Develop Bugs

Backup and Restore

I read alot about wiping data in CWM3 and was wondering what that wipes and is it good to do periodically since it seems to be part of repair procedures. What gets wiped. Also what is the difference in backing up in CWM3 and My Backup Pro.
Thanks for helping us noob's learn.

When you wipe data/factory reset. You're clearing ALL the setup that had been done on the phone. So the next boot; it will act like it did when it was first taken out of the box.
Starting the tutorial and prompting to login or create a google account.
recovery backup is like an image of your phone; it is always best to use this when trying a theme or anything that could cause your phone to not boot. You can always go back into recovery and put your phone back into the state it was prior to the change (kind of like a restore point in windows)
the backup programs really just do apps their data and some system data but could not help you if a theme or kernel causes your phone to stop booting to android. This is more like copying files to a folder in windows and then copying them back when needed.
Either backups are good to have as they serve different purposes. ALWAYS backup your phone. It can save you much headaches later.
Hope that helped.

What is the proper way to rom hop?

Greetings,
I want to be able to seamlessly switch from CM7 to MIUI to Sense, etc., keeping all of my settings, apps, etc for each setup. I assumed that I can do this by simply configuring each and doing Nandroid backups. But, when I try to restore my Myn's backup, I get an error.
Anyone know the proper procedure rom-hopping like this?
Thanks!
mike

1. Backup current apps and data in titanium backup
2. In recovery, backup current rom
3. Full wipe [factory/data, cache, dalvik]
4. Flash rom, reboot.
5. When booted into new rom, restore apps and data, NOT system settings.
6.
And if you want to switch back, go to recovery, backup current rom, then restore the backup you want; no need to wipe.
Also you'll get restore errors if you renamed the folder using invalid characters, or its corrupted.

Yes, you can just keep nandroid backups of each ROM you like after you get them set up and running how you want. Then you can restore whatever setup you feel like that day.
You can also back up your apps w/ titanium, that way if you install any new apps, when you restore another ROM, you can use ti to restore any missing apps that you've installed since the backup was made.

To the OP, your post is incomplete without the error message
Your steps seem like the proper way to go between roms. What you need to be aware of is, some apps store their data on the sdcard. Depending what is stored, you may get issues. Beautiful wigets comes to mind. It stores the skins on the sd card.
Are you getting error messages restoring from the backup image itself? What error. Are your image files intact?

Might be your version of recovery. I had a problem going from CM7 to anything else. I switched the recovery version in Rom Manager and fixed it

Sorry, I overlooked that. What error are you getting?
1. What % was your battery at? If it's below 30-40%, it won't restore or backup.
2. Have you renamed the backup? You can only use certain punctuation in the names or it won't work.

teh roxxorz said:
1. Backup current apps and data in titanium backup
2. In recovery, backup current rom
3. Full wipe [factory/data, cache, dalvik]
4. Flash rom, reboot.
5. When booted into new rom, restore apps and data, NOT system settings.
6.
And if you want to switch back, go to recovery, backup current rom, then restore the backup you want; no need to wipe.
Also you'll get restore errors if you renamed the folder using invalid characters, or its corrupted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good advice. One thing I'm curious about though. When you do a rom backup, it saves your apps/data etc. anyway, right? When you "restore" a ROM everything is exactly like you had it. So why is it necessary to do a Titanium Backup of all your apps/data (other than prudent good practice obviously) when your ROM backup will have the same. Is there another reason I'm missing?
Second, when you say backup "apps + data" but NOT system settings, what exactly do you mean? When you do a batch backup w/ Titanium Backup you can choose to do Apps or Apps + all system data. How can you quickly and easily backup apps + app data without all system settings? Manually go in and select certain (green) system data?

I do it in case I download any new apps while on one ROM that may not be included in my nand backup.
I don't restore app data, but theoretically you could restore the newer app data as well.

Alpine- said:
Good advice. One thing I'm curious about though. When you do a rom backup, it saves your apps/data etc. anyway, right? When you "restore" a ROM everything is exactly like you had it. So why is it necessary to do a Titanium Backup of all your apps/data (other than prudent good practice obviously) when your ROM backup will have the same. Is there another reason I'm missing?
Second, when you say backup "apps + data" but NOT system settings, what exactly do you mean? When you do a batch backup w/ Titanium Backup you can choose to do Apps or Apps + all system data. How can you quickly and easily backup apps + app data without all system settings? Manually go in and select certain (green) system data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason for backing up your apps and data is because when you install a new rom, like going from CM7 > MIUI, you should always do a full wipe, which will erase your user apps; erases all phone content. When you boot into the new rom, the titanium backup data is on the sdcard, and can be restored from there; that's why. And doing a full wipe when flashing a new rom kills off a lot of problems, like random fcs, ect.
No, you do the batch operation for backup user apps + system data, just to be safe that you get the data for the apps. That makes it easiest. When you RESTORE, you go into batch, there's an option for restore only user apps and data, right above apps + system data.

Can you nandroid restore for apps & settings on new ROM or new version of same ROM?

Can you nandroid restore for apps & settings on new ROM or new version of same ROM?
Many people (myself included) are "flash-happy" and install new ROMs or ROM updates very frequently. While I love flashing new stuff, I hate the process of getting my phone set up all over again. Titanium Backup is currently my go-to app for backing up apps and restoring them after a flash. Nova Launcher has been super-helpful in keeping my widgets. However, many apps don't work until you open them after a restore (1Weather, Adfree, LightFlow, Lux, etc). So generally, the following is my tedious process for flashing:
1. Assign labels in TiBU to the apps I want to restore and run "backup all apps + data"
2. Wipe Data, Cache, Dalvik, Battery Stats
3. Flash ROM, GApps, Kernel, etc. Fix permissions
4. Install TiBU and then painstakingly restore apps (only non-system), then restore data for those apps.
5. Open each app and configure where necessary
6. Go through all the ROM settings and set them the way I like (nav bar icon size, clock posiiton, battery icon, etc etc etc).
Just the thought of going through this whole process makes me hold off on flashing too often, and I usually end up saving flashes for when I have a big chunk of time. Some people, I've noticed, flash new ROMs like they've got nothing better to do. It makes me wonder... do they have some trick for quickly restoring their phones after each flash? Is there some way to condense or streamline steps 4-6 in my process?
A Nandroid backup saves the System and Data partitions. What info does each partition contain? I realize that each ROM is different and it might be problematic to restore settings of one ROM to another, but what if you're simply upgrading to a newer version of the same ROM? I'm wondering if I can make a nandroid backup of CNA 3.6.6 and then restore only the Data partition after flashing CNA 3.8.0 so that the new ROM is in place but all the apps and settings are restored from the previous setup. If this does work, is it stable and smooth?
Or if I'm completely off about using Nandroid for this purpose, does anyone have any methods for getting back up to speed quickly after flashing new ROMs?

In titanium backup you can go to settings > create update.zip so next time you flash a new rom gapps etc you can install the update.zip as well and have TiBu off the back. If you have the pro key it will be more beneficial to you. You do have to log into you google account if you have the pro key before opening TiBu. I use Paranoid Android and I can backup my rom settings idk how CNA does it. That one you might have to manually do.
Between ROM updates you don't have to wipe data. Just Cache and dalvik.
I have recovered my data partition between wipes before but stopped because everytime I update or flash a new rom I usually go for a new look.
Here is my process between flashing new roms
1. Backup everything in TiBu (I already have the update.zip so I skip that. You only need to do it once or if the app gets updated)
2. Go into recovery wipe data, system, cache, dalvik
3. Install rom, gapps, kernel, TiBu
4. Restart
5. Load up sign into google account
6. Open TiBu and restore everything
Some apps naturally won't restore everything like Adfree for example will put the hosts file in your system for you, when you back that app up your only backing up the settings. When you back it up it only backs up the settings. Dropbox and Skydrive I have to manually sign back in. I never had lightflow so I don't know how that works. Its a little tedious but I usually give a rom a few hours before I actually go through all that.
Hope it helps

If you don't want to have to log in to your Google account before using the full version of Titanium Backup, just use App2Zip to make a flashable zip of TiBu and its Pro key. Then just flash it last, boot, and batch restore the rest of your apps and data.

Subscribed

I think CWM screwed me

I should be able to flash a backup I made with CWM recovery in CWM recovery, correct? Or would I have to adb push it?
I moved to 4.2.1 but not a fan of it at this point and want to go back using a backup (4.1.2) I made with CWM, but it won't flash. So at this point I'm trying to save my photos, notes, texts, and my titanium backup of apps and do a complete wipe using wugs (unroot/relock then reroot/unlock). Or should I be able to get away with just doing a format on my sdcard/system/cache/data and data/media (options in CWM)? Since going to 4.2.1 I have also lost a significant amount of free space.
BTW I have tried TWRP before and went back because I didn't like the layout but damn if your recovery can't even handle its own backups what the hell is it good for? TWRP here I come again.

you know it moves everything to a folder called 0 on the internal memory, right...?

A lot of the following is probably overkill but what I'd do is...
1. Backup everything I wanted to keep when in Android 4.2.1 onto my PC (Nandroid backups, photos, music, etc.)
2. Flash the factory 4.1.2 image
3. Boot up to make sure it's working
4. Restore nandroid in CWM
Chances are there are easier ways of doing this but I'd be happy knowing that is 100% right then have the potential for it going wrong

derekwilkinson said:
you know it moves everything to a folder called 0 on the internal memory, right...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bud I have tried to flash it out of every folder I have access to in CWM Recovery
The folder's I have tried, after choosing install zip from sdcard:
sdcard/0/clockworkmod/backup/ - 4 backups in here but wont flash any of them - says no files found when I try to flash one
sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/ - can actually see 2 backups in here (ones I don't want, just wanted to see where they were placed in 4.2)
sdcard/legacy/ - no files found
But stupid me did just realize the CWM backups I have been creating aren't zips? So I need to figure out how to get to sdcard/clockworkmod/backup and place my backup folders here. So I will be able to see them when I choose Backup and Restore - Restore

CWM can't see the backups in the '0' folder, it stores them on /data/media (or is it /media/data??) so unless you have a file manager with root access you won't get them back

EddyOS said:
CWM can't see the backups in the '0' folder, it stores them on /data/media (or is it /media/data??) so unless you have a file manager with root access you won't get them back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My my my you are the man. It looks like it is data/media/clockworkmod/backups.
I am going to try to Restore my latest 4.1.2 nandroid tonight, after I had a chance to back every thing up, but I'm guessing it's going to keep the current file structure though.

The best way to upgrade to 4.2.1 from 4.1.2 is
1.Flash all factory images from fastboot apart from recovery,@ recovery step flash twrp 2.3.3.0 and you are all set to no '/0' bug,
2. Downgrade to 4.1.2 ? Flash factory images of 4.1.2 , just keep the recovery as twrp 2.3.3.0, at present it is the best possible recovery for maguro for handling the '/0' bug , it doesnot delete the layout file.
And restoring nandroids in between the versions can make every file very clumsy, take some time and flash stock images to get rid of that.

BaMaDuDe87 said:
My my my you are the man. It looks like it is data/media/clockworkmod/backups.
I am going to try to Restore my latest 4.1.2 nandroid tonight, after I had a chance to back every thing up, but I'm guessing it's going to keep the current file structure though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After downgrading you will still have the /0/ folder with all data. So many apps wont recognize that the backups are there available to be restored. You can just point to the "new" backup location that now exists in the /0/ directory.
Example: Titanium backup will tell you there is no restore data unless you go into preference and point it to the right folder in /0/.
Example 2: Nova launcher will not see the backups. Manually move them via Root explorer or similar from the /0/data/ to the /data/
..and so on.

I guess I will be flashing the factory image then.
1. Backup everything I need/want (photos, notes, sms, and grab latest copy of titanium backup folder)
2. Format system/cache/sdcard just because
3. fastboot - factory image (4.1.2)
4. Phone should still be unlocked/rooted (on current bootloader/radios correct?)
5. fastboot - twrp
5. Restore everything else
Or use Wugs to take back to stock, then fastboot unlock, root, add CWM recovery might be the easier way at this point. Restore nandroid and everything else. Then add TWRP and remove CWM.
Sorry trying to talk this out with you guys and wrap my head around what I am in for. I know it's not hard, just frustrating to think I could possibly lose some things.

Better Recovery TWRP
BaMaDuDe87 said:
I guess I will be flashing the factory image then.
1. Backup everything I need/want (photos, notes, sms, and grab latest copy of titanium backup folder)
2. Format system/cache/sdcard just because
3. fastboot - factory image (4.1.2)
4. Phone should still be unlocked/rooted (on current bootloader/radios correct?)
5. fastboot - twrp
5. Restore everything else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be bossy but the latest version of TWRP seems to do a better job handling user folder /0. Its also touchscreen and [email protected]$$ so there is really no comparison....:highfive:

Yea I tried it, thought I was more comfortable with CWM and this bit me in the ass, so TWRP it is when I get everything straightened out

[Q] ROM Hopping Help

I want to hop to a new ROM, but it is a real pain to restore everything. Is there a quick way?
I am on Wompasaurus. Before was LJ1 stock rooted then MA7 DeOdexed then Womp. I want to try some more but hours and hours it takes to get everything running is ridiculous.
I have Titanium Backup, TWRP(GooManager), ROM Manager, ROM Toolbox and SManager. If I need something else, I get it.
SIDE NOTE: I was able to backup the 4.2 Gallery. But Titanium backup cannot find the 4.2 Camera.

Lord Sekhmet said:
I want to hop to a new ROM, but it is a real pain to restore everything. Is there a quick way?
I am on Wompasaurus. Before was LJ1 stock rooted then MA7 DeOdexed then Womp. I want to try some more but hours and hours it takes to get everything running is ridiculous.
I have Titanium Backup, TWRP(GooManager), ROM Manager, ROM Toolbox and SManager. If I need something else, I get it.
SIDE NOTE: I was able to backup the 4.2 Gallery. But Titanium backup cannot find the 4.2 Camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Titanium Backup and Backup Your Mobile. Titanuim backup for apps and data. Backup Your Mobile for call logs, sms, mms, user data dictionary and wifi networks. I believe ROM Toolbox will do all of that and more. However just make sure that you save your backups to external sd and not internal sd as you will lose them if you do a full wipe of internal memory when you switch ROMs.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

Small problem. I use extsd2internalsd2.
Where should I put the backup?. Currently I transfer all my backups to my desktop.
EDIT : I installed Backup Your Mobile and ran it. THANKS!!

Lord Sekhmet said:
Small problem. I use extsd2internalsd2.
Where should I put the backup?. Currently I transfer all my backups to my desktop.
EDIT : I installed Backup Your Mobile and ran it. THANKS!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Extsd is your external sd which is where you want to keep your backups as well as always keeping a copy some where else like a desktop.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

In case anyone is reading my thread for help / ideas, I figured out a shortcut.
When every app is working, use TB Batch Action -user apps. Save this to some place safe. Before doing a full wipe re-backup apps with changing data . i,e. games

After you get your ROM setup exactly like you want it go into twrp go to backup and make a nandroid backup. Backup your data, boot, and system I believe they are. (The first three options) choose the option to compress the backup as it will save it the exact same way just save space by compressing it and shaving 40-50% off the size.
Then after it says backup wad successful. Reboot system. Use ROM toolbox and backup all your user apps+data. Then go to your contacts choose export to sd.. Make a"V card" export all your contacts to your sd. Then download sms backup&restore app.. backup all your texts. Then after these steps are done reboot to recovery (TWRP) go to wipe and wipe (assuming you already have other ROM zips on your sd or external sd saved and ready to flash) wipe cache, Dalvik cache, system, factory reset, system, factory reset.. In that order. Back out to main TWRP menu. .
Choose Install and install your ROM zip of your choice. After it installs successfully and reboots setup your phone and get to home screen. Go to market install rom toolbox again. After that is installed open and scroll to backups. Restore all Apps+data that you want. While that's restoring open contacts choose import from sd.. choose vcard files... choose the one you just made and restore...
Once your apps restore open sms backup&restore them restore your texts... setup any thing else you want/need widgets settings options etc..
After the new ROM is setup to your liking. Scroll back to the top and repeat till you have solid Nandroid backups (Twrp backups) of all the ROM'S you want.
Then anytime you want to change between then you reboot to recovery (twrp) wipe with above said method then hit restore choose the ROM you want to restore to and voila you'll literally be where you left off to a T even the same messages and websites still open... Only thing you might want to do between nandroid flashes is backup any NEW apps you downloaded recently. Our make a new backups of text messages with sms backup&restore if you want your texts always up to date...
If this helped which I hope it did cause its laid out, then hit the Thanks button:good:
Have a great afternoon
-Tw1steD