Develop Bugs

N00B question: Hate new ICS need to go back to GB

A friend created a nandroid and Titanium backup for me, and my phone is rooted. I'm currently on ICS and I want to go back to GB, Do I have to Restore Epic 4G Touch With Pre-Rooted Stock Gingerbread Firmware — EL29? or can I just use nandroid recovery since it's like a full system image right?
So confused. Want to go back to old GB without losing apps or settings. Please help?

You can restore the nandroid from a safe recovery like EL26.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Are you on stock FF18? What kernel/recovery are you using?

faceyourfaces said:
Are you on stock FF18? What kernel/recovery are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
N00B here, seriously. I was a WEBOS fan and I rooted there but it's difficult for me to understand the terms for Android and the fragmentation doesn't help
Model: SPH-D710
Android: 4.04
Baseband:S710.10.S.FF18
Kernel:3.0.15-SPH-D710.FF18-CL663858 [email protected] #3
Build: IMM76I.FF18
Does that help?
Thanks guys for your patience!

odajennys said:
N00B here, seriously. I was a WEBOS fan and I rooted there but it's difficult for me to understand the terms for Android and the fragmentation doesn't help
Model: SPH-D710
Android: 4.04
Baseband:S710.10.S.FF18
Kernel:3.0.15-SPH-D710.FF18-CL663858 [email protected] #3
Build: IMM76I.FF18
Does that help?
Thanks guys for your patience!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that helps. If you don't like ICS (FF18) ODIN back to EL29 (Gingerbread). thats the safest way or to keep what you had under your backup; ODIN Direct boot kernel here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1662295 its under the GB touchwiz based kernels. Flash that kernel, it will only boot to CWM and then restore your backup. But to let you know, there are better custom ICS ROMs that are very smooth and stable. Just make sure you use the safe kernel/recovery like this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767421 Then you can safely wipe and flash any ICS ROMs you choose.

revamper said:
You can restore the nandroid from a safe recovery like EL26.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded this: SPH-D710.EL29_CL852097_ROOTED-oc-sfx
but will it delete my apps, settings, msgs, etc?
It seems like it will factory restore and wipe everything>
Is there a way to just use the backup and reset it to then? If so can you please dumb down instructions and what it will do? I really really appreciate any help. I'm sure that once I go through it, it will make more sense but at this time, I'm overwhelmed by all the different setups and instructions from different places.
All I want is to restore a backup I have with GB. What is the easiest way to do that without losing info?

odajennys said:
I downloaded this: SPH-D710.EL29_CL852097_ROOTED-oc-sfx
but will it delete my apps, settings, msgs, etc?
It seems like it will factory restore and wipe everything>
Is there a way to just use the backup and reset it to then? If so can you please dumb down instructions and what it will do? I really really appreciate any help. I'm sure that once I go through it, it will make more sense but at this time, I'm overwhelmed by all the different setups and instructions from different places.
All I want is to restore a backup I have with GB. What is the easiest way to do that without losing info?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok get titanium back or a backup app. Then back up all your apps, just apps not system settings. then with titanium back up you can make a flashable zip. odin back to EL29 + CWM. let it boot up. Then power off, reboot into recovery. Flash Titanium backup Zip. Reboot. the titanium backup app will be on your phone. then restore apps only, not apps with data as ICS is very different. All done

g_ding84 said:
Ok get titanium back or a backup app. Then back up all your apps, just apps not system settings. then with titanium back up you can make a flashable zip. odin back to EL29 + CWM. let it boot up. Then power off, reboot into recovery. Flash Titanium backup Zip. Reboot. the titanium backup app will be on your phone. then restore apps only, not apps with data as ICS is very different. All done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok will try, thanks! What's this nandroid thing all about then?

Nandroids are used to restore backups. They are backups. If you backed up a GB rom. You can restore all your settings as long as you are on a GB rom.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

g_ding84 said:
Yes that helps. If you don't like ICS (FF18) ODIN back to EL29 (Gingerbread). thats the safest way or to keep what you had under your backup; ODIN Direct boot kernel here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1662295 its under the GB touchwiz based kernels. Flash that kernel, it will only boot to CWM and then restore your backup. But to let you know, there are better custom ICS ROMs that are very smooth and stable. Just make sure you use the safe kernel/recovery like this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767421 Then you can safely wipe and flash any ICS ROMs you choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to LOVE ICS but the only thing I want my SGII to do without apps or widgets that I have to turn on and off to use:
Control orientation: I sometimes read in bed and it irks me that I have to use an app called Autorotate Switch to stop it from switching views, it does work but sometimes cuts off the top of a chapter. I can also hear it "fighting" with the system to prevent it from rotating based on the angle I'm holding it.
Control Brightness: The lowest setting isn't dim enough and I have to use a screen filter. Now with ICS it autoadjusts the lighting even when the toggle is off the setting to adjust brightness automatically! I hate this new feature.
Social Hub: I actually like this since it integrates msg and email and fb together. The new ICS lets me easily delete without confirmation, something that's good, but it broke update syncing contacts and the emails are huge and it's a big mess with scrolling and spacing.
Camera: All I want is to assign a shutter button to a camera
Phone: I want to call out in speaker automatically. I had set this up in WebOs and it was awesome especially for driving.
I seriously would consider trying out other ROMs if they can help me do this...

g_ding84 said:
Nandroids are used to restore backups. They are backups. If you backed up a GB rom. You can restore all your settings as long as you are on a GB rom.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would I do this? My friend made an nandroid in GB BEFORE I upgraded to ICS. Please and thank you in advance!

That is the GB direct boot kernel that I linked it the previous reply. Flash that kernel/recovery in ODIN or mobile ODIN. Then restore back up in backup/restore option in CWM recovery.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

g_ding84 said:
That is the GB direct boot kernel that I linked it the previous reply. Flash that kernel/recovery in ODIN or mobile ODIN. Then restore back up in backup/restore option in CWM recovery.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally figured things out. Back to good old GB. Thanks!

Your welcome. Sorry at work couldn't reply right away. Glad to see its all good.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

Cyanogen 10

I am new to rooting, mods etc. I have managed to get the Cyanogen 10 onto my Sprint Galaxy S3 and put the voicemail app. I find that the phone loses it's data connection intermittently and also sometimes the phone wont turn on and I have to hit the power button for a reboot.
I have searched these forums and the cyanogen ones and there is loose mention of this in posts dated back to August but nothing more recent.
1.) Is this a known bug and/or has it been fixed?
2) Is there a ROM that doesnt suffer from these bugs?
Thanks
BDO

Wrong area to post my friend!
I have SENSATIONS and its WICKED!!

These are questions to be asked in the cm threads

Where is the correct place to post?

bigdaddyo811 said:
Where is the correct place to post?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where you downloaded the rom bro

bigdaddyo811 said:
Where is the correct place to post?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shadefactor said:
Where you downloaded the rom bro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the response given to you is usually correct, you do not meet the requirements to post in a development section. So I have moved your question to the correct section. (Q&A section)
If you have a question about a particular rom that you downloaded, then you will post the question in that particular rom's thread. If it is just a general question, then you post the question in here. (Q&A section).
Development section is strictly reserved for development related items. No question threads should be started in there.

bigdaddyo811 said:
I am new to rooting, mods etc. I have managed to get the Cyanogen 10 onto my Sprint Galaxy S3 and put the voicemail app. I find that the phone loses it's data connection intermittently and also sometimes the phone wont turn on and I have to hit the power button for a reboot.
I have searched these forums and the cyanogen ones and there is loose mention of this in posts dated back to August but nothing more recent.
1.) Is this a known bug and/or has it been fixed?
2) Is there a ROM that doesnt suffer from these bugs?
Thanks
BDO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What voicemail app are you using? I'm just curious, I don't think it's related to your issues. I am using Google Voice, but I'd like to know what else is available.
sent from a secret underground bunker

I'm very new to all this and really needed help...
1 - I am rooted and looking to run cyanogenmod and a kernel that supports over and under clocking...I have gaaps zip and the stable cyanogenmod zip on my phone. I did a nandroid backup, a titanium backup and backed up by contacts to Google.
2 - Should I do another nandroid backup when I do a factory reset (before flashing rom) that way I have a backup of the phone completely stock?
3 - After flashing I can reinstall my apps with the free version of titanium backup correct? And will the backup be wiped if it's on internal storage during factory reset?
4 - And do I do a nandroid restore after flashing rom or is that just in case something goes wrong or I don't like the rom?
5 - If I want to over and under clock I still need as kernel right? Basically I just want better battery life...does cyanogenmod generally improve battery life?
Sorry for all the questions I've been doing alot of reading and just not started watching YouTube videos...just wanna be cautious
...thank you
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

beyeond said:
I'm very new to all this and really needed help...
1 - I am rooted and looking to run cyanogenmod and a kernel that supports over and under clocking...I have gaaps zip and the stable cyanogenmod zip on my phone. I did a nandroid backup, a titanium backup and backed up by contacts to Google.
2 - Should I do another nandroid backup when I do a factory reset (before flashing rom) that way I have a backup of the phone completely stock?
3 - After flashing I can reinstall my apps with the free version of titanium backup correct? And will the backup be wiped if it's on internal storage during factory reset?
4 - And do I do a nandroid restore after flashing rom or is that just in case something goes wrong or I don't like the rom?
5 - If I want to over and under clock I still need as kernel right? Basically I just want better battery life...does cyanogenmod generally improve battery life?
Sorry for all the questions I've been doing alot of reading and just not started watching YouTube videos...just wanna be cautious
...thank you
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always do a nandroid right before a ROM flash. Then delete any older nandroids I have. You just want to be able to restore your device to it's state immediately before the flash if anything goes wrong.
Your backups will not be wiped. You will be able to restore them, but I seriously suggest purchasing the full version of TB.
Restoring the nandroid will give you exactly what you made the nandroid of. Its a back up if you do want to go back, or if something goes wrong. Only restore it when you want to return to it. I.e. if you don't like CM or if it's not working right.
You need the kernel to oc. The stock CM kernel doesn't do it. Make sure the kernel that you are flashing is meant for the ROM. Otherwise you're in for trouble.
Good questions for a beginner. Good luck.
sent from a secret underground bunker

Thanks so much for the help. If I have a problem with cm10 I can just restore the nandroid, I don't have to un flash it or anything? Just boot to recovery and restore and that's it?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

beyeond said:
Thanks so much for the help. If I have a problem with cm10 I can just restore the nandroid, I don't have to un flash it out anything? Just not to recovery and restore and that's it?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. You can just restore it through recovery.
sent from a secret underground bunker

mjben said:
That's right. You can just restore it through recovery.
sent from a secret underground bunker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. One more question. I downloaded the stable version. Its that what I want? If they have a stable one then why do the nightlies.keep getting made? Are they just basically daily beta versions? If I get the latest nightly would I have to do this whole flashing and restoring my apps every time I want the new nightly? Thanks for helping me guys.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

I usually stick with the stable release. Not that I know of anything specifically wrong with any nightly; I also haven't read any of the change logs to see what the differences are. I would assume, like you seem to, that the team would be working on improvements.
When I have flashed nightlies, I didn't wipe data and restore apps. Just flashes the nightly, gapps, then clean caches.
BTW, a lot of people do say that restoring apps and their data with TB to a new ROM causes problems. I believe this could be true, but I do it anyway. If any app does give me trouble after a restore I deal with it individually.
sent from a secret underground bunker

mjben said:
I usually stick with the stable release. Not that I know of anything specifically wrong with any nightly; I also haven't read any of the change logs to see what the differences are. I would assume, like you seem to, that the team would be working on improvements.
When I have flashed nightlies, I didn't wipe data and restore apps. Just flashes the nightly, gapps, then clean caches.
BTW, a lot of people do say that restoring apps and their data with TB to a new ROM causes problems. I believe this could be true, but I do it anyway. If any app does give me trouble after a restore I deal with it individually.
sent from a secret underground bunker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone else confirm issues with using titanium backup on a newly flashed rom? That would seem like a pain for those that mod their phone almost daily..
Sprint Galaxy S3 - JB/Stock ROM rooted

[Q] Best way to seemlessly flash?

Hi Folks,
Newbie question here. I had installed the wonderful I317_Repack_T889_N7105ZHALJ4 ROM when it was first introduced in November. Not too bad, but kind of a pain. Last weekend I tried to install the Lidroid ROM, twice actually, and then I had to back it out because the phone went dead twice.
So my question is there an easier way to seemlessly install the ROM like the carriers tend to?
My process was something along these lines:
Take a TIBU off everything
do a Nandroid backup
Follow the flash process, I use CWM
Restore the apps, with app data using TIBU
Triangle away
Rebuild the APN
Setup all the screen layouts, widgets
Setup all the system default settings
Generally, the ROM builders recommend to not restore the app data. Boy it is a BIG time consumer if one has to go back and setup all app passwords and setting. Lots of apps I guess.
Even if I restore the app data, one still has to go through and setup all the phone defaults, home screens again, and general settings. Ends up taking me hours.
So is there some secret method to do this quicker, and easier? Is there something besides Titanium Backup that can save all this stuff, like system settings, home screen layout, app data and settings when going to a higher level of Android? Something that makes the process easier but is reliable?
Thanks in advance.

Well if you are talking about going back to stock, I have a topic for that in general.
If you are talking about flashibg roms...
I would make a nandroid backup of a stock rooted firmware the way you want it, then restore it when you want to flash a rom.
Your steps should now be this
Back up stock rooted firmware (once)
Then when flashing...
1. Restore backup of stock rooted firmware.
2. Flash Rom.
Then when you want a new Rom follow the same steps.
Why do triangle away over and over. If you want to revert to stock unrooted then do that.
I never use tibu anymore.... too lazy.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium

Android The Greek said:
Well if you are talking about going back to stock, I have a topic for that in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking for an easier way for the non-stock new wonder ROMs.

Flame Red said:
I was looking for an easier way for the non-stock new wonder ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ultimately the easiest way is to follow the directions in the op cuz beach developer has the best instructions for getting their specific ROM up and running.
Sent from my SGH-I317 using xda premium

personally i flash over roms, I will only revert to stock if flashing over another rom causes problems.

I haven't been to stock on my note 1 since.... 5 minutes after I got it home..... in April
Just wipe and flash new rom.
Pretty much Any issue with a Rom installing( even say a boot loop) can be fixed with a simple redownload of the rom then moving it over to phone in recovery, wiping and flashing again. Or... restoring a backup of you are the type to make backups.
I pretty much treat going to stock add just for returning a phone for warranty due to legitimate hardware defects nowadays.

[Q] looking to switch roms? currently running jellybomb

Im new all this rooting and rom stuff and yesterday morning i successfully rooted and inststalled the jellybomb 14.0.0 jelly bean rom thanks to qbking77's on point videos. so the question is... how can i switch which rom im running? i like the jellybeen roms and im looking to explore more to see which better suits my needs. ive heard of doing clean/dirtry instals or something of the sort but i want the best and safest way possible so i dont run into any bricking trouble. please help?

Ok, read up on how to flash a recovery
Download the rom of your choice and place it.on your sdcard. Once you do that you can install roms by booting into recovery and finding the zip for the rom you want to flash and selecting it through the "install zip from sdcard" option
Now a clean install is whenyou wipe all partitions, aka blocks of your phones memory, (details farther down) and then install the rom zip. This method minimizes the chances for problems to occur after installing
A clean flash involves:
Formatting system
Formatting / Clearing data (also known as a factory reset)
Wiping cache
Wiping / Clearing dalvik cache
Now a dirty flash is when you just flash the new rom zip over whatever you're currently rumning, without clearing anything. This method is only recommended when flashing an updated version of the same rom, and even then, the nature of some updates can require you to do a clean flash.
One more thing, DO NOT flash any roms, mods, or zips for the international version. That usa surefire way to brick your debice because the partitions are completely different.
To learn more about how android and this.stuff works, I would suggest heading over to xda,university.com

Thanks for the info. What is the best way to back everything up? I backed everything up wen I installed th jb. Rom and went to restore and couldnt find anythingband had to start from scratch.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Roni P. said:
Thanks for the info. What is the best way to back everything up? I backed everything up wen I installed th jb. Rom and went to restore and couldnt find anythingband had to start from scratch.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup via CWM (RECOVERY) is mainly for restoring the same rom or going back to the rom you were running if experimenting, Now, can use apps such as Titanium backup to save all the other settings, apps and things. Once you flash your new rom, download it, open program and can restore your stuff that way. Personally, I'll wipe, start from scratch, sometimes i'll download an app i never use, and it just allows me to clear out the useless ones.. Happy flashing!

Roni P. said:
Thanks for the info. What is the best way to back everything up? I backed everything up wen I installed th jb. Rom and went to restore and couldnt find anythingband had to start from scratch.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes as said above, a backup through recovery (also called a "nandroid" ) stores an EXACT image of the current state of your device. Meaning all data, all system files, all apps, radios, etc. Backing up through an app, like Titanium Backup, only backs up certain things like apps and app data
Basically, if you're trying any experimental stuff that may break your system (for example, flashing a new modem or testing to see if a certain kernel works), then a nandroid is the way to go because you can restore to an exact image of a state when everything was working

Yea I did that the 1st time and couldnt recover anything. Is there a certain way I should recover or maybe I did something wrong? Im not sure. Sorry if im sounding stupid but I cant return my phone if I screw it up so im tryin to be as safe as possible. Hopefully thats understandable
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Press volume up home button and then power button don't let go till Samsung screen comes up bought 10 ish sec. Once let go phone should go into cwm, clock work mod recovery. See if you have that first
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

Roni P. said:
Yea I did that the 1st time and couldnt recover anything. Is there a certain way I should recover or maybe I did something wrong? Im not sure. Sorry if im sounding stupid but I cant return my phone if I screw it up so im tryin to be as safe as possible. Hopefully thats understandable
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no, its recovery
The recovery is basically something that allows you to install zips, it doesnt actually have much to do with recovering anything lol
But first do what was suggested right above me to check to see if you have a recovery installed
To get a more detailed description of what a recovery is and what it does, you can get over to xda-university and read through the "as user" section on recoveries

Think cwm has saved a few phones on here. Me I don't use a pc. Easy just with phone. If he's deleted his folder should he recoveR then it would bring that folder bk?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

Well yea I kno I have a recovery I use cwm... I jus need to kno how I can actually save my phones content... I dont wanna start fresh everytime I decide to flash a new rom
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

OK titanium bkup. But don't restore all things if your backing up at lot as will save 4.1.2 4.2.1 and 4.2 2 and so on. Don't want to mix as fc will happen
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

Mobile Odin/Pimp my rom

Used PmR to download Bravia Engine to try, used mobile odin to flash it, in the process checking ever root and SU options, clearing Dalvik cavhe and wiping data, now my phone is unable to connect to WiFi and data. This does not bode well..
Link to PmR:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1908269
would appreciate any help on how to recover my use of data

Have you checked your apn and WiFi settings?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Cnmservad said:
Have you checked your apn and WiFi settings?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea set back to the old settings but not working. Currently flashing an original version of the old firmware with odin to try and rescue what's left of my phone

iamwozy said:
Used PmR to download Bravia Engine to try, used mobile odin to flash it, in the process checking ever root and SU options, clearing Dalvik cavhe and wiping data, now my phone is unable to connect to WiFi and data. This does not bode well..
Link to PmR:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1908269
would appreciate any help on how to recover my use of data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why you flashed manually with Mobile Odin? The recommended method is to let PmR use the Custom Recovery to flash the MOD. Which recovery do you have installed on your phone? CWM, TWRP?

opgoth said:
Why you flashed manually with Mobile Odin? The recommended method is to let PmR use the Custom Recovery to flash the MOD. Which recovery do you have installed on your phone? CWM, TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
had CWM, after flashing with odin can't access anything cos of the wipe.
Stupid, stupid me
Stuck at the Samsung logo for quite some time now, what does that mean?
Should i wipe and factory reset or is there an alternative way out?

If you had cwm already then no meaning to use mob odin, anyway if factory reset doesn't work then have to Reflash rom.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

dr.ketan said:
If you had cwm already then no meaning to use mob odin, anyway if factory reset doesn't work then have to Reflash rom.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
had to factory reset, now I have a brand new spanking phone with all my data gone!
Well, at least the wifi and data are both working now, whew

You have a nandroid backup, of course? Try the tools on dr.ketan's signature.
As a last resort, you can try Kies to return to official, unrooted, stock Sammy-blessed state. :cyclops:
And start flashing again, afterwards! :angel:

opgoth said:
You have a nandroid backup, of course? Try the tools on dr.ketan's signature.
As a last resort, you can try Kies to return to official, unrooted, stock Sammy-blessed state. :cyclops:
And start flashing again, afterwards! :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually forgot to create a nand backup before messing with the flashing. UGH.
I guess being spoonfed as a previous iOS user has it's drawbacks.
Time to play with everything now that I have such a clean UI

Glad to know that your phone returned to life.:good:
Remember to make nandroid backups regularly.
Good Luck!

I recommend titanium backup or same other compare to nandroid.
Nandroid push you back to original state while you want to test mods and roms, titanium will be much helpful to restore data on cross roms.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

dr.ketan said:
I recommend titanium backup or same other compare to nandroid.
Nandroid push you back to original state while you want to test mods and roms, titanium will be much helpful to restore data on cross roms.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was using titanium before, now i can't restore due to my data not being on cloud/sd card.
wouldn't a "snapshot" of my phone now be a better choice for a situation like this?
opgoth said:
Glad to know that your phone returned to life.:good:
Remember to make nandroid backups regularly.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which app to use for nandriod backups? so far I've seen only CWM/TWRP.

I prefer titanium on ext sd card, bcoz note2 wipes internal sd card too.
Yes cwm/TWRP needs for nandroid.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

dr.ketan said:
I prefer titanium on ext sd card, bcoz note2 wipes internal sd card too.
Yes cwm/TWRP needs for nandroid.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use both TB and Nand, for peace of mind, and to have all bases covered.

opgoth said:
I use both TB and Nand, for peace of mind, and to have all bases covered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP seems to be working pretty well, but do i have to extract the folder and back it up on my desktop in case of another full wipe?

TWRP restores everything including desktop but remember it will be same as on day you have created nandroid. Subsequently changes won't have in it.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Oh that's cool! So it really just screenshot the entire phone and restores back to when it was made?
Side note, each backup is almost a GB big, won't it eat up a lot of memory on your phone? As such, which options are best to select when using twrp? (eg efs, data, system)
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2

Efs is just 20mb, needs when you have messed up imei, it is must in my point of view even if you don't want nandroid backup
data is backup of installed applications
System is ROM, which needs to recover device when you have got something wrong.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium