Develop Bugs

[Q] How to back up entire phone before downgrade for root

Hey guys,
I've searched the forums to no avail regarding this.
I'm currently on a newer sense rom on my desire z: 1.82. Which means if I want to root I need to downgrade. Every guide I read always starts with: make a backup. Good idea, but all the "complete backup" tools (titanium backup, rom manager, ...) require root to do their work.
So how the hell can I get a complete system image (preferably all partitions) without root so I could later return to my current stock rom with all my settings? Clearly I seem to be missing something here. I tried to start rom manager and titanium backup with psneuter temp root but that didn't work either.
Thanks for your help.
Cheers,
elitem0b

You can't, actually.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z(etta Awesome) using XDA App

Well since there is no other answer yet I assume that you simply can't do it ... what a shame. Anyway, to answer my own question there is a way to at least back up the apps, settings and system apps.
In case anyone else may need this:
Code:
adb pull /system/app/ c:\backup\destination\system\app
adb pull /data/app/ c:\backup\destination\data\app
adb pull /data/data/ c:\backup\destination\data\data
adb pull /data/misc/ c:\backup\destination\data\misc
First line backs up system apps
Second line backs up custom apps
Third line backs up custom apps' data
Fourth line backs up settings (e.g. wifi settings)
I put the apps in exactly the same folder structure so I know what to restore to which location in case I want to.
PS: You end up backing up more than you are probably able to restore (e.g. system apps) but it can't hurt
Cheers,
elitem0b

You can use titanium backup after temp root. If gyou use the rage method there is very low risk of damaging anything or even try using visionary for temp root ONLY then delete it after your done backing up and getting work root. This will allow you to save apps and data. Looks like you figured out a way to save system data but I wouldn't bother if I were you. All your contacts are backed up on Google anyway. There's not a whole lot of data to save that's worth risking a brick after.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

elitem0b said:
Well since there is no other answer yet I assume that you simply can't do it ... what a shame. Anyway, to answer my own question there is a way to at least back up the apps, settings and system apps.
In case anyone else may need this:
Code:
adb pull /system/app/ c:\backup\destination\system\app
adb pull /data/app/ c:\backup\destination\data\app
adb pull /data/data/ c:\backup\destination\data\data
adb pull /data/misc/ c:\backup\destination\data\misc
First line backs up system apps
Second line backs up custom apps
Third line backs up custom apps' data
Fourth line backs up settings (e.g. wifi settings)
I put the apps in exactly the same folder structure so I know what to restore to which location in case I want to.
PS: You end up backing up more than you are probably able to restore (e.g. system apps) but it can't hurt
Cheers,
elitem0b
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I just finally managed to downgrade. Here is what I did to back up.
I used Astro to back up apps. I can easily restore apps after downgraded (but I have to firstly download Astro in order to restore apps)
Contact and calendar was backed up with Gmail.
Navigation map was saved in SD, so I didnt need to do anything.
But I lose my emails in hotmail account. I cant download the older mails (unlike GMAIL)
Now, my next step would be to gain permaroot
Cheers...

[Q] How to start fresh?

Hi, I'd like to know how to completely start 100% fresh on my Evo. Will that require me unrooting and rerooting? I'm looking to switch to CM7 from CM6 and keep it that way, I messed around with a ton of different roms and have folders all over the place, a lot of which are named oddly and I'm not sure if they're important system folders. How can I basically get my phone back to a fresh state?
Also, when doing wipes/backups, what should you be selecting? For instance you can backup the "defaults" selected for you or check them all. What situations would you want to have everything backed up? And same goes for wiping?

First, delete any folders on your sd card you don't need anymore, then copy the rest to your desktop computer and reformat the card.
If you rooted with unrevoked, use the unrevoked s-on tool tool, then flash the RUU for your phone, and you'll be back to stock, out of the box. It's just that simple. Then you can copy the folders/files back to your sd card that you know you're gonna need
There are plenty of guides with links to the files you need on here, just do a search.

Edit: nvm
But, would formatting the SD card do the same thing as deleting all the folders? (I don't need anything on it)
And one last thing. Should I do every update to my phone that I can before rerooting? Or leave it at pure stock before rooting again?
Looking to get the most updated files that I can and not have to overwrite CM a million times.

c1o5ry1991 said:
Hi, I'd like to know how to completely start 100% fresh on my Evo. Will that require me unrooting and rerooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends. Do you want it like it was when you initially purchased it and want to return it to Sprint or just wiped clean? If it's the former, then yes.
I'm looking to switch to CM7 from CM6 and keep it that way, I messed around with a ton of different roms and have folders all over the place, a lot of which are named oddly and I'm not sure if they're important system folders. How can I basically get my phone back to a fresh state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I see. You will NOT have to lose root to do this. I suggest the following:
1. As already suggested, copy the contents of your SD card to a computer or external drive
2. Backup any of your 3rd party apps, if you haven't already.
3. Reboot into recovery and, if you're using amon RA v2.3, go to the wipe menu and wipe EVERYTHING in it, including the SD card.
4. Connect your device to your computer and then select the MS-USB option from within recovery. Afterwards, transfer CM7 and the associated gapps.zip to your SD card.
5. Flash the rom. NOTE: some people flash the gapps.zip immediately. I don't. After flashing the rom, I reboot to my homescreen. After a successful boot, I then reboot into recovery, wipe cache & dalvik and then flash the gapps.zip. After that, I reboot and sign in with my Google credentials.
6. Be patient during the initial boot process. You will appear to hang at the initial boot screen. Be patient.
Also, when doing wipes/backups, what should you be selecting? For instance you can backup the "defaults" selected for you or check them all. What situations would you want to have everything backed up? And same goes for wiping?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THE GOLDEN RULES:
If you make any changes to your current setup, go into recovery and make a nandroid backup and yes, you can use the default settings.
It is also good to have at least 1 backup of just your wimax keys saved to both your SD card and on a computer or external drive.
A. If you change roms, wipe everything except the SD card.
B. If you're updating a rom with a nightly build, wipe cache & dalvik.
C. If you're changing kernels, wipe cache, dalvik and battery stats.
D. If you flash anything else, wipe cache & dalvik.
posting & replying via the XDA Premium app.

wiping everything will get rid of all of the extra folders and what not that other roms have created and what not?
As for battery stats what is the "real" way to do that correctly?

c1o5ry1991 said:
wiping everything will get rid of all of the extra folders and what not that other roms have created and what not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES...The SD card will be formatted.
As for battery stats what is the "real" way to do that correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use amon RA v2.3 as my recovery and the option to wipe the battery stats is in the wipe menu near the bottom.
UPDATE: You can download amon RA's PC36IMG.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=705026
Place the file on the root of your SD card and then shut down your device. Simultaneously press the DOWN volume button and the power button until your device starts. After a short pause, a few lines of text will flash across the screen. Afterwards, the bootloader will automatically detect the PC36IMG.zip file and prompt you to install. Follow the easy prompt to install. Installation takes less than 10 seconds. Afterwards, reboot into your new recovery. Go to the wipe menu and wipe everything except the SD CARD, if you haven't already done so.
posting & replying via the XDA Premium app.

c1o5ry1991 said:
As for battery stats what is the "real" way to do that correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you are fully charged when you wipe battery stats. Also when you get everything setup here is a great app to calibrate battery,
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.nema.batterycalibration
*Cm7 Nook*

I see, thank you.

Got CM7 installed perfectly clean, love having a fresh setup. Anyway, I'll have to un-root in a few weeks for a bit.
When I re-root again, if I wipe everything out can I literally just copy/paste my current setup (the one with CM7 before un-rooting from above) back into the memory after i re-root/re-wipe again?

c1o5ry1991 said:
Got CM7 installed perfectly clean, love having a fresh setup. Anyway, I'll have to un-root in a few weeks for a bit.
When I re-root again, if I wipe everything out can I literally just copy/paste my current setup (the one with CM7 before un-rooting from above) back into the memory after i re-root/re-wipe again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go into recovery BEFORE you unroot and make a nandroid backup of your current setup.
posting & replying via the XDA Premium app.

Alright, would doing what i stated have the same effect though, out of curiosity?

Oh, and also I am having a problem I just came across now. "Attention: A server error has occurred. Retry, or cancel and return to the previous screen." often getting this when trying to search the market. Spamming retry works though sometimes, common issue?

c1o5ry1991 said:
Alright, would doing what i stated have the same effect though, out of curiosity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean can you copy your backup to a computer, wipe everything, etcetera before unrooting and copying the backup back to your SD card after you've re-rooted, then yes.
posting & replying via the XDA Premium app.

c1o5ry1991 said:
Oh, and also I am having a problem I just came across now. "Attention: A server error has occurred. Retry, or cancel and return to the previous screen." often getting this when trying to search the market. Spamming retry works though sometimes, common issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The server error *shouldn't* have anything to do with your device. The error is more than likely on Google's end.
posting & replying via the XDA Premium app.

I see, and no i meant literally copying the entire drive when attaching it as USB. Lastly, will the powersaver governer kill performance?

c1o5ry1991 said:
I see, and no i meant literally copying the entire drive when attaching it as USB. Lastly, will the powersaver governer kill performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can copy the entire contents of the SD card onto a computer and vice versa via a USB connection. As for the powersaver thing, the decrease in performance should not be that noticeable, however, it is designed to conserve power.
posting & replying via the XDA Premium app.

I see, thank you for the boatloads of information.

You're very welcome. Sorry for the delayed replies. I'm doing multiple things.......Take care.
posting & replying via the XDA Premium app.

[Q] how to backup /sdcard ?

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE REPLYING. IF YOU DON'T I'LL JUST REPORT YOU FOR SPAM.
just spent an hour trying to find a way to do this and no such luck. i've read that clockworkmod recovery, when doing a factory wipe does not wipe the /sdcard but i still would like to be able to make a backup.
I've tried simply doing a copy/paste but windows refuses to even attempt it. even trying to do one folder at a time gives me issues. i've resorted to using airdroid for all my file transferring needs.
But using airdroid, even trying to do a backup, it eventually goes so slow that it fails. I have 4Gb of data i want to backup, and eventually it just stops transferring. i could do it one file at a time but honestly i don't feel like spending hours.
so does anyone know of any program, or possible easy way, that won't take days, to backup the /sdcard

You could always use cloud storage. Sugarsync gives you 5GB for free. Also, you could try running an FTP server app on your phone and then connect to it from your computer. I've used FTPServer in the past and it has been pretty quick to transfer lots of data.(https://market.android.com/details?...t#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImx1dGV5LkZUUFNlcnZlciJd)

yeah, i've thought of that, my internet at home isn't that great though. 6Mbps down, 1Mbps up. so cloud storage hasn't worked that great for me in the past, but maybe i'll give that ftpserver a shot.
BTW, i would like absolute confirmation that if i choose Wipe data/factory reset in CWMR Touch 5.504 beta 3 it won't erase any of the data on /sdcard.
as i've read, any CWMR won't erase the sdcard partition, but doing that through ICS, will.

Isn't CWMR 5.5.0.4 the non-touch version? I was using 5.5.0.4 and I can confirm that "Wipe Data/Factory Reset" does NOT erase anything on /sdcard, but I haven't actually done it in any other versions.

Hmm... what about using terminal/adb shell to build a .tar(.gz) of /sdcard and just copy that over to your PC?

codesplice said:
Hmm... what about using terminal/adb shell to build a .tar(.gz) of /sdcard and just copy that over to your PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds like a good idea if possible. correct me if i'm wrong, but wouldn't that allow you to use adb to restore all of your sd contents as well?

palisaide said:
Isn't CWMR 5.5.0.4 the non-touch version? I was using 5.5.0.4 and I can confirm that "Wipe Data/Factory Reset" does NOT erase anything on /sdcard, but I haven't actually done it in any other versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
idk, mine has touch. not sure when/how i updated to it though. good to know that it doesn't though. thank you.

rsync backup for Android
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=871307
Since you're on Windows, you would need to setup an SSH server. People in that thread have done this. A Linux desktop would make things a tad easier though.
This is how I backup the microSD on all my phones.

neok44 said:
sounds like a good idea if possible. correct me if i'm wrong, but wouldn't that allow you to use adb to restore all of your sd contents as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe so. You'd of course have to find some other folder on your internal storage (not /sdcard) to store the tarball while it's being created.
Or heck, adb should be able to do it all for you:
Code:
adb backup -shared -noapk -nosystem
*should* (according to adb help output) backup your /sdcard to "backup.ab" in the current directory
Code:
adb restore backup.ab
*should* then restore it.

Also, checkout "adb backup"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351
Allows you to set a flag to include shared content (the microSD). You could probably get it to backup just shared content.

so i've gone through my whole sd card trying to figure out exactly how much data really needs to be backed up, and it's not much. biggest thing ist he 1.5GB CWM backup. everything else is pretty tiny.
so i'm thinking of giving the cloud a try.
are there any that anyone can recommend? I'm hoping for one that i'll be able to choose what folders to backup and have it automatically do it at a time that i set.

neok44 said:
so i've gone through my whole sd card trying to figure out exactly how much data really needs to be backed up, and it's not much. biggest thing ist he 1.5GB CWM backup. everything else is pretty tiny.
so i'm thinking of giving the cloud a try.
are there any that anyone can recommend? I'm hoping for one that i'll be able to choose what folders to backup and have it automatically do it at a time that i set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like dropbox + the DropSync app - best two-way cloud sync I've found yet.

Assuming you can get an MTP connection with your pc then try copying across the sdcard folders 1 at a time to back them up. First time I tried to back up the entire contents in a single go it seemed like it was stalled but it was actually just trying to work out how long it would take before starting and probably would have succeeded if left long enough. Copying the android folder and sometimes stall a copy so do that last.
Alternatively if you dont want to use cloud storage (which would take quite some time depending on upload speeds) you could try the backup option in my ToolKit which uses the latest version of adb and will give you an option to include internal storage in the backup file. Just make sure to check the backup file size after it completes as that function is a bit buggy in adb and has been known not to restore everything such as pictures and music so copy across what you can before starting.
Mark.

Thanks to both of you. I was able to do files one at a time and get them over. and luckily nothing was that big, except for the CWM backups. freaking 1.5GB, that alone is the reason why i wish i had a 32GB phone.
good to know that the toolkit has that option. i'll be sure to use that if i ever need to do a full backup in a hurry.
The dropbox dropsync solution sounds interesting and i'm gonna give that a try. basically i'm just trying to make sure my backup files from apps that don't use cloud syncing will be secure in case something ever goes wrong. with having only 13Gb in the phone i'm keeping most of my big stuff like movies in a 32gb microsd that i'm connecting with an OTG cable.

Although I don't think the tone of the first line of your OP is conducive to soliciting help, I'll thought in my two cents anyway.
The contents of your sdcard is located in /data/media. If you connect your phone to your PC, and open a command prompt in the same directory as your ADB.exe file, the following command will copy everything from your sdcard to your PC in a folder called sdcard_backup:
adb pull /data/media /sdcard_backup
Although not speedy by any means, I've successfully backed up over 8GB this way.

[Q] Going Nuts with "Application not installed"

What is going on with this. I am on caulkins el29.
I have just installed it and I wanted to put Digitalclock.apk back on the phone.
I tried one I downloaded.
I tried one that was in my apps backup..
I tried one that was in uninstalled system apps.
Nothing works.
I even tried pulling my external sd card. I tried installing with the cable plugged in.
I tried unmounting and reformatting my sd card.
Nothing will get this stupid app to install. I have now dedicated 4 hours to trying to install a clock.
Does anyone have an idea of what is happening? I am on an epic touch, rooted with caulkins el29

You need to paste it into system/apps then install it...you will need root explorer or other app ...I think Esfile explorer may work also
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Reboot bro.

Epix4G said:
You need to paste it into system/apps then install it...you will need root explorer or other app ...I think Esfile explorer may work also
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Androzip says that it can't move it due to system restrictions.
esfile explorer won't let me get off of the sd card.

phatmanxxl said:
Reboot bro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be a wise guy, but do you really think that I haven't tried rebooting the phone?

22350 said:
Not trying to be a wise guy, but do you really think that I haven't tried rebooting the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the only thing you didn't say you did, wipe cache and dalvik, reflash the rom, don't wipe data. It'll be back on there no problems.

phatmanxxl said:
That's the only thing you didn't say you did, wipe cache and dalvik, reflash the rom, don't wipe data. It'll be back on there no problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, went into recovery. Wiped cache and dalvik cache. Reinstalled the rom.
Same thing. None of the apk's on the sd card will install.

I've used root explorer to copy and paste it into system apps. Changed permissions to rw-r-r and sometimes need to reboot.
I have the version from an ics theme that has the green replaced with blue.
If youdd like to try that one I can upload and post.

jfcooley said:
I've used root explorer to copy and paste it into system apps. Changed permissions to rw-r-r and sometimes need to reboot.
I have the version from an ics theme that has the green replaced with blue.
If youdd like to try that one I can upload and post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that would be great

PM sent.
http://db.tt/pqzSankn
Just incase someone else may want.

jfcooley said:
PM sent.
http://db.tt/pqzSankn
Just incase someone else may want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that didn't work... I see a lot of posts from people about this issue, but no one seems to know what's going on.

I don't know then. I'm on Caulkins ICS and have just copied it over.
May be stupid question as I'm sure you've tried everything but did you try deleting the old first?
Sorry it didn't help.

none of the system apks (put in the uninstalled folder) will install.
stuff on the market installs fine.

Gotta get root explorer bro, always works for me use the same method with it and be sure to toggle read/write settings, if not, make sure you have full root access and not partial, you may want to reflash the rom too.

Getting errors while trying to install apks from the Removed_App/system_app folder on the Bare ROM?
Be sure to install them through ADB, root explorer, etc. Don't try to install them by clicking on it like you would a normal apk
Ex. ADB command
Code:
remount rw
cat /sdcard/Removed_Apps/system_app/App.apk > /system/app/App.apk
chmod 644 /system/app/App.apk
chown 0.0 /system/app/App.apk
reboot
Copied straight from Calk.

i have the same issue, some of the stuff from titanium back up wouldn't install, and the same files won't install from the market either.
these are some of the stuff i've tried but yet failed
1. wipe cache and delvic
2. tried on other ics roms
3. formated sd card.
4. rebooted the phone.
it justs says, couldn't install on usb drive or sd card.
I would really like a fix.
it happened ever since I've install ICS. i do not feel like going back to GB
1. because of chances of bricking.
2. because it's a hassel.

With TBU try preferences/App Processing Mode
if it's set for direct change to indirect or vice versa. Might help. Supposed to help if app hangs on restore

whats tbu?
---------- Post added at 03:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 AM ----------
jfcooley said:
With TBU try preferences/App Processing Mode
if it's set for direct change to indirect or vice versa. Might help. Supposed to help if app hangs on restore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do you do this? in the market or titanium?

Sorry, Titanium Back Up..= tbu.
Open Titanium, menu, prefrences, scroll down to "App Processing Mode"
Once you open it there are 3 choices. Direct, Indirect and a third I cantt remember.
The FAQ for Titanium recommends indirect if you have problems during restore (like it hangs).
Not sure this will help. Did for me on an app so thought I would offer.

jfcooley said:
Sorry, Titanium Back Up..= tbu.
Open Titanium, menu, prefrences, scroll down to "App Processing Mode"
Once you open it there are 3 choices. Direct, Indirect and a third I cantt remember.
The FAQ for Titanium recommends indirect if you have problems during restore (like it hangs).
Not sure this will help. Did for me on an app so thought I would offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you but it's only for pro users.

[Q] [How to] Save the just data from specific apps

Hello guys!
I want to format everything and give a fresh start on my GNexus. I am finding it very laggy and I think that the problem is on using the same app backup for almost an year. I make the full backup in the recovery and after wiping everything and installing a new rom, I restore everything. I believe that there are many apps in my phone that I don't use anymore and are there as trash that needs to be cleaned...
I know about Titanium Backup, but I'm on ART and I never learned how to use the damn program correctly, so there is much complication to just backup some apps. What I really need is a method for backing up JUST the data (ex: the savedata from the games) and not the apk. So that I can wipe everything in the phone (all the partitions), install the rom and fixes and everything and then intall via google play the apps again and put the backed data in its place again.
I don't know if I made myself clear, maybe I'm just complicating, but if you play or played roms on an emulator, you have the rom and its save. I want to backup the save file, delete the rom and the emulator itself. Then install the emulator again (clean install), donwload the roms (clean ones) and put the old save in the place. :good:
Well, thanks in advance :laugh:

Rayaxe said:
I know about Titanium Backup, but I'm on ART and I never learned how to use the damn program correctly,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium works on ART now, as is my understanding. It's not complicated to learn. Just select the app and hit backup, and Bingo Bango, you're done.
Then when you restore, you can select just data.
Piece of cake, ace.

yeah, I finnaly made it, my problem was ART, I didn't notice they updated the app ehehe
thanks

Yeah I personally don't recommend tibu. I've tried it myself and had issues related to Android version at the time and I just see this over and over. The other thing is that there are excellent options available without an app. My favorites for backing up just /data/data/<app_data_dir> are:
Code:
#> cp -a /data/data <backup_location>
OR you can use
Code:
#> adb backup -noapk -all
Type adb in terminal on phone or on computer to see more info for this one, that's basically it though. You can use adb to backup directly onto your phone or computer, very useful when you need some space!!
The most important thing though when you're backing up data is to preserve permissions and be able to set new ones for data if the apk owner "id" changes, e.g. app re-installations. Otherwise you'll run into some pretty bad problems.. not so fun. So definitely use a tar archive for file permissions preservation and some fast lzma lzop compression on top of the tar archive. 'busybox tar' usually has all of these options. A lot of roms' busybox and functions get stubbed and made useless, so I would check out Terminal IDE if you want to go this route. 'Definitely want the full gnu options and consistency. Vanir by itself is also good here, and I use it 24/7 for this reason. It really does have a hemi, they're not kidding.

7175 said:
Yeah I personally don't recommend tibu. I've tried it myself and had issues related to Android version at the time and I just see this over and over. The other thing is that there are excellent options available without an app. My favorites for backing up just /data/data/<app_data_dir> are:
Code:
#> cp -a /data/data <backup_location>
OR you can use
Code:
#> adb backup -noapk -all
Type adb in terminal on phone or on computer to see more info for this one, that's basically it though. You can use adb to backup directly onto your phone or computer, very useful when you need some space!!
The most important thing though when you're backing up data is to preserve permissions and be able to set new ones for data if the apk owner "id" changes, e.g. app re-installations. Otherwise you'll run into some pretty bad problems.. not so fun. So definitely use a tar archive for file permissions preservation and some fast lzma lzop compression on top of the tar archive. 'busybox tar' usually has all of these options. A lot of roms' busybox and functions get stubbed and made useless, so I would check out Terminal IDE if you want to go this route. 'Definitely want the full gnu options and consistency. Vanir by itself is also good here, and I use it 24/7 for this reason. It really does have a hemi, they're not kidding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looking for this method, very nice!
thanks, next time I need to backup I will use this xd