Develop Bugs

The big "how do you restore your apps and settings after flashing a ROM" thread?

The big "how do you restore your apps and settings after flashing a ROM" thread?
Hi all,
Just rooted my phone a couple of days ago and been playing around with some ROMS.
Now I've found one to my liking so I am installing configuring everything again but what if there's a new version of my ROM I want to install, I have to do everything all over again which is a bit silly in this modern time
As I see it
- you have apps installed from market
- you have manually installed apps (e.g. modded widgets, applications and stuff)
I currently use Astro to backup the apps, this works well but
- the market doesn't recognize the apps (to do with market cache I suppose)
workaround: you can use the atrackdog app to follow application updates
- it doesn't restore app settings
some of my apps have backup mechanisms of their own but not all
I've flashed a GB rom now and I've selected the google backup option, is this reliable? What does it exactly backup?
Any other tools available? I heard about titanium back but also read stories where it doesn't always work.
Anyhoew: what do you use? what works for you?
Would be great if we could consolidate everything here and figure out the best/easiest way.
Cheers
B

Titanium Backup - restores apps and data
Job done

EddyOS said:
Titanium Backup - restores apps and data
Job done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do the apps show up in the market again?
Cheers
B

Titanium backup - backups apps dta/settings fo apps. and basically everythig (settings,sms etc.).

berre said:
Do the apps show up in the market again?
Cheers
B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they do.

ok great so how's the best way to use this?
I've downloaded the free version, and the busybox
I guess I have to use the filter for files of type "user" so I only see my apps?
which batch should I run then, backup all user data + system data?
*edit will this restore stuff like my launcher settings and design, email accounts in enhanced email and stuff like that too?
cheers
B

Don't know, just used it to backup my Angry Birds saves as the rest I do from scratch anyway

berre said:
ok great so how's the best way to use this?
I've downloaded the free version, and the busybox
I guess I have to use the filter for files of type "user" so I only see my apps?
which batch should I run then, backup all user data + system data?
*edit will this restore stuff like my launcher settings and design, email accounts in enhanced email and stuff like that too?
cheers
B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost everything will be restored. Free version will prompt for each app
Swyped with my Starburst based Desire. Forgive any typos!

Be careful backing up system settings though as they often don't restore very well on different ROMs, i broke my first flash on Cyanogen by restoring bluetooth settings from a Sense ROM.

I use My backup Pro app for this
And I can backup and restore everything but the widgets

Open Titanium, click Backup/restore, hold down the menu key then go to batch, then backup all user apps. Don't back up system settings, as this will conflict with the new OS and cause instabilities. Android should auto backup Wi-Fi and calendars online for you, mine does, but it's Gingerbread 2.3.3 I'm not sure if this feature was around in the Froyo days.
Everything will be restored as it was, except widgets on the homescreen, you'll need to remove them and put them back on, all settings for them will save so you don't have to mess about customizing things.
You've probably worked it out by now, but just in case this is my 2 cents.

I'm using Titanium Backup for the Apps.
For the Messages I've got MyBackup and MIUI Backup but I prefer MyBackup because I've got different Roms.
But I never restore the System Settings.

I just don't factory reset, format, wipe or however you call it when I flash a rom, I lose the texts though.

Question about rom's... or to rom users

Hi, I've got a recently rooted HTC desire, and since rooting it I have been playing around with a couple of roms; I have tried both cyanogenmod and a desire hd rom. However with both I have had the same problem - having to start fresh completely, without any of my data. And then having to restore a backup.
So my question is firstly, am I doing something wrong? I have tried restoring my data before but all I ever get is a bootloop when I restart so I have to wipe it again.
And then, if you do have to start afresh, is it really worth it? And why.
Thanks for reading
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

HikerMan said:
Hi, I've got a recently rooted HTC desire, and since rooting it I have been playing around with a couple of roms; I have tried both cyanogenmod and a desire hd rom. However with both I have had the same problem - having to start fresh completely, without any of my data. And then having to restore a backup.
So my question is firstly, am I doing something wrong? I have tried restoring my data before but all I ever get is a bootloop when I restart so I have to wipe it again.
And then, if you do have to start afresh, is it really worth it? And why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try to keep it simple.
You say you've tried restoring your data? With...Clockworkmod? Or what? If you restore only /data-partition with Clockworkmod (I'm not sure if it's even possible, never have tried it) you are bound to have problems.
Same goes with Titanium Backup. When you're switching ROM from say, a Sense rom to Cyanogenmod - don't ever restore all settings. The ROM's are too different and their settings aren't compatible with each other! I myself only restore WiFi Access point list (and installed apps) when switching ROMs.
So if I've understood you correctly, you're not doing anything wrong (unless you're restoring a nandroid after flashing...)
A correct procedure for switching roms (not for updating the same ROM unless stated explicitly!) is:
-Titanium Backup/Mybackup/whatever your apps (and as little settings as possible, it's mostly trial and error)
-Nandroid backup (so you can revert when there are problems)
-Wipe data / factory reset (wipes everything but FAT32-partition of SD-card)
-Flash the new rom
-Restore your apps with TB/something else and manually input your settings (accounts, etc shouldn't be backed up either...)
Something you could consider if you want to jump ROMs all the time, is to set up your installation the way you like it, then do a nandroid backup, install a new rom, then set it up again and backup it, then if you want to switch these 2 roms you can just restore the one you want...Of course replacing the nandroid backup if you've done a lot of changes
Now for your last question: Starting fresh is worth it. Otherwise you will most probably run to force closes and other problems that force you to do a factory reset anyway.

Thanks for the reply! Very helpful... so if I go into titanium backup and backup all apps, will that backup contacts and text messages etc. also? Or will I have to lose them?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

HikerMan said:
Thanks for the reply! Very helpful... so if I go into titanium backup and backup all apps, will that backup contacts and text messages etc. also? Or will I have to lose them?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, I can't say about contacts, because I always sync them from my work Exchange & Gmail, and for text messages I recommend a free app called SMS Backup+ https://market.android.com/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync&feature=search_result
The software backs up your SMS to your Gmail as messages, to a label called SMS , and they can be restored with a click to your new rom.
Also People app (in Sense) and Dialer (in AOSP roms) can export contacts to SD so you can easily import them back.

Backuping before Super Wipe

Heya.
I want to backup my contacts, my SMSs and App Data before doing a super wipe and flashing a new rom. I'd also like to backup my phone settings and apps too, but that probably kinda removes some of the beneficial effects of the wipe.
I've used Titanium Backup to do these things before, but I've been getting more and more FCs that no one else using the rom have reported so I'm thinking my wiping hasn't been fully effective.
What are the best ways to backup these things? I want the backup methods to be easy to do and restore but should leave othing bad behind so I wouldn't get extra FCs.
Best for contacts: Google (?)
Best for SMS: ?
Best for App Data: ?
Thanks alot!

Diffler said:
Heya.
I want to backup my contacts, my SMSs and App Data before doing a super wipe and flashing a new rom. I'd also like to backup my phone settings and apps too, but that probably kinda removes some of the beneficial effects of the wipe.
I've used Titanium Backup to do these things before, but I've been getting more and more FCs that no one else using the rom have reported so I'm thinking my wiping hasn't been fully effective.
What are the best ways to backup these things? I want the backup methods to be easy to do and restore but should leave othing bad behind so I wouldn't get extra FCs.
Best for contacts: Google (?)
Best for SMS: ?
Best for App Data: ?
Thanks alot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use mybackup root and dont have any problems there is a free version on the market to try first.
Hit the thanks if it helped
Ricey

Before flashing a new rom be sure to do backups if you don't want to have problems. But also be aware that some programs may perform different on different ROMs because of kernel, sense ans no-sense roms etc. Some programs I backedup on some roms worked like charm and on some roms they FC, but after uninstall and instal from .apk program works again.
For program and DATA I use Titanium. You can restore only APP, Only DATA or both APP+DATA (which can restore high scores in games or program settings you set).
Titanium backup can also restore screens and system datas like Wi-Fi settings, accounts, SMS messages...... With that system data I found most problems because roms have a different versions of stock programs, and restoring data for facebook old version while backup is made on new version can be a problem. Happened to me. It is best if you restore system data to exact same rom or an updated version of last used rom (my experience).
Contacts you don't have to backup, at least i don't, because they will be pulled back to your phone when you set your google account.
I take screenshots of homescreen and app drawer, just in case that I don't forget something to install.
Full wipe you have to do when you completely moving from one rom to another. If you just upgrading you don't have to full wipe (only if it is necessary, but it will be written on home page of a rom developer). Every rom come with detailed instruction how to install. Some of them have application (.zip) to full wipe and format system. It there is such application you have to use it, if you want FC free DHD.
Hope it helps,

Thanks, looks good. Is it okay to move settings from older rom with older kernel and other things to a newer rom or can these cause force closes? How about app data, I'd like to keep my progress on few games for example, does backuping app data and moving them to a wiped fresh rom cause force closes?
Thanks!
EDIT: Didn't see the last post before this reply, it clears up stuff, thanks!

[Q] Constant FC from multiple android processes... wth?

So... after flashing MikG v3.0 and trying it out for a day (not that this is related to mikg rom), I went back to Synergy RLS1. EVO FC's android processes now. Media, Market vendor, or Mail. Just whichever it feels like FCing.
I've wiped all data, cleared my SD card of ghost folders, Flashed and reflashed. Still doing it. Also, I notice that my gallery and music apps take forever to load the mp3s and pics now possibly an SD read error? I've been running Synergy since June and not had this problem before.
Any ideas?
I don't know of any other options, unless it is an app that is causing all this (which I have no new apps that I haven't had in the last month(s))
Has this happened before to anyone >_>?
VERY Annoying. Can't use the phone for constant !FORCE CLOSE! windows

Did u restore any app data from backing up between roms?

-EViL-KoNCEPTz- said:
Did u restore any app data from backing up between roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply!
Nope. Not unless it has done it natively. Though, all my apps do download automatically after flashing Synergy.
How might I clear this?
I have Titatnium back up, though I don't use it. And astro, but I don't use the backup features on it either.

In titanium when u choose batch restore select app only, try reflashing fresh don't restore from Google restore apps only thru tibu and see if you still get the FC issue, I'm not 100% sure but I think Google adds app data with the backup and some apps data cause issues between roms I've had issues both from sense to sense and from sense to aosp or vice versa from app data causing errors in processes and force closing random apps or processes

Backing up several apps and restoring them, will cause FCs?

Hello all,
I am thinking of flashing another rom to my Desire (currently have: Cool3D Aces v5 - but there's a lot of lag).
I want to keep some of my applications with their settings and data..in example, handcent (messages, settings), poweramp (settings), ColorNote notes, any.Do notes and etc..
Which program will help me do that?
I think titanium backup might be perfect for my needs. After flashing the new rom, can I restore each one of these apps at the exact state they were?
Am I going to experience any force-closes?
Thank you for your time!

You won't have FC's but depending on rom you might get slowdowns. It is recommended to restore just apps without data.
Sent from my GT-P3100 using Flashes and Thunders

there are several apps available which do the same thing, though i've never had a problem backing up and restoring apps with titanium
to restore them in the exact state, you have to restore app + data (again i've not had a problem with this). it should restore all your preferences, and also useful for things like games so you save your progress :victory:...
if this doesn't work, as above, just restore the app only, set everything else up manually (though this is not much different from downloading the app from scratch, sort of defeating the purpose of titanium)
i think titanium can now backup and restore sms as well, though not tried it. handcent may have the feature built in too.
do not restore system data with titanium, as it's very likely incompatible between roms, and that would cause FC's!
(backup your contacts through google if you haven't already)

I never had a problem in restoring user apps alongwith data. Saved me loads of homework everytime. If FC happens you can always clear that app data.

If you are moving from a gb rom to ICS or Jelly and restore app data it can cause issues. Moving from one gb rom to another is usually fine. I use my backup pro as I prefer it over titanium.

Thank you all for your replies!
nlooooo said:
You won't have FC's but depending on rom you might get slowdowns. It is recommended to restore just apps without data.
Sent from my GT-P3100 using Flashes and Thunders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why slowdowns? :S
eddiehk6 said:
there are several apps available which do the same thing, though i've never had a problem backing up and restoring apps with titanium
to restore them in the exact state, you have to restore app + data (again i've not had a problem with this). it should restore all your preferences, and also useful for things like games so you save your progress :victory:...
if this doesn't work, as above, just restore the app only, set everything else up manually (though this is not much different from downloading the app from scratch, sort of defeating the purpose of titanium)
i think titanium can now backup and restore sms as well, though not tried it. handcent may have the feature built in too.
do not restore system data with titanium, as it's very likely incompatible between roms, and that would cause FC's!
(backup your contacts through google if you haven't already)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sms I am using sms backup and restore (great app!). For handcent what I really care is to save my customizations to the interface, like theme, fonts, etc..
What does system data contain? (an example?)
I am usually backing them up by exporting them to the sd as .vcf..
handy5876 said:
I never had a problem in restoring user apps alongwith data. Saved me loads of homework everytime. If FC happens you can always clear that app data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! So the data is making problems? :S
hans moleman said:
If you are moving from a gb rom to ICS or Jelly and restore app data it can cause issues. Moving from one gb rom to another is usually fine. I use my backup pro as I prefer it over titanium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good thank you!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is there going to be any problem as the rom I am using has A2SD functionality?
I just saw in this thread that there is also a "Dalvik.Cache To SD-EXT"..should I use it for now, to temporarily get more space?

Apparently davik on sd is a bit slower. I have had davlik on sd on several different roms and can honestly say I have never noticed a slowdown so go for it if you need the space.
You should be fine restoring if using A2SD. As mentioned earlier by handy if you get probs you might have to clear your app data. Worst case uninstall the problem app and re-install. If you get force close issues after restoring apps try fix_permissions.

I've got FCs when I restore a bunch of apps or all my apps with Titanium. My solution was to remember what apps did FC and restore them one by one with Titanium, et voila no more FCs
Don't know why this happens, but as long as I now know a solution for this I am quite happy