like the dialer.
Slowly and surely I'm doing a full backup everytime I get to a point where I uninstalled a few things and everything still works great.
I haven't been keeping track of exactly what I've been uninstalling so I guess I can't help out anyone in the future :/

New ROM; Needing old App

Im about to flash to a new ROM from Myn's Warm 2.2. Love the ROM but I wanted to venture to another to test out. However, I have an application called AuthAnvil, it is used at work and is a variable pin code that syncs with a server. Is there any god forsaken way to save the app data so I do not have to jump through the hoops at work to resync the app. I did a full ROM backup just in case and also a Titanium backup. Will this work for me to restore it to the new ROM all settings in tact?
It should work fine if you backed up the app and system data to go with it. What I do in TB is make a custom filter with apps and their data that are really important that way I only back up what I need.
I make a filter called important then restore my apps/data to new rom, works flawless.
Sent from my PC36100
dirkyd3rk said:
It should work fine if you backed up the app and system data to go with it. What I do in TB is make a custom filter with apps and their data that are really important that way I only back up what I need.
I make a filter called important then restore my apps/data to new rom, works flawless.
Sent from my PC36100
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Click to collapse
yea but TB has known to be unstable when going from dif. types of ROMs, like from froyo to ginger, sense 1 to sense 2.1 or 3.0, etc. I would look on your SD card to see if any data is on there.. or if possible move app to SD then copy data, put back on after reflashing.
Its been a while since I posted on this but I have diagnosed this a few separate times and Finally! the authentication app company actually had enough complaints to post something on their FAQ.
But it seems that there are certain app's like say an authenticator that when you download it to a sense based rom you can flash all day long to different sense based roms without any issues. Once you go to any AOSP roms it will break the key generator. You can restore it all you want, it will not display the digits.
Now my real curiosity is that its just an app, it doesn't know the difference thats in on a HTC sense based phone or a Samsung. Am I looking to much into it because it is a Two factor authentication app and more stuff runs then I realize? Or is the app design flawed?

Which is the better kernel?

Faux or Bullet included with Juggs 4.1? If you have a preference, tell please me why...
I switched over from bullet after running it a week to fauxs and i must say battery and speed of phone went up so far im diggin it apps open faster and reboot is cut in half if anything
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
You really should try both out for a few days and find out yourself. There are not too many options out at the moment so trying things out to get a feel for them is best. Also, go and read what has been done to the kernal and read their threads. I understand that you want to get the best of the best right now, but understanding what you're doing to your phone and the differences between the kernals / roms is one of the things XDA is about.
funziebear said:
I switched over from bullet after running it a week to fauxs and i must say battery and speed of phone went up so far im diggin it apps open faster and reboot is cut in half if anything
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Hi Funziebear, Which Faux kernal are you using? Also which modem? Did you lose or gain any functionality between the two kernels?
tri4life said:
You really should try both out for a few days and find out yourself. There are not too many options out at the moment so trying things out to get a feel for them is best. Also, go and read what has been done to the kernal and read their threads. I understand that you want to get the best of the best right now, but understanding what you're doing to your phone and the differences between the kernals / roms is one of the things XDA is about.
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Click to collapse
Hi Tri4life, thanks for the reply. I've been reading/researching for months before posting. I have only tried Juggs with the Bullet kernel though because to be quite honest, in my line of work and with all the things I have going on, flashing constantly and having my phone off/on is just not something I can do... I'd love to have an extra GS2 to experiment with, but unfortunately I can't flash and test drive a lot, I need my phone up and running as much as possible being a SQL/Oracle DBA on call basically 24/7 for a major group of hospitals.
If I can figure out a way to quickly restore my apps and settings after a ROM or kernel flash, then maybe I can do this more often, but from what I'm reading folks are saying that's hit or miss, so I've been mostly doing all my app installs and customization from scratch after a flash to a new ROM.. which takes me hours to do..
So basically I'm looking to go with some of the common successful configurations users have had luck with on here.
Faux for me! So smooth and getting 1d battery on it. Bullet doesnt come close i was getting 10 hours on that thing!
Rekzer said:
Faux for me! So smooth and getting 1d battery on it. Bullet doesnt come close i was getting 10 hours on that thing!
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply Rekzer! Which Faux kernal are you using? Also which modem? Did you lose or gain any functionality between the two kernels?
FSUSeminole said:
Hi Tri4life, thanks for the reply. I've been reading/researching for months before posting. I have only tried Juggs with the Bullet kernel though because to be quite honest, in my line of work and with all the things I have going on, flashing constantly and having my phone off/on is just not something I can do... I'd love to have an extra GS2 to experiment with, but unfortunately I can't flash and test drive a lot, I need my phone up and running as much as possible being a SQL/Oracle DBA on call basically 24/7 for a major group of hospitals.
If I can figure out a way to quickly restore my apps and settings after a ROM or kernel flash, then maybe I can do this more often, but from what I'm reading folks are saying that's hit or miss, so I've been mostly doing all my app installs and customization from scratch after a flash to a new ROM.. which takes me hours to do..
So basically I'm looking to go with some of the common successful configurations users have had luck with on here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe something that might help. I use Titanium backup Pro and Adw Launcher EX. I spent a lot of time gettings things right on ADW and now that I have it I backup its settings. ( this is also placement of items on homescreen ). I then use Titanium to back that up as well as all my other user apps + data. Everything is stored on my sd card. If I plan on formatting I just move my titanium backup folder to a desktop. Then format, mount, and re add to the sd. I have a folder with a few .apks to install first without adding an account. For example the titanium backup. So essentially, everytime I try out a new rom I just install titanium, have it restore my apps and their data. Then I add my account. I will clean this post up later, but it really makes things nice and allows me to install new roms in under 10 mins and keep all my previous settings.
Which of the fauxs out used..I see 2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
tri4life said:
Maybe something that might help. I use Titanium backup Pro and Adw Launcher EX. I spent a lot of time gettings things right on ADW and now that I have it I backup its settings. ( this is also placement of items on homescreen ). I then use Titanium to back that up as well as all my other user apps + data. Everything is stored on my sd card. If I plan on formatting I just move my titanium backup folder to a desktop. Then format, mount, and re add to the sd. I have a folder with a few .apks to install first without adding an account. For example the titanium backup. So essentially, everytime I try out a new rom I just install titanium, have it restore my apps and their data. Then I add my account. I will clean this post up later, but it really makes things nice and allows me to install new roms in under 10 mins and keep all my previous settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is extremely helpful (especially the part about having the TBU.apk ready to install TBU without adding your account and going through the market) I actually paid for Titanium Backup Pro, so I have the full version and should be able to do this.... I've just heard folks saying that this doesn't always work...
As for launchers, I used to use LauncherPro, now I'm trying Go Launcher EX... mostly because I saw folks saying good things about it, it looks like it has more options (especially for theme-ing) and it has also been updated more recently than LauncherPro. I've never tried ADW Launcher Ex... Why do you prefer it over LauncherPro and Go Launcher?
Im using the 006r and havent had an issue it runs quick and smooth and battery is so far better than bullets , i use my phone a lot so better battery is a must the way apps open so fast on this is just a plus for me
http://www.multiupload.com/TLFJTWDMNL
If adding this link isnt allowed lmk
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
FSUSeminole said:
Yes, that is extremely helpful (especially the part about having the TBU.apk ready to install TBU without adding your account and going through the market) I actually paid for Titanium Backup Pro, so I have the full version and should be able to do this.... I've just heard folks saying that this doesn't always work...
As for launchers, I used to use LauncherPro, now I'm trying Go Launcher EX... mostly because I saw folks saying good things about it, it looks like it has more options (especially for theme-ing) and it has also been updated more recently than LauncherPro. I've never tried ADW Launcher Ex... Why do you prefer it over LauncherPro and Go Launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the launcher, its all about simplicity for me. Adw is just as quick and go launcher ( in my opinion ). Also everything I needed adw takes care of. For the most part I would say they are equal competitors, but I just don't need all the extra options or features that Go Launcher provides. But yes I used Go Launcher Ex and even recommend it to my friends. Keep in mind you can do the same backup with it and restore just like ADW. Oh, but one difference I believe is that Go Launcher stores the backups in a separate file and folder as its app. So using titanium wont back that up. It will just stay on your sd card or internal. Doing the normal wipes to install a new ROM wont remove it, but of course a format will. Just a heads up, and also I haven't used Go Launcher in over a month so they probably pushed out a lot of updates and changed that feature.
About Titanium backup. You will have to have both the TBU.apk and the TBUpro.apk to install. The pro key is installed after, else you will have to wipe TB's cache from application settings. Also, if the ROM does not come with a file manager app on it by default then you will have to push with adb the .apks over. Also I think you can just copy/paste them into the app folder as well.
edit- again, I can give you my exact steps when I get home tonight. Just typing quite fast here at work.
FSUSeminole said:
Thanks for the reply Rekzer! Which Faux kernal are you using? Also which modem? Did you lose or gain any functionality between the two kernels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using 0.0.7, its the one that comes with the rom Dewizzed. I think from 0.0.6 to 7 it just changes from a tmobile boot image to a custom one. I tried 0.0.6u with Beastmod, and it boot looped, im not sure if it had issues with beastmod or what, and ended up using DeWizzed as my rom after that instead which i think is 0.0.7r.
Im using the original modem, as im a Telus user(no wifi calling here).
I believe both kernels have most of the same features, Bullet may have more governors IIRC.
I just did a battery calibration starting yesterday actually and im at 20% after 1 day 14 hours. Not heavy usage, but i find while i use was using it there wasnt much drain.
And as i said, its SO smooth.
"I have a folder with a few .apks to install first without adding an account. For example the titanium backup. So essentially, everytime I try out a new rom I just install titanium" ... Great idea.
I'm saving Titanium Backup (com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup-1) and ROM Manager (com.koushikdutta.rommanager-1) in a folder so that I can reinstall them quick without having to log in and grab them from the Google Market. Good thinkin'
u should flash around and see whats good for you...everyone's phone is different
ugotproblemz said:
u should flash around and see whats good for you...everyone's phone is different
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. Each device is different. There is no best just best for you.
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