Develop Bugs

Flashing ROMs and backing up apps...

Question, how does backing up Apps with programs like Astro and TI or whatever work? Does it just keep you from having to re-download them from the market when you do a full wipe and flash a ROM? If so, does it restore their market link so that they are updateable? Or do they just do app data?
Sorry, I'm confused. I don't normally have much app data, so I just re-download all my apps each time, and was wondering if I was 'doing it wrong'.
And which program is recommended for backups?

I recommend Titanium Backup, but with the caveat that you should do some research to see how it works. It will back up apps, user settings, and even system settings - but that doesn't mean you can just restore them willy-nilly. For instance, if you backup your apps and app settings, then flash a new ROM, then restore those apps and settings, there may be conflicts between the new ROM and the old programs. It's really more of a just-in-case way to back things up. People have also reported that MyBackup works well. I use TI myself.
In fact, please read this article by flipz (he developed the Fresh ROMs).
All it does is basically takes a snapshot of your system. It copies app files and settings databases. Later, you can restore the apps and data (and even things like account settings and scenes if you know what you're looking for) and be back where you were, as long as things work correctly. There are batch operations, but it all still takes a while to be safe and know that you're not restoring things that will break your system.
It's good, but I recommend a complete nandroid backup (ClockworkMod or Amon RA) if you're not jumping around between ROMs. That's really a better "everything" backup method.
Hope that helps.

[Q] Problems with backups, how to restore missing apps

Dear All
Having a rooted Desire with Froyo and Apps2SD+, i needed to migrate to a bigger 16 GB card. In that (failed) effort I decided to remove all apps and then restore them.
I backed them up via MybAckup Pro and Titanium Backup. Then, after reboot, no backups were detected by TB. I even wrote to the support but no answer. I had to revert to MyBackup Pro which apparently had a mind of its own regarding which apps to restore. Now Google Maps is missing on my phone and neither will it install. Also, com.gapps are closing on me every minute.
I have decided to do a factory reset but it'd be nice if a few questions are answered first:
1) I understand that NANDROID is the best way to back up; however, it doesn't provide me a way to restore apps one by one or in batches. Any solutions?
2) When I do a factory reset, will I end up with a clean phone with root and my current custom ROM, or the phone as it came from Orange?
3) Is there a way to install Google Maps and to remove the gapps errors without factory reset?
4) If I restore from NANDROID after factory reset, will all the errors/instability come back as well?
Thanks

1) Nandroid does an image of your custom phone, like for example Norton Ghost would do. Its like saving the setup/state of the phone at the time you do the backup.
2) A factory reset deletes all user data. You end with your current ROM as it was a clean install, it will not change the ROM you're using. If you're using a custom ROM you will still be with that custom ROM.
3) Can't Google Maps be downloaded from Market? Also you can try to extract the .apk from a ROM and copy it to yours via adb for example. As for the errors I dont really know if they're because data corruption and a reset will fix them or its the apk that isnt working as intended.
4) As I said earlier, doing a Nandroid is doing an image of the current state of the phone. If you do a Nandroid of a phone that has errors and you restore it, the errors wont disapear.
If you want to have a backup of the list of apps you already have you can use AppBrain. Its a little app that syncs your list of apps from the phone into a google account so when you do a full wipe you have only to install that app again and sync with the saved google list of apps. It wont save the data of the aplications but it will save the list of the ones you've installed.

Azureus: That is a most helpful reply, I sincerely appreciate it.
Google maps is not appearing in the market. I tried to sideload it and it still doesn't install. Thanks for the GREAT AppBrain trick.
I would appreciate if you could answer:
1) Which is the best, most stable custom ROM to use with official Froyo+Sense, Apps2SD+ ? I have doubts about stability of current ROM.
2) Which app can enable me to back up apps and then restore them one by one, given that Titanium Backup is not working for me somehow?

1) I personally use OpenDesire and its a non Sense UI ROM, so I dont really know what Sense UI ROM is the best. I've tryed several Sense UI ROMs and two that gave me a good feeling where LeeDrOiD Mod and the official Sense ROM of OpenDesire Team.
2) I've tryed several apps for data backups and the one that I liked most was Titanium Backup... May I ask why isnt working for you? I've tested both the free and donate version and they seem to work pretty well...

Thanks. Will try Leedroid now.
As for titanium, or backs up everything all right but when I try to restore it shows nothing. Don't know why is that

Titanium Backup saves the backups by default in a folder as the same name as the app in your SD. Have you tried deleting all the folder and doing backups again to see if the restore works? You can also go to settings and change the default folder in which it saves the backup to see if its a problem with de folder/SD or its the app.

still can't understand the deal with TitaniumBackup

Ok, so to me this program seems great - backs up pretty much EVERYTHING for me, so that if I flash and wipe a new rom, it restores everything to a usable level. Now my issue is I can't understand what people mean when they say you might as well not wipe at all. If you can't use TB to restore after a wipe, what is the point of using TB at all???
Is there a way to select parts that are "ok" to restore after a wipe? or is TB pretty much pointless?
Thanks

Read this it will help explain how TB can mess with your ROM.
http://geekfor.me/faq/why-you-shouldnt-be-using/

P_Dub_S said:
Read this it will help explain how TB can mess with your ROM.
http://geekfor.me/faq/why-you-shouldnt-be-using/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I read that but his post didn't really make it clear for me:
problem is that when a user makes the backup on one rom/build/version and imports it on another
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly does this mean? I am running CM6 nightlies. Should it be wiped and not restored via TB each time? What about going from RC1 to RC2?
If the situation is such that you can restore via TB, then why not just flash the new one and skip wiping altogether?

Well one nice thing about Cm rom's is you can have google backup all the programs you download from the Market so no need for TB there. Where the problems can lie with TB is the SQLlite database files when restoring your user settings. If something has changed from rom versions and you restore your old sqllite settings and now its missing some information thats needed for the newer version rom it can cause problems like force closes or reboots.
For nightly's I just upgrade without a wipe. If I do have any quirks then I try a wipe which usually fixes whatever quirk I'm having.

P_Dub_S said:
Well one nice thing about Cm rom's is you can have google backup all the programs you download from the Market so no need for TB there. Where the problems can lie with TB is the SQLlite database files when restoring your user settings. If something has changed from rom versions and you restore your old sqllite settings and now its missing some information thats needed for the newer version rom it can cause problems like force closes or reboots.
For nightly's I just upgrade without a wipe. If I do have any quirks then I try a wipe which usually fixes whatever quirk I'm having.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, I've been skipping the wipe unless there is a quirk.
So basically it sounds like TB is a total waste of time if you are running CM6? Sorry... just hard for me to understand why people love the program so much if there is no real application for it? Or is it just outdated by the backing up with Google?

it's like this - TB allows you to backup apps and settings. You may want to use this in addition to the backup that google provides - what if you find a great app, but its removed from the market? I don't think that the google backup will help you then - it will only restore what's currently in the market (disclaimer - I don't use CM6, so I'm not 100% on that).
The waste of time thing comes into play with people who have issues with a rom, so they re-flash the rom and restore apps and settings with TB. It might have been some of the settings (that were just restored with TB) that were causing the issues in the first place.

fachadick said:
it's like this - TB allows you to backup apps and settings. You may want to use this in addition to the backup that google provides - what if you find a great app, but its removed from the market? I don't think that the google backup will help you then - it will only restore what's currently in the market (disclaimer - I don't use CM6, so I'm not 100% on that).
The waste of time thing comes into play with people who have issues with a rom, so they re-flash the rom and restore apps and settings with TB. It might have been some of the settings (that were just restored with TB) that were causing the issues in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^what he said
I LOVE TB but I use it to restore my apps and their data ONLY, I do not use it to restore system data.

I think with tb....when you restore your apps you have the choice to restore the apps with out the user data. Also you can choose to wipe them of data Before you restore.
Powered By CM-6 + Snap

berardi said:
yeah, I've been skipping the wipe unless there is a quirk.
So basically it sounds like TB is a total waste of time if you are running CM6? Sorry... just hard for me to understand why people love the program so much if there is no real application for it? Or is it just outdated by the backing up with Google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlike Google's backup, TB backs up your /data/data folder, not just the APK's from your market-downloaded applications.
In other words, it backs up your application data, your apps you installed manually/downloaded, and all of your settings, such as Bluetooth name and pairings, WiFi networks (and security settings), etc.
My rule of thumb is, if going from one build to another (ie, Stock to CM6, etc.) then do NOT restore any system settings/apps. Just do a backup of YOUR apps, as-is, move over to the new ROM, restore apps and their settings, then go to the Market and update everything. Simple as that, and you shouldn't get any errors.

fachadick said:
it's like this - TB allows you to backup apps and settings. You may want to use this in addition to the backup that google provides - what if you find a great app, but its removed from the market? I don't think that the google backup will help you then - it will only restore what's currently in the market (disclaimer - I don't use CM6, so I'm not 100% on that).
The waste of time thing comes into play with people who have issues with a rom, so they re-flash the rom and restore apps and settings with TB. It might have been some of the settings (that were just restored with TB) that were causing the issues in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks that definitely helps. Market-removed apps seems like a good reason to have it. (I already bought it just trying to determine how to use it anyways)
Ok so is it fair enough to say it has a relatively "niche" market with the addition of market backups? I hate to be a bull in the ChinaShop but it seems like people really tip toe around the idea of TB being outdated by market backups. I get the general idea of what you guys are saying but I'm trying to decide what I want to do in personal practice.
I don't think I've experienced any issues but who knows if I've had less than optimal performance because of restoring previous settings. Are there any "safe" items that can be backed up and restored or is nothing really "safe" they all have entries in sqlite database that might be duplicated?
Thanks again guys for humoring me

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.

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!
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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