Develop Bugs

[Q] restoring from a backup after flashing a custom ROM

i'm trying to figure out what restoring from a backup actually does.
let's say i make a Nandroid backup and then flash a custom ROM like StarBurst. i then restore from the backup i made. will this restore all of my apps, settings, files, etc. to the same configuration they were before flashing the custom ROM? so will i be running the new ROM with all of my previous apps, files, etc.?
OR will i have to start all over from scratch (install all apps, files, etc.) each time i flash a ROM?

The nandroid is a backup of the whole rom which you chose to back up. If you restore the back up it'll overwrite the new rom u flashed. Each time you flash a new rom you usually have to start from scratch unless u use something like titanium backup (look for it in the market or google it to find info about it). Remember its always best to do a wipe before flashing a new rom unless instructed that its ok to not do one.
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chrisbass said:
The nandroid is a backup of the whole rom which you chose to back up. If you restore the back up it'll overwrite the new rom u flashed. Each time you flash a new rom you usually have to start from scratch unless u use something like titanium backup (look for it in the market or google it to find info about it). Remember its always best to do a wipe before flashing a new rom unless instructed that its ok to not do one.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
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ok, thanks. yeah, i've read a handful of tutorials and they all say to wipe all your data. with new ROM updates coming out all the time, i didn't want to start all over from scratch each time. installing and customizing all the apps i have would take forever.

Is it true that Titanium Backup isn't a good one to use since you can't restore data because it will cause force closes? If I'm going to restore then I'd like to restore settings, bookmarks, texts, etc.

AreOh said:
Is it true that Titanium Backup isn't a good one to use since you can't restore data because it will cause force closes? If I'm going to restore then I'd like to restore settings, bookmarks, texts, etc.
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It depends. For a single app and it's data Titanium works great. I use it all the time. Using to restore phone settings is where you can run into problems. And that is because going from ROM A to ROM B, the dev may have changed some system file somewhere that Titanium is gonna mess with, then you get weird force close issues.

i want to switch a rom please help

so i have calk vs. 2.5 and i want unnamed rom with all my app's. so when i go into recovery do i need to format all data or can i just instal the rom ??? and ik u can use titanium backup but in titanium backup is there a button restore all backed up apps? thanks!

In order to flash a completely different ROM, you need to wipe data, which will erase your current ROM and apps. You will need to use Titanium Backup to restore your apps after formatting and flashing the new ROM.
I think (not positive) TB has a batch option to restore all user apps.

shlomi84 said:
so i have calk vs. 2.5 and i want unnamed rom with all my app's. so when i go into recovery do i need to format all data or can i just instal the rom ??? and ik u can use titanium backup but in titanium backup is there a button restore all backed up apps? thanks!
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Back up your apps on the current rom you are running. Use Titanium back up from the market. I usually wipe data and then back up the app. Go down the list until you got all the ones you wanted.
When you flash the new rom, flash it normally as you would going to any new rom. I use Calkulin's FORMAT ALL zip folder. It's easiest. And then flash new rom and reboot system. After you let the rom settle in for a good while, I usually reboot the phone. Then when you start setting up on the new rom, download Titanium back up again from the market. Once it's on your phone, go into the app and all the apps you backed up should be at the bottom. I usually just restore the app not the data with it.

Try not to restore system apps + data because it can cause problems when switching between ROMS.

caseykelly said:
Try not to restore system apps + data because it can cause problems when switching between ROMS.
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I've never even found myself backing up/restoring system apps. I just stick to the "user apps".

eao1991 said:
I've never even found myself backing up/restoring system apps. I just stick to the "user apps".
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is there a one button click for "restore all backed up user app's" or restore all app's lol i got alot of app's and takes like an hour between roms to get everything back

Pm me
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shlomi84 said:
is there a one button click for "restore all backed up user app's" or restore all app's lol i got alot of app's and takes like an hour between roms to get everything back
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Yes. Click menu then batch but it only works with the paid version of TB. I've had plenty of problems restoring apps and user data with TB on a new Rom. Yes it's quick and easy but in my opinion it's worth the time to reinstall everything you can fresh from the market.

I've always found switching roms a good time to clear out unneeded apps, just select the ones I really use and forget the rest.
Sent from my Samsung Epic Touch using tapatalk

DataHawg said:
Yes. Click menu then batch but it only works with the paid version of TB. I've had plenty of problems restoring apps and user data with TB on a new Rom. Yes it's quick and easy but in my opinion it's worth the time to reinstall everything you can fresh from the market.
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Agree with this sentiment. Connected to Wi-Fi and take 10 minutes to fresh install everything so you know you aren't getting any of the conflicts that can arise using restored apps from different firmware.

Might be a really dumb question....

So I can't help but realize that a lot of people here flash roms like crazy. Well, I am the kind of guy that likes to have my own cool setup with all my home screens, like apps, widgets, etc.
Is there a way to back up and restore so when I flash a new rom I can restore where all of my apps were on what screen and maybe even my widgets and what not.
Any help would be greats, thanks guys.

Yes. You can use titanium backup to backup your launcher, or you can use ROM manager to backup your current ROM.
Sent from my SGH-T989 with ClockworkMod ★Touch★ Recovery 5.8.1.3

But what if I switch to another rom? The only option I have is to download that launcher and restore on that launcher? Makes sense if you can't, but just wondering.

I've been wondering the same thing myself...I've been testing out different roms all week since I got this thing...I've stopped trying to set up email, backgrounds, themes, or widgets. If there was a way to restore the home page layouts, that would be great.

I user go launcher ex. I set up my home pages the way I like it. Then I export the settings and import settings on new ROM. As far as individual settings for apps, use titanium backup.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App

I use SPB as my launcher of choice along with ti and does exactly that folders and all. infanct its so good that as long as i have root on any device and the same apps installed say on a tablet then when i install SPB on it from the market it already knows my layout. if im missing an app or two then they just dont show up. but alteast i dont have to rebuild my entire "desktop" all over again.
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synergeticink said:
So I can't help but realize that a lot of people here flash roms like crazy. Well, I am the kind of guy that likes to have my own cool setup with all my home screens, like apps, widgets, etc.
Is there a way to back up and restore so when I flash a new rom I can restore where all of my apps were on what screen and maybe even my widgets and what not.
Any help would be greats, thanks guys.
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After you make a backup in CWM and flash the new rom, you can always try to advanced restore in CWM just the data partition. I have done this before but it doesnt work across builds with wayyy different frameworks or basebands. Goodluck.

Just use titanium backup... it will restore the launcher and all of its data! Its great... it works even if you delete the launcher or flash a different rom
Sent from my SGH-T989 with ClockworkMod ★Touch★ Recovery 5.8.1.3

This really depends. If you're using the stock launcher that came with the rom, You really don't want to restore system apps on titanium, it'll cause issues. If you're like a lot of users and use a third party launcher, it's easy, because all the data gets easily backup up with it. If, for example, you're using a touchwiz based rom, it's not really easy. An alternative would be to download the modded touchwiz 4.5 (on the boards somewhere, I forget where exactly), and install that on your next rom. This way, when you do the setup for it, it'll be on /data and can be easily backed up with titanium backup, and restored. (Your widgets will show an error and you'll have to re-add them, but that happens on almost all launchers when a restore is done.)
As for doing an advanced restore with cwm, it's really hit and miss. What you're doing is restore the entire /data partition from one rom to another. If the roms have the exact same base, and very minimal differences, this might work. Some changes between roms this method works flawlessly, others it causes issues. You won't know until you try. Just do a backup in cwm, and a backup with titanium backup (do user app backup only, don't do system.) This way you have both ends covered.

I always use my backup pro. It restores app + data if rooted, and other data like system settings, contacts, bookmarks etc..
Its in the market check it out.

synergeticink said:
So I can't help but realize that a lot of people here flash roms like crazy. Well, I am the kind of guy that likes to have my own cool setup with all my home screens, like apps, widgets, etc.
Is there a way to back up and restore so when I flash a new rom I can restore where all of my apps were on what screen and maybe even my widgets and what not.
Any help would be greats, thanks guys.
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To answer your question a little more directly and differently than others, the answer to your question is no.
There is no way to restore your home screens exactly how you had them before you flashed a ROM. You can restore your apps and settings via the methods offered by others, but it will not put shortcuts and widgets exactly where you had them on your home screens.
For the home screen import, you have to already have a ROM installed and a home screen set up. That is only for installing a different launcher.
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Android Revolution said:
To answer your question a little more directly and differently than others, the answer to your question is no.
There is no way to restore your home screens exactly how you had them before you flashed a ROM. You can restore your apps and settings via the methods offered by others, but it will not put shortcuts and widgets exactly where you had them on your home screens.
For the home screen import, you have to already have a ROM installed and a home screen set up. That is only for installing a different launcher.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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Actually if you're using mybackup root or pro. You can... Backup> data> android home.
Well this is if you flash a rom that uses the same launcher (i think.. Haven't tried it with different launchers). Most roms are tw anyways. But this is probably your best bet.
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KillaHurtz said:
After you make a backup in CWM and flash the new rom, you can always try to advanced restore in CWM just the data partition. I have done this before but it doesnt work across builds with wayyy different frameworks or basebands. Goodluck.
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This is what I do every time I flash a new rom works every time. Do the titanium thing to just as a back up.
Keep a copy backed up on your computer, in case you wipe you emmc " did that once" lol
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

Do titanium backup and restore only data no system and don't enter any Google email if you have more than 1 phone to have a same setup, then do the ROM backup when all apps restored. That backup will be universal (without Google ID) and you can restore to any phone (your wife, friend..) Once restore they just enter their own ID and all set.
Titanium restore needs to answer yes no install...for each app. Take about 30 min to restore.
CWM process faster but for same ROM.
changing ROM needs titanium backup and restore without Google ID.

Switch ROMs keep home screen layout EXACTLY THE SAME

So I have always hesitated to try a new ROM because that would mean I'd have to spend an hour and set all my widgets and apps up just the way I want them. Then I discovered NOVA Launcher. Not only is it highly customizable but it lets you back up and restore your current set up. Menu/Nova Settings/ Backup and Import. That saves it to your phone.
I also backed up all my apps and data with ROM Toolbox.
When you wipe everything to try out a new ROM you can go install Nova (if the ROM doesn't already come with it, which most do these days) and hit restore.
Before you do that though, install ROM Toolbox and restore all your user apps with data NOT system apps. Or if you keep everything backed up with the google machine then you can let it do its thing but you won't have any of your data.
I've done this on quite a few different ROMs and makes the decision easy.

Haha, this is exactly what I do. It makes switching from ROM to ROM ridiculously easy. The most time consuming part is logging into Gmail to download ROM Toolbox.
Also - I use SMS Backup and Restore from the market and it works great! I never lose Text Messages.

If going from JB to JB, I just dirty flash. All of my screens and widgets stay the same. Everyone doesn't like to dirty flash though
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

burghfan3 said:
If going from JB to JB, I just dirty flash. All of my screens and widgets stay the same. Everyone doesn't like to dirty flash though
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
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I dislike this due to the fact that there's reminents of each ROM that's left in there. Unless you wipe /system, it's tolerable.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Ascertion said:
Haha, this is exactly what I do. It makes switching from ROM to ROM ridiculously easy. The most time consuming part is logging into Gmail to download ROM Toolbox.
Also - I use SMS Backup and Restore from the market and it works great! I never lose Text Messages.
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Titanium Backup Pro allows you to make a flashable zip of any and all apps. So, you can have your "must-haves" ready when you boot into a new ROM

I use my backup root. Also saves my settings and backsup my homescreen. Been using it for porbably 2 years now
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

SwimDrewid said:
Titanium Backup Pro allows you to make a flashable zip of any and all apps. So, you can have your "must-haves" ready when you boot into a new ROM
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thats a great idea! do you boot up first then go back in recovery to flash your apps? or stack the zips?

Ascertion said:
Also - I use SMS Backup and Restore from the market and it works great! I never lose Text Messages.
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now that would make it even better! i'm gonna go do that right meow!

the rhyno said:
thats a great idea! do you boot up first then go back in recovery to flash your apps? or stack the zips?
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I stack the zips in TWRP:
ROM
gapps (not the 4.2 (inverted) aroma)
colonel
my_apps.zip
After setting up phone, I go back again and flash the 4.2 inverted apps aroma

dirty flash
After a dirty flash I always get error that unfortunately, email has stopped. so I have uninstall and reinstall every time.

Go Launcher EX does this as well, except the widgets have to be reloaded

Widgets have to be reloaded on Nova also, they're more than just shortcuts.

Launchers have been doing this for a long time, including Launcher Pro which is 3-4 years old Heck, I assumed everyone was backing up their apps and restoring them after a flash, including Nova. Restoring data for the launcher lets you skip the manual backup/restore altogether.
Widgets cannot be backed up like this; it's a limitation in the OS, not the launcher.

I use Titanium Backup to backup system apps like TouchWiz and Settings, SMS and MMS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. I always do a full wipe, and then restore from those backups, I setup a filter in Titanium backup that backs up all the system apps I want to save settings from, that way I don't have to hunt through the ginormous list of system/user apps and pick the right ones. After it restores, the only thing I sometimes have to restore are the widgets that don't auto re-load properly, everything else is restored perfectly, even Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairings. :good:
New ROMs take me longer to download and flash than they do to setup and configure.

I use nand backup and restore DATA ONLY through the advance restore menu in recovery after i install a new rom.
This get you EVERYTHING back the same way before you fully wiped and installed a new ROM

I use Desktop VisualizeR, and Apex with widgets.
Using Titanium Backup, backup "Application Widgets", "Apex Launcher" and "Desktop VisualizeR".
Restore on any rom. All your **** is back. Wasn't that easy?
Well it wasnt easy for me to figure that one out!!!!! Hopefully it helps someone...

Best Way To Restore

I'm not a flashaholic, but do from time to time especially when a new version of my favorite ROM is released. I was wondering what the easiest and quickest to restore my phone to the way it was before flashing the new ROM. I mean apps and launcher. I have Titanium and My Backup pro but it still takes a couple of hours of messing around to get back to normal. If anyone has a quicker way I'd love to hear it.
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sndtubes said:
I'm not a flashaholic, but do from time to time especially when a new version of my favorite ROM is released. I was wondering what the easiest and quickest to restore my phone to the way it was before flashing the new ROM. I mean apps and launcher. I have Titanium and My Backup pro but it still takes a couple of hours of messing around to get back to normal. If anyone has a quicker way I'd love to hear it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
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I assume you have a custom recovery installed since you mentioned flashing roms? If so, do a complete nandroid/backup (CWM/TWRP) of your phone just prior to flashing anything (good idea to do this prior to any flash). In TWRP, you can name your backup file so you can remember what rom/kernel/modem/recovery/etc you had at the time of this backup. Usually takes around 5-6 min to back up ~ 2Gb (and conversely, to restore). When you restore, do proper partition wipes first, then restore your desired backup... phone should be exactly as it was (apps, launchers, rom, settings, etc).

Thanks. I do use TWRP. I always nandroid back up before flashing a new rom. I guess I didn't understand what a nandroid backup was. I thought that it would reinstall all of the old stuff like the old rom and kernel in case the new rom borked something. So if I backup and flash a new rom and then nandroid restore, I will have the new rom and kernel with my apps and launcher intact? If so, then very cool.
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sndtubes said:
Thanks. I do use TWRP. I always nandroid back up before flashing a new rom. I guess I didn't understand what a nandroid backup was. I thought that it would reinstall all of the old stuff like the old rom and kernel in case the new rom borked something. So if I backup and flash a new rom and then nandroid restore, I will have the new rom and kernel with my apps and launcher intact? If so, then very cool.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
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Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the nandroid have the rom you backed up? Restoring that backup will wipe the new rom.
I use titanium backup as well and it takes me less than 5 minutes to go back to normal. Apps and launcher the same.

sndtubes said:
Thanks. I do use TWRP. I always nandroid back up before flashing a new rom. I guess I didn't understand what a nandroid backup was. I thought that it would reinstall all of the old stuff like the old rom and kernel in case the new rom borked something. So if I backup and flash a new rom and then nandroid restore, I will have the new rom and kernel with my apps and launcher intact? If so, then very cool.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
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I got you... thought you were looking for a way to restore a complete previous setup (rom/kernel/radio/data/recovery) if you didn't like the rom you are on... sounds like you just want to restore /data partition (which can be done in TWRP)... but won't restore system partition apps (risky). If you are just looking to put your previous 'user' apps/data back, TiBu is an option (only restore "user" apps/data or "missing apps/data". I don't think TiBu will restore your widgets/launchers as the were, but you can individually (within the app) backup Apex, and Nova launcher settings and homescreens... then restore them after you're up and running on the new rom