Develop Bugs

[Q] Advanced ROM flashing techniques

I just learned how to root and flash ROM's for my evo a few days ago and I had a few questions now that I got the basics down.
1) Do I have to do a "data wipe, then cache, then Davlik" if I am just flashing a kernel and/or theme?
2) Is there a way to save NAND backups onto my computer so I have multiple versions of a rom/kernel combination?
3) Is there a way to save sense and all of my programs before I flash a ROM so that after I flash I don't have to type my username/password in all of my programs and reorganize my UI?
4) Are there any useful tips out there to make this process easier?

nitrosilver said:
I just learned how to root and flash ROM's for my evo a few days ago and I had a few questions now that I got the basics down.
1) Do I have to do a "data wipe, then cache, then Davlik" if I am just flashing a kernel and/or theme?
No you do not have to wipe data cache and dalvik for themes and kernels. some may say they advice it but personally i have literally flashed them hundreds of time with out and never had an issue. the exception is if the dev says you should flash ... always listen to the dev.
2) Is there a way to save NAND backups onto my computer so I have multiple versions of a rom/kernel combination?
Yes just conenct the phone to a computer navigate to where the nand are stored and copy them over. for clockwork it is ussually int he clockwork folder for amon ra the backup folder.
3) Is there a way to save sense and all of my programs before I flash a ROM so that after I flash I don't have to type my username/password in all of my programs and reorganize my UI?
It is not advised. while you can back up all your apps and there data it is not recommended to restore the system data between roms. The reason being it can cause conflicts with changes made by the dev. It is a little bit of a hassle but it is best to type back in your username/password and reset up your home screen.
4) Are there any useful tips out there to make this process easier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back u apps with titanium back up (if you dont have it get the paid version) otherwise it is going to take a few minutes to set up your rom once you flash it there isnt much you can do that is "safe"

1. Thats the way Ive always done it.
2. Yea copy the nand folder to your computer.
3. I use my backup pro, its simple quick and easy. Some people like Titanium backup but every time I used it its always caused problems for me.
4. My method: Backup apps+app data using backup app, nandroid backup, wipe+cache+dalvik, flash ROM, download backup app and restore.
A little tip, I always add the backup apk to my ROM using winrar so I can restore my apps immediately after I flash.

Thanks! That was quick. This forum is awesome!

Upgrading the LG Thrill 4G P925 to V21A_00.KDZ FIRMWARE Official European GB

I just successfully upgraded my US LG Thrill 4G to the European Gingerbread by following adixtra's instructions on this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1287236 (thank you adixtra!). I ran into a few issues that I was able to resolve and wanted to share here, hoping to help others not to kill themselves on this process.
So I went through the exact steps in adixtra's instructions. Make sure you do install the http://smallsrv.com from unknown_world's thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1473781 to prevent the LG Tool from calling home. I didn't do this at my first try and wasted a lot of time.
BEFORE YOU PERFORM ANY CHANGES ON YOUR PHONE
Make sure you backup your data because you will probably have to do a system data wipe after the upgrade. I have been using Titanium Backup, Super Backup, and APN Backup & Restore for a while and I'm very happy with all of them. The Titanium Backup offers batch options for automation and many other useful features.
[Optional] You can write down the information under "Settings/About phone" so you can compare after the upgrade. One of the things you'll notice is that your phone will be identified as P920 instead of P925. No biggie.
Remember that the upgrade will remove root and Clockworkmode from your phone, so make sure you have the recovery.img file handy and that you can access the flash card from your computer. Refer to this thread for the recovery image: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1257588.
So, after I followed all steps to the letter to upgrade my LG Thrill, the phone did a reboot, and it got stuck in the boot logo. I could not get into the recovery mode no matter what I did. So I turned it off, removed the flash card and placed it into my computer, created a folder called "data" and placed the recovery.img inside that folder. Then I was able to get into recovery mode and delete my data. Here are some good and simple steps: http://www.hard-reset.com/lg-thrill-4g-android-hard-reset.html. That's what I did.
So all your data is gone now but you have your backups!
After wiping the data you will be relieved when you see your phone come to life again with a newer and more robust OS (FINALLY!).
All you have to do now is install your backup apps and restore your data. With Titanium Backup I restored all missing apps and their data. Restored my contacts, messages, and call log using Super Backup, and restored my APN settings using APN Backup & Restore. And of course, re-design your layout the way you want it. Just like getting a new phone!
So far I have not had any issues. All features are working, including the new ones. Even the display graphics look better!
Oh, and to root your phone back again just use the Super One Click app. Simple instructions here: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-lg-thrill-4g-with-super-one-click-app-guide/.
Best of luck!

New Galaxy Nexus Unlock/root/mod/restore

Hi all, I know there are separate threads for all of this but I'd really appreciate if someone could just clarify if I'm doing this correctly. I've just ordered a new uk Gnex (wahey), and am in the process of backing up my apps (titanium backup) and copying my SDcard contents onto my PC, for when the Gnex comes. This is my game plan:
1) Use gnex toolkit to unlock bootloader, root and flash CWM
2) Flash rom of choice (cm9 nightly)
3) Flash gapps
4) Flash kernel
5) Copy old sdcard contents (pics, songs, titanium backup folder etc) from my Nexus one into the /data/media folder.
6) install titanium backup and restore apps and data (not system)
7) Sync all contacts etc
8) ???
9) Profit
Am I missing any steps here? Thanks in advance.

relax24 said:
Hi all, I know there are separate threads for all of this but I'd really appreciate if someone could just clarify if I'm doing this correctly. I've just ordered a new uk Gnex (wahey), and am in the process of backing up my apps (titanium backup) and copying my SDcard contents onto my PC, for when the Gnex comes. This is my game plan:
1) Use gnex toolkit to unlock bootloader, root and flash CWM
2) Flash rom of choice (cm9 nightly)
3) Flash gapps
4) Flash kernel
5) Copy old sdcard contents (pics, songs, titanium backup folder etc) from my Nexus one into the /data/media folder.
6) install titanium backup and restore apps and data (not system)
7) Sync all contacts etc
8) ???
9) Profit
Am I missing any steps here? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I would add is to make sure you know how to use fastboot to recover in case you need it, while the gnex toolkit is nice I think it is a must to make sure you have the fastboot drivers working from a command prompt in case you need it.

jhernand1102 said:
The only thing I would add is to make sure you know how to use fastboot to recover in case you need it, while the gnex toolkit is nice I think it is a must to make sure you have the fastboot drivers working from a command prompt in case you need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I used fastboot to unlock by nexus one and root it and flash radios...Only the basics however. Hopefully that's enough
Thanks!

relax24 said:
Hi all, I know there are separate threads for all of this but I'd really appreciate if someone could just clarify if I'm doing this correctly. I've just ordered a new uk Gnex (wahey), and am in the process of backing up my apps (titanium backup) and copying my SDcard contents onto my PC, for when the Gnex comes. This is my game plan:
1) Use gnex toolkit to unlock bootloader, root and flash CWM
2) Flash rom of choice (cm9 nightly)
3) Flash gapps
4) Flash kernel
5) Copy old sdcard contents (pics, songs, titanium backup folder etc) from my Nexus one into the /data/media folder.
6) install titanium backup and restore apps and data (not system)
7) Sync all contacts etc
8) ???
9) Profit
Am I missing any steps here? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure that you have the same version of ICS running before restore. Data of contacts can be stored differently. I had that problem coming from 4.0.1 to 4.0.2, causing a bootloop. Contacts can better be synchronized through your Google account.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I would do it all manually, not using the Toolkit so you undertsand how the phone works and what you're doing.
Unlock the bootloader, flash CWM, flash SU, erase the file which causes the recovery to be overwritten, flash CWM again, backup, enjoy.

hEaTLoE said:
I would do it all manually, not using the Toolkit so you undertsand how the phone works and what you're doing.
Unlock the bootloader, flash CWM, flash SU, erase the file which causes the recovery to be overwritten, flash CWM again, backup, enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any advantages to doing it manually rather than the toolkit. I feel comfortable knowing what's happening in the background, just thought the toolkit would be easier than doing it manually?

rooted yesterday, included the links I used.
I've rooted a Droid X2 by hand before, which was fun, but I didn't feel like doing it all manually again. What's important is that you learn the inner workings of the OS, especially the general workflow of the bootstrap process.
I rooted my gnex-toro yesterday, using the GNex Toolkit by mskip. I did this after reading several step-by-step walkthroughs of the process. mskip's tool works quickly and efficiently. Once I had the ClockWorkMod Recovery installed, I was able to replace 4.0.2 with das7892's build of 4.0.4 IMM76D. I then replaced Verizon's Radio APKs with the versions from the leaked 4.0.4 IMM30B. It runs so well now. I'm getting about double the battery life, and strong signal all around. Also, das7892 introduced me to the Apex Launcher, which is pretty awesome.

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

Which is the best app to allow full backup of our device?

Hello, as some of you know, after I used Keis to backup my device, did a factory reset and restored the device, I found that some of the data and files were not backed up. Since Keis cannot do a good job in backing up the device, why do we need Keis? Is there any good app that can do a full backup/clone so that after restoration, the device is like it is before a factory reset? From Helium Wiki, it says that the app does not backup photos nor videos. It also does not backup system files, widgets, device specific apps like s-note or s-memo, contacts, etc.

I usually keep personal things ( documents, photos, etc. ) on the removable SD card, and then use TWRP to do the backing up of the device. Quite frankly, having TWRP backups has saved my bacon many, many times Another option would be Titanium backup, which has been around forever and has a very large user base.

Thanks. By TWRP, do you mean TWRP Manager (ROOT)? I don't know if ROOT means it only works on rooted devices. As far as I heard, Android 4.4.2 on our device does not allow saving on SD card. How do you do that?

Yes TWRP is a replacement recovery which you boot into prior to the OS booting using particular button combination. By loading prior to the operating system it allows for the complete backup of all files (system and all).
Essentially for the best possible outcome with regards to backup and restore it is best to have root which gives you full access to system files for backup and more importantly for restoring which requires the ability to overwrite system files.
One of the reasons I insist on having root on my devices is that I keep a backup of all applications using Titanium Backup such that if I'm ever disatisfied with the way an application update performs (lets say a developer updates their app and the new version has bugs in it) I can always roll back to the prior version if necessary. It's very handy for this purpose.