Develop Bugs

[Q] ROM and DATA backup

Hallo guys,
in order to try different roms on my phone, I would like to know witch is the best way to backup my current ROM, is there a way to create a ROM zip file with all my settings, accounts, apps, contacts, sms, ... witch I could reflash in case I need?
I've tried ROM Manager but is going to create me many files.
What about Nandroid backup (on Hboot/Recovery menu)?
And Titanium backup?
Should I use one of those backups to restore my system data and user data in case of a new rom flash?
thanks a lot
regards
Miniera77

i need best way to backup

i know it's a repeated question but i really want to know the difference btw all backup ways, so i hear about:
-CWM backup
-nandroid backup
-titanium backup
-and i guess that rom manager have a rom backup
can we know what is advantage, disadvantage of each type, and what can one type do the other cant.
and lets say i installed a rom, kernel, root, soff, CWM, apps, settings for apps, widgets and all custom settings, is there a way to backup all of them, so next time i did a factory reset i can get restore by one file restore (used to do that in winmo by one file backup)

[Q] Backup Apps and settings before root?

I have a HTC DHD and have decided that I want a custom ROM. Is there a way to backup my apps and app settings before I do so? So that I can restore them once the custom ROM is installed?
Also, is here a way to backup my branded ROM before I change it?
Thanks

CuBz90 said:
I have a HTC DHD and have decided that I want a custom ROM. Is there a way to backup my apps and app settings before I do so? So that I can restore them once the custom ROM is installed?
Also, is here a way to backup my branded ROM before I change it?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I have been through this before :
1. Follow guides to permanently root and radio s-off first. Install Clockworkmod.
2. Back up app: Install backup program. I use Titanium Backup and backed up all installed apps and settings. They are saved for later restoration.
Check up http://matrixrewriter.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=TB+-+HOWTOs for official steps.
3. Now get into your CWM Recovery. Make a back up of your stock rom. I still do keep an back up copy of my official stock ROM.
4. Flash the rom of your choice. Flash the radio if necessary.
5. Boot into new rom. Install Titanium Backup if there isn't. Restore your system settings and user apps like in the above link.
6. Become a flash mania. Start your life of flashing tons of different roms...
These are rough steps. You may experience some hiccups during the last step. Usually can be solved by reinstalling from the Market (instead of restoring from backup) and restoring settings only. That's the fun side of this whole stuff.
ywliu

[Q] flash vs recovery

Hiya, i've got to satisfy my curiosity. In any instructions in flashing roms, it is always said to make a recovery image. So my question is:
What is the difference between flashing a zip and restoring a recovery?
I know that a recovery will save setting and contacts etc, but in real terms of "i've got a bootloop and need to change my rom", what would the problem be in flashing from a zip and using my backup root to restore everything else?
Any replys greatly appreciated!

When you flash a new rom (zip) the settings, ... are stock (from the rom). After a restore everything is like you backed it up (normally ) - at least the settings, apps,... . I would recommend you to backup the apps also with TitaniumBackup or another equal app and the sms with Sms Backup & Restore. Just to be on the safe site

thans for the quick reply. just to clarify, is my backup (nandriod) was corrupted or by some freak chance i lot my sd with it on, there is not technical difference in just flashing a zip?

If you lose your backup (or it is corrupt,...) you loose your settings, apps and so on (->) After the installation of the rom there are only the stock apps, the stock "Desktop",... You could "repair" your phone with the rom, but a restore would be better in most cases

[Q] Rom backups and restore...

Hi folks... I'm fairly new to flashing ROM's (i know how to flash them and such) but I have a question about backups and restores of roms....I have searched and just dont see the exact wording im looking for.
Ok, So, I have clockwork, and rom manager and have done a backup of my rom.
Here is my question that isnt quite so clear to me.
When I flash a new rom, or say update one that I have where you have to wipe everything.... are these backups here to restore all of your programs and such to where you dont have to go back in and re-download everything when you have a new fresh rom installed.
Id love to try out a bunch of roms.. but I just hate having to go and re-download all of my programs each time I put a new one on... if that is how it has to be then so be it...
I just dont really know exactly what the backups im doing are for, or what they do.
Thanks for your help.

When I flash a new rom, or say update one that I have where you have to wipe everything.... are these backups here to restore all of your programs and such to where you dont have to go back in and re-download everything when you have a new fresh rom installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somewhat. A nandroid backup is a COMPLETE backup of your entire phone at the point you make the backup. All your apps, calls, texts, etc will be exactly like you made the backup. That's the beauty of nandroid backups, you can make one, try a new rom, and if you dont like it, restore your backup and there is no hassle re-installing apps and changing settings.
However, when you install a new rom, you have to wipe everything. So when flashing a new rom, you will not have anything, you will have to re-install your programs.

There are backup programs that will allow you to backup before a wipe and flash when installing a new ROM. You can then restore the user apps and data. You can also restore SOME system data but you have to be careful and it may be a trial and error process when restoring.
I use Titanium Backup. Some people also use MyBackup Root. I found that when I restored some of my apps with MyBackup they would Force Close when I tried to run them after a restore. That has not been the case with Titanium.
I have Titanium set to restore the apps to the original location. That way my apps restore to internal (DATA) or the the SD Card depending on where they were originally installed.
My process when I flash a new ROM:
- Backup all user apps + Data and System Data with Titanium.
- Nandroid Backup using Amon_RA
- Wipe System, Data, Dalvik and Cache
- Flash the ROM
- Reboot
- Create google account, etc.
- Install Titanium from the market.
- Restore user apps + data using titanium
You can also restore some system data. Depending on the ROM (and how different it was from the original) that can cause problems. If that happens go back to wipe and reflash the ROM again without restoring the system data.
I have had no problems restoring things like my SMS Messages and Call Logs. You can get into problems when you start restoring things like system settings or HTC Sense settings, etc.

Thank you both for the replies. This is exactly what i needed to know. I hope this thread helps others with similar questions.

There is one thing. CWM and ROM Manager have a history of not being reliable with backups.
Your best bet is to get Amon Ra and use that to make Nandroids.
4 I always have on my phone are my Stock/Rooted, my last ROM I was on, fully setup, my Current ROM, basic, before I restore and programs or apps/data, and my current ROM all setup.
If I flash a new ROM, I can just delete my older complete setup.