Galaxy Nexus Toolkit Backup - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Hello again.
Since I am under 10 posts and not allowed to participate in the relevant thread plus searching didn't yield any results I am posting here.
After one month of using my nexus I want to play with it and try some custom things that all people talk so much about.Fact is I first want to backup current state where everything works fine in case something goes wrong.
I 've already backed up my apps and their data with Titanium Backup.
Now I need current OS state bootloader, etc.Am I right to believe this is the NANDROID backup? Is this the backup that can bring the phone back to its current state?
Second thing is that the Galaxy Nexus Toolkit v7.8.0 I am using recommends backing up the EFS partition.Did some research that revealed this hidden partition is about the IMEI - I can't understand how such a valuable data isn't hardcoded inside the phone.But nevertheless I would like to know where are those backups (NANDROID and ESF partition) stored (already checked backups folder in toolkit).
My phone's current state is: unlocked bootloader, CWM recovery, rooted and on stock 4.1.1.No mods or any other custom file.
Another question regarding the CWM recovery.How is it possible to go back to the stock recovery? By flashing the stock ROM?
Also from GN Toolkit I flashed CWM Touch but after trying an update through CWM ROM Manager I got the manual version (both 6.0.1).Can I reflash the touch version from Toolkit?
Sorry if some of those questions sound silly but I am new in Android and prefer the safe path.
Thank you in advance.

TR-909 said:
Hello again.
Since I am under 10 posts and not allowed to participate in the relevant thread plus searching didn't yield any results I am posting here.
After one month of using my nexus I want to play with it and try some custom things that all people talk so much about.Fact is I first want to backup current state where everything works fine in case something goes wrong.
I 've already backed up my apps and their data with Titanium Backup.
Now I need current OS state bootloader, etc.Am I right to believe this is the NANDROID backup? Is this the backup that can bring the phone back to its current state?
Second thing is that the Galaxy Nexus Toolkit v7.8.0 I am using recommends backing up the EFS partition.Did some research that revealed this hidden partition is about the IMEI - I can't understand how such a valuable data isn't hardcoded inside the phone.But nevertheless I would like to know where are those backups (NANDROID and ESF partition) stored (already checked backups folder in toolkit).
My phone's current state is: unlocked bootloader, CWM recovery, rooted and on stock 4.1.1.No mods or any other custom file.
Another question regarding the CWM recovery.How is it possible to go back to the stock recovery? By flashing the stock ROM?
Also from GN Toolkit I flashed CWM Touch but after trying an update through CWM ROM Manager I got the manual version (both 6.0.1).Can I reflash the touch version from Toolkit?
Sorry if some of those questions sound silly but I am new in Android and prefer the safe path.
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
toolkit is not a safe path for you.
read these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812959
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1626895
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351
learn how to troubleshoot and search, you'll be a whole lot happier. don't use toolkits.
TR-909 said:
Now I need current OS state bootloader, etc.Am I right to believe this is the NANDROID backup? Is this the backup that can bring the phone back to its current state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nandroid doesn't backup the bootloader. if you ever need to go back to a specific bootloader version (which you won't), it is available online.

bk201doesntexist said:
toolkit is not a safe path for you.
read these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812959
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1626895
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351
learn how to troubleshoot and search, you'll be a whole lot happier. don't use toolkits.
nandroid doesn't backup the bootloader. if you ever need to go back to a specific bootloader version (which you won't), it is available online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a lot of reading.
Anyway thanks for pointing me to those threads (I don't mind reading hehe) but still I don't understand why toolkit is so bad.In my view the toolkit just automates a set of commands which otherwise I would have to give through a command prompt.Only good thing I can find avoiding a toolkit, is getting a deeper knowledge on the subject but maybe the risks of doing something wrong are increased (say a typo)?
Anyway let me read those and I may be back.

TR-909 said:
That's a lot of reading.
Anyway thanks for pointing me to those threads (I don't mind reading hehe) but still I don't understand why toolkit is so bad.In my view the toolkit just automates a set of commands which otherwise I would have to give through a command prompt.Only good thing I can find avoiding a toolkit, is getting a deeper knowledge on the subject but maybe the risks of doing something wrong are increased (say a typo)?
Anyway let me read those and I may be back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toolkit is a automated set of other people's command, programme are coded by humans and human errors are bound to happen, not to mention if something went wrong somewhere, you won't know what went wrong. By doing the steps yourself, you will know exactly what went wrong, and it will simplify things should you have to ask questions here, which you most likely don't have to once you know how to use adb and fastboot, trust me.

Typos while doing your commands won't hurt because it simply will fail and not do anything. Immediately you will know you typed something incorrectly and know you have to do it again. With the kit you will not know at which step it failed so figuring out something will become a task. Doing it yourself sounds like it's longer and difficult but once you do it you will see how easy and simple it is plus you will understand what you did and why.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

TR-909 said:
[snip]
Now I need current OS state bootloader, etc.Am I right to believe this is the NANDROID backup? Is this the backup that can bring the phone back to its current state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and yes.
TR-909 said:
Second thing is that the Galaxy Nexus Toolkit v7.8.0 I am using recommends backing up the EFS partition.Did some research that revealed this hidden partition is about the IMEI - I can't understand how such a valuable data isn't hardcoded inside the phone.But nevertheless I would like to know where are those backups (NANDROID and ESF partition) stored (already checked backups folder in toolkit).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't comment on the toolkit, but nandroid backups are stored in /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/ on your device.
As for the efs partition, you could back it up, but I don't really see what the necessity of it is. That partition is never written to by any ROM (stock or otherwise), so the only way it will get messed up is if you do something to it.
If you want to back it up on your device, just open a terminal window and type:
su
dd if=/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/efs of=/sdcard/efs.img
That will store it in /sdcard, and then just copy it off your device.
TR-909 said:
Another question regarding the CWM recovery.How is it possible to go back to the stock recovery? By flashing the stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just pull the recovery.img file out of the version of the stock factory image that you are currently using, place it in the same directory where you have your fastboot.exe file, reboot your device into fastboot mode and type:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Or, just save it to /sdcard on your device and type the following in a terminal:
su
dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/recovery
TR-909 said:
Also from GN Toolkit I flashed CWM Touch but after trying an update through CWM ROM Manager I got the manual version (both 6.0.1).Can I reflash the touch version from Toolkit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't help you out with any toolkit, sorry.

Hello efrant.
Seems you are the n00bs hero in here! I was reading your FAQ and threw some basic ADB commands through cmd to see how it feels ,lol.
Well reading made some good, I backed up through CWM but the backup size baffles me - only 21.4MB in total.Is this normal?
Also took a fresh backup with Titanium for all apps and data - this is a lot bigger 728MB in total.Still Storage (in Settings) reports that applications and their data hold 3.54GB.Is there some kind of ultra compression involved?
As for the stock bootloader I found that image (recovery-stock-jro03c-maguro) which I think is for my GN (GSM).I am asking in case something bad happens and go for a warranty claim.In that case I believe I 'll need to flash the stock bootloader, stock ROM and finally lock the bootloader.
As for the EFS partition is it impossible to be harmed? Say File System corruption, sdcard bad blocks, etc?
It's ok.I clearly understand your position on the toolkit and any similar programms out there.It's just they are so "convenient" and "time savers".Still you 're all right that most of the time you do not understand what you are doing when using toolkits.
Thanks to all of you for your great help. :good:
PS - to test my progress I am going to flash stock recovery through flashboot.I just hope I won't mess it up. :fingers-crossed:

To clear a few things:
TR-909 said:
As for the stock bootloader I found that image (recovery-stock-jro03c-maguro) which I think is for my GN (GSM).I am asking in case something bad happens and go for a warranty claim.In that case I believe I 'll need to flash the stock bootloader, stock ROM and finally lock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we don't have any custom bootloaders, as of yet.
TR-909 said:
As for the EFS partition is it impossible to be harmed? Say File System corruption, sdcard bad blocks, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not impossible, but many many users never had any issues. to be on the safe side, back it up.
TR-909 said:
It's ok.I clearly understand your position on the toolkit and any similar programms out there.It's just they are so "convenient" and "time savers".Still you 're all right that most of the time you do not understand what you are doing when using toolkits.
Thanks to all of you for your great help. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
glad you understand. just because something is convenient doesn't mean that it's the best for you.
TR-909 said:
PS - to test my progress I am going to flash stock recovery through flashboot.I just hope I won't mess it up. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
easy. you can't fail with fastboot. like said before, if you type it wrong, it won't go through. :good:
'fastboot flash recovery recovery.img'
done.

Regarding the nandroid, copy off the whole clockworkmod folder.
Will the next nexus have a longer screen?

@bk201doesntexist: yes you 're right I was reffering to the stock recovery image.Thanks for correcting me
@Mach3.2: I 've read just the backup folder is needed (the one with the date and time).
For the sake of learning, I started in ADB then:
adb devices : to check I am online
adb reboot-bootloader: to get into fastboot
fastboot devices: check again status
and then
fastboot recovery recovery-CWM-touch-6.0.1-maguro
blah...
blah...
blah...
Finished and voila CWM touch recovery installed. :victory:
I am going to try with stock recovery but I am trying to find an official source to download it (if any).
EDIT: I see the only way to find the original recovery img is to extract it from the official ROM.So I am downloading from Google a .tgz and will continue from there.
Any comments for my backup sizes?
Now with my backups in hand what is the possible way to verify them? In theory with nandroid (from CWM recovery) and Titanium, I can restore phone in today's state.Right or wrong?
I am thinking of going a bit further flashing the stock ROM again (wiping everything) and then recovering from the backup archives as my next learning exercise.I should obviously backup photos, music, etc but I was wondering if SMS history is taken care by Nandroid or have to use a seperate application.Contacts are in google's server so np on that.
Thanks again.

TR-909 said:
[snip]
Well reading made some good, I backed up through CWM but the backup size baffles me - only 21.4MB in total.Is this normal?
Also took a fresh backup with Titanium for all apps and data - this is a lot bigger 728MB in total.Still Storage (in Settings) reports that applications and their data hold 3.54GB.Is there some kind of ultra compression involved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using the 6-series CWM, it does backups a little differently (incrementally), and stores the backup in two locations in /sdcard/clockworkmod. I personally use 5.5.0.2, which does a full backup and stores it in one location.
TR-909 said:
As for the stock bootloader I found that image (recovery-stock-jro03c-maguro) which I think is for my GN (GSM).I am asking in case something bad happens and go for a warranty claim.In that case I believe I 'll need to flash the stock bootloader, stock ROM and finally lock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As was mentioned above, all bootloaders available are stock bootloaders. A list can be found in the bootloader thread (link in my signature).
TR-909 said:
As for the EFS partition is it impossible to be harmed? Say File System corruption, sdcard bad blocks, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if you have bad blocks in the efs partition, you would probably need to get a new device, at which point you have no need for the backup, no? But I guess yes, better safe than sorry.
TR-909 said:
In theory with nandroid (from CWM recovery) and Titanium, I can restore phone in today's state.Right or wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With a nandroid alone you can return to today's state.
TR-909 said:
I am thinking of going a bit further flashing the stock ROM again (wiping everything) and then recovering from the backup archives as my next learning exercise.I should obviously backup photos, music, etc but I was wondering if SMS history is taken care by Nandroid or have to use a seperate application.Contacts are in google's server so np on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wiping from CWM does not wipe the data you have on /sdcard, so no need to backup photos, music, etc.
SMS will get wiped, but both Titanium and a nandroid will back them up. However, you can use a third-party app (there are many of them) to do it as well, which is simpler actually.

TR-909 said:
@bk201doesntexist: yes you 're right I was reffering to the stock recovery image.Thanks for correcting me
@Mach3.2: I 've read just the backup folder is needed (the one with the date and time).
For the sake of learning, I started in ADB then:
adb devices : to check I am online
adb reboot-bootloader: to get into fastboot
fastboot devices: check again status
and then
fastboot recovery recovery-CWM-touch-6.0.1-maguro
blah...
blah...
blah...
Finished and voila CWM touch recovery installed. :victory:
I am going to try with stock recovery but I am trying to find an official source to download it (if any).
EDIT: I see the only way to find the original recovery img is to extract it from the official ROM.So I am downloading from Google a .tgz and will continue from there.
Any comments for my backup sizes?
Now with my backups in hand what is the possible way to verify them? In theory with nandroid (from CWM recovery) and Titanium, I can restore phone in today's state.Right or wrong?
I am thinking of going a bit further flashing the stock ROM again (wiping everything) and then recovering from the backup archives as my next learning exercise.I should obviously backup photos, music, etc but I was wondering if SMS history is taken care by Nandroid or have to use a seperate application.Contacts are in google's server so np on that.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The backup is just a shell, it's backed up in blobs, so you will need to copy the whole thing off.

You 're both right that in that the CWM recovery "image" is incremental and the base backup is the blops folder - now the total size is 1.75GB which is logical.
@efrant: thanks for clarifying on backup now it all starts making sense.I 've read Titanium Backup can pull individual files (may I call it selective restore) from a Nandroid backup, say a single app and its data.If that is so then the Titanium Backup could be used as a reserve app and that could save me some precious space.
efrant said:
SMS will get wiped, but both Titanium and a nandroid will back them up. However, you can use a third-party app (there are many of them) to do it as well, which is simpler actually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer to use less apps for doing the job so if Nandroid has the data it is fine with me.I hope it isn't that complicated to pull the data out.
@Mach3.2: You were right, my bad.The article I read was about CWM recovery 5.5.0.2 so now I copied the whole thing on PC. :good:

TR-909 said:
[snip]
I prefer to use less apps for doing the job so if Nandroid has the data it is fine with me.I hope it isn't that complicated to pull the data out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is that SMS's are stored as data for a specific system app (I can't remember which one at the moment). If you change ROMs, it is generally not a good idea to restore system apps or system app data via Titanium Backup, as those apps/data could cause some instability. You may get lucky, you may not.

efrant said:
The issue is that SMS's are stored as data for a specific system app (I can't remember which one at the moment). If you change ROMs, it is generally not a good idea to restore system apps or system app data via Titanium Backup, as those apps/data could cause some instability. You may get lucky, you may not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Point taken.:good:
A bit more on the backup subject...
As I can see CWM recovery backups boot image, recovery image and the /system partition.I also saw in one of efrant's posts about different bootloaders but honestly I fail to comprehend the need for flashing a bootloader.
*In your "convert to latest yakju" post you recommend flashing it "5) Optional (NOT optional for n00bs) -- Flash the bootloader: fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-maguro-primela03.img (or whatever the name of the bootloader image that you downloaded)."
** Also the radio partition is a mystery so far.And I 've read a lot of guys talking of better connectivity (be it GSM, 3G, WiFi) through flashing custom (?) radio images.On list to be explored...
The recovery image is pretty straight and the system partition is the one with the OS - now all this can't be 1.7GB unless it backups the userdata partition too.
EDIT: It seems it also backups the data folder (hence the apps) so the size now makes sense.I reverted to 5.5.0.2 because incremental backup is fast and slick but brings two issues: first the "blops structure" gives me problems when I want to transfer those thousands of files via MTP and second it is much more practical when I want to backup completely different "builds" (that is my guess).
Also in between flashing ROMs a standard procedure is recommended about wiping data, clearing dalvik cache, etc
Could you please give me in details the series of tasks needed (or point me to a thread) for properly preparing a custom ROM installation when unlocked and rooted?
About restoration in the "new enviroment" I read this:
"If your bootloader is unlocked: yes, you can root (if you haven't done it already) and use TiB to backup apps + app data. Installing a ROM will not wipe your /sdcard. It's always a good idea to back it up though before a flash. Use TiB to restore apps + appdata to your new ROM. Be careful with system apps and settings, restoring such data can lead to issues."
Am I right in that "illegal" system apps are those painted with red colour in TiB?
Final steps I am going to backup SMS history and find a custom ROM to install.Any ROM recommendations for a "novice user" are welcome...
Off Topic: what would be the adb commands to push/pull folders (or files) from /sdcard to PC (eg. \sdcard\clockworkmod --> C:/Nexus) .Right now I am doing MTP transfers but would prefer the "adb way" if possible.
Thanks a lot for your support and sharing of knowledge!
PS - So much reading!

Wow, that's a lot of questions for one post! I'll try to tackle some of them.
TR-909 said:
As I can see CWM recovery backups boot image, recovery image and the /system partition.I also saw in one of efrant's posts about different bootloaders but honestly I fail to comprehend the need for flashing a bootloader.
*In your "convert to latest yakju" post you recommend flashing it "5) Optional (NOT optional for n00bs) -- Flash the bootloader: fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-maguro-primela03.img (or whatever the name of the bootloader image that you downloaded)."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anyone knows what changes are in each new bootloader revision (given that they are closed source), but some have had issues with running Jelly Bean on bootloaders older than LA03. I guess "newer is better" holds true in this case.
TR-909 said:
** Also the radio partition is a mystery so far.And I 've read a lot of guys talking of better connectivity (be it GSM, 3G, WiFi) through flashing custom (?) radio images.On list to be explored...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, no one know what changes are made in each radio revision. I personally have not noticed much difference among a lot of the radios, but others have said otherwise. (And no, there are no "custom" radios. All radios are stock -- just from different versions of Android. (A list of radios can be found in the radio link in my signature.)
TR-909 said:
The recovery image is pretty straight and the system partition is the one with the OS - now all this can't be 1.7GB unless it backups the userdata partition too.
EDIT: It seems it also backups the data folder (hence the apps) so the size now makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it backs up the cache, boot, recovery and system partitions, and everything in /data except /data/media (which is /sdcard).
TR-909 said:
I reverted to 5.5.0.2 because incremental backup is fast and slick but brings two issues: first the "blops structure" gives me problems when I want to transfer those thousands of files via MTP and second it is much more practical when I want to backup completely different "builds" (that is my guess).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also like 5.5.0.2. I found it to be the most compatible, i.e., it has no issues flashing anything (that I have tried anyway), whereas other versions have issues with certain things.
And I personally wouldn't use MTP to transfer files -- it is flaky at best. ADB is much more stable.
TR-909 said:
Also in between flashing ROMs a standard procedure is recommended about wiping data, clearing dalvik cache, etc
Could you please give me in details the series of tasks needed (or point me to a thread) for properly preparing a custom ROM installation when unlocked and rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not much to do:
1) Download ROM to /sdcard
2) Reboot into recovery
3) Nandroid
4) Wipe /data and /cache
5) Flash ROM
6) Reboot
TR-909 said:
About restoration in the "new enviroment" I read this:
"If your bootloader is unlocked: yes, you can root (if you haven't done it already) and use TiB to backup apps + app data. Installing a ROM will not wipe your /sdcard. It's always a good idea to back it up though before a flash. Use TiB to restore apps + appdata to your new ROM. Be careful with system apps and settings, restoring such data can lead to issues."
Am I right in that "illegal" system apps are those painted with red colour in TiB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think so. I haven't use TB in a while, so I just checked and it looks like you are correct -- red.
TR-909 said:
Off Topic: what would be the adb commands to push/pull folders (or files) from /sdcard to PC (eg. \sdcard\clockworkmod --> C:/Nexus) .Right now I am doing MTP transfers but would prefer the "adb way" if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a read of the "basics" link in my signature. ADB is covered there.

Wow that's some great answers and a big motive for me to continue "digging".:good:
I will leave you in peace for the time being as here it's about to dawn.
Big thanks and have a nice day.
PS - To be continued...

There is a article on the main xda site about running a FTP server on your phone, maybe that will transfer the blobs faster than MTP.

Mach3.2 said:
There is a article on the main xda site about running a FTP server on your phone, maybe that will transfer the blobs faster than MTP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mach3.2.
FTP wouldn't help because WLAN (802.11g) can't beat USB 2.0 speeds.In fact it is quite slow for such file sizes.You 're right though in that through ES File Explorer I can send the whole Clockworkmod folder (and the blobs) normally to my PC without the "invisible files" issue I encountered with Windows Explorer and MTP.
Thanks for suggestion!

TR-909 said:
Hey mach3.2.
FTP wouldn't help because WLAN (802.11g) can't beat USB 2.0 speeds.In fact it is quite slow for such file sizes.You 're right though in that through ES File Explorer I can send the whole Clockworkmod folder (and the blobs) normally to my PC without the "invisible files" issue I encountered with Windows Explorer and MTP.
Thanks for suggestion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With MTP, copying using FTP may just be faster
And just to mention, there's 802.11N on you devices, although it's only single stream w/ 1 antenna..

Related

[Q] Easiest way to get out of this boot loop?

Specs: I had Galaxy Nexus LTE 4.0.4 w/ unlocked bootloader and root access. I have the GN toolkit if that helps.
Cause: I used the Font Installer app to change system font. I now know that not all of the fonts are working properly and emailed the developer about it. However, I am currently stuck in a boot loop after changing to one of the fonts.
I would prefer to not lose everything and if I didn't care about that, then I would just go for it and I think that I could get it working again. But since it was just a font change, I thought it might be possible to fix it without going through all of that. I am hoping I can just change some system files or something and get it to boot then select a different .tff font that I know works. THANKS!
If I reload the 4.04 update.zip that I still can access, will that wipe everything/will I have to re-setup a bunch of things? Is it OK to clear cache partition and Dalvik Cache? Thank you.
Did you take a nandroid backup of this ROM at any point? If so, you could do an advanced restore of system only.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
cmstlist said:
Did you take a nandroid backup of this ROM at any point? If so, you could do an advanced restore of system only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unfortunately I did not, but I will look into that once I am back up and running.
**EDIT: I have CWM Recovery v5.5.0.4 running now. Is it possible to do a backup at THIS point in time and then restore everything but system?
Druas said:
No, unfortunately I did not, but I will look into that once I am back up and running.
**EDIT: I have CWM Recovery v5.5.0.4 running now. Is it possible to do a backup at THIS point in time and then only restore system?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. In that case, flashing the ROM's update.zip should work and shouldn't wipe your data. Best to take a nandroid backup first, just in case of trouble.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
cmstlist said:
Okay. In that case, flashing the ROM's update.zip should work and shouldn't wipe your data. Best to take a nandroid backup first, just in case of trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I made the backup first. When I try to load the update.zip though, it says, "assert failed: appy_patch_check("/system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf" <then a whole BUNCH of numbers and letters which I can type out if they will actually be helpful> "E:Error in /sdcard/Download/update.zip (Status 7) Installation aborted."
Is that an incremental update.zip for upgrading? What you need is a zip containing the entire ROM.
Alternately use fastboot to flash system.img from the stock ROM if you were already using stock.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
cmstlist said:
Is that an incremental update.zip for upgrading? What you need is a zip containing the entire ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1481044 So I need to install 4.0.2 first? Unfortunately that is the only upgrade.zip I have on my phone and I don't know how to load new ones on there without booting into Android.
cmstlist said:
Alternately use fastboot to flash system.i mg from the stock ROM if you were already using stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? Can you explain further? I was using stock 4.0.4
Druas said:
Yeah I used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1481044 So I need to install 4.0.2 first? Unfortunately that is the only upgrade.zip I have on my phone and I don't know how to load new ones on there without booting into Android.
What? Can you explain further? I was using stock 4.0.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download another zip to your computer and use adb push to get it onto the GN's internal storage.
I don't have the CDMA version but here's what I am able to find. Check this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1481613
A completely stock 4.0.4 (aside from root, busybox, de-odex) from that thread is here:
http://dev-host.org/uMJ
So you download that to your computer and put it in the same folder as adb. Boot the phone into Clockwork Recovery and then plug it into your computer. (There are other guides to getting adb to work on your phone so I won't cover that here.) Run adb devices to make sure it sees your phone. In Clockwork you also have to go to mounts and storage and make sure /data is mounted.
Then:
adb push GalaxyNexusCDMA-4.0.4-StockRootedNoRadio.zip /sdcard/stock.zip
Subsequently in Clockwork, you will be able to find that stock.zip in the list of zips you can apply. After applying that zip, any damage caused by messing with the fonts should be reverted.
---- or ----
The alternative would be to download the factory 4.0.2 image from here:
https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/mysid-icl53f-factory-65895fa8.tgz
Inside that archive is a system.img file which you can flash to the phone by fastboot over USB. Immediately afterwards, you would then boot into CWM and apply the incremental update.zip you already have on there. This will take you to stock 4.0.4 unrooted and hopefully bootable!
cmstlist said:
The alternative would be to download the factory 4.0.2 image from here:
Inside that archive is a system.img file which you can flash to the phone by fastboot over USB. Immediately afterwards, you would then boot into CWM and apply the incremental update.zip you already have on there. This will take you to stock 4.0.4 unrooted and hopefully bootable!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While your instructions were good, I tried some things on my own about 20 min before you made that post and screwed up and erased userdata. So, I cannot say for sure if it would have worked, but I bet it would have and I wish I had been more patient.
Sorry to hear. Is it bootable now at least?
The userdata erase problem is why I now have to remember in every phone recovery situation - adb pull the entire contents of internal storage from within CWM before doing anything risky.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Yeah the phone has booted, I just have to spend some time recovering what I can. I will hopefully make better backups for the future. At least I learned some stuff. I still can't believe this was all caused by changing a FONT in a program designed to change fonts.
Druas said:
Yeah the phone has booted, I just have to spend some time recovering what I can. I will hopefully make better backups for the future. At least I learned some stuff. I still can't believe this was all caused by changing a FONT in a program designed to change fonts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, well this font changer program edits the system partition of your phone, which makes it risky. In the future, the best course of action with any "risky" change is:
- Take a nandroid backup first.
- Copy the nandroid backup out of the phone (it's in a subfolder of clockworkmod on internal storage).
- If you are doing anything that leads you to fear that the whole internal storage could get blanked, copy all of that out of the phone too.
- Now if you can't boot, you can selectively restore the system partition or the whole thing to try and fix it.
- And now if your internal storage gets blanked, your backup is safe.
cmstlist said:
Right, well this font changer program edits the system partition of your phone, which makes it risky. In the future, the best course of action with any "risky" change is:
- Take a nandroid backup first.
- Copy the nandroid backup out of the phone (it's in a subfolder of clockworkmod on internal storage).
- If you are doing anything that leads you to fear that the whole internal storage could get blanked, copy all of that out of the phone too.
- Now if you can't boot, you can selectively restore the system partition or the whole thing to try and fix it.
- And now if your internal storage gets blanked, your backup is safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I had no idea that there was a significant risk involved, otherwise I would have been more cautious. Some questions I have:
-With Titanium Backup, the only thing I need to be running batch backups of is all user apps + system data correct? And only restore apps not system data unless I am on the exact same ROM as before?
-Again with TB, is there stuff it consistently misses that I should backup manually?
-I always launched CWM Recovery through the GN toolkit using "6. Flash CWM Recovery, Standard." And sometimes I would select Recovery from the Fastboot menu and it would be back at the regular recovery. Is there a different way I should have been going about getting to the nandroid backup?
-I have now installed ROM Manager and hit "Flash CWM Recovery" and I have a nandroid backup when I reboot into recovery. Does this mean any time I choose Recovery from the Fastboot menu that it will boot into CWM Recovery?
Thanks again for all your help and advice!

CWM 6.0.0.5 backup/restore question...

I just did a CWM backup of my awesome ROM before I flasha new one (like I always does) and noticed it backed up awfully fast.
I just flashed the new 6.0.0.5 touch recovery so I booted back into Android before flashing a new ROM and noticed my backup folder in CWM was 20 megs...
Did my ROM really get backed up with data? Is all the info now in the "blobs" folder?
I am honestly tempted to just reflash the older CWM and do a backup just in case.
Is this normal?
Normal.
Backups are handled VERY differently for CWM now.
From what I understand:
Each file is diffed from the backup you're currently making to any old backups.
If the file was modified...a copy is made for your new backup.
If it wasn't...a reference to the file is made so that it doesn't have to copy said file over...it just says: Yes. File exists...it's here.
This cuts down on the a)
TIME. By a lot.
b)
Size...of incremental backups.
Edit:
This is just how my brain is processing the new CWM's features.
I've read nothing that states how it works...all I know is that YES, the above sizes are normal.
I'm generally pretty close in my assumptions...but I'm not a dev. Just...intuitive.
So if I'm wrong ::: Don't shoot me.
Makes sense.
here goes nothing...
Have done some reading a yesterday about this since I wanted to see if this was worthy of leaving my Old Touch Recovery.
It was worthy because the one feature that caught my eye was that it makes files smaller by compressing and preventing duplicated files in a back up.
This is why the back up is smaller(ish) and faster to back up and restore.
--------------------------------------------------
If I have helped you.... hit that sexy thanks button. ^_^
How can we safely delete old backups? I've read up on how it works, but it's still not clear. If I delete my oldest backup, will it render all the new ones useless because they don't have the duplicated files?
Well the ROM I flashed was fubar, couldn't get past the boot-animation, so I had to ADB enter recovery and did a CWM restore on 6.0.0.5 Touch, seems to work fine.
grantith said:
How can we safely delete old backups? I've read up on how it works, but it's still not clear. If I delete my oldest backup, will it render all the new ones useless because they don't have the duplicated files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good question. I'm thinking the same thing. If I have backup #1, #2, and #3 (the newest) where #3 is incremental differences from #1 and #2 will backup #3 be trash if I delete backup #1 and #2??
VTENGR said:
This is a good question. I'm thinking the same thing. If I have backup #1, #2, and #3 (the newest) where #3 is incremental differences from #1 and #2 will backup #3 be trash if I delete backup #1 and #2??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You delete the entire CWM folder and do a fresh backup.
Some of you may be thinking "well, how do I delete a backup?".
First, never delete the blobs directory. This would actually delete all your backups by rendering them unusable.
Simply delete the usual backup directory, and the next time you run a backup, all the unused hash files will be automatically delete (a process known as garbage collection). The recovery will show "Freeing space..." while this is happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1757146
"Simple delete the usual backup directory." Unfortunately I don't really get what that means. Any ideas?
grantith said:
How can we safely delete old backups? I've read up on how it works, but it's still not clear. If I delete my oldest backup, will it render all the new ones useless because they don't have the duplicated files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add, it looks like the app data and such is stored in the blobs folder, so if you delete an old "backup" from backup folder, but keep the blob folder intact, it will still restore fine.
grantith said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1757146
"Simple delete the usual backup directory." Unfortunately I don't really get what that means. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly what I just said above
This jump in recovery version confuses the hell out of me, I honestly don't understand it. I have 9 different rom's backed up on my phone and I want to update them but I've read stories of people having issues restoring old backups. My question is do I need restore to each rom with a version of clockworkmod 5 then flash clockworkmod 6 and back up with clockworkmod 6?
masully84 said:
This jump in recovery version confuses the hell out of me, I honestly don't understand it. I have 9 different rom's backed up on my phone and I want to update them but I've read stories of people having issues restoring old backups. My question is do I need restore to each rom with a version of clockworkmod 5 then flash clockworkmod 6 and back up with clockworkmod 6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I did.
Not sure if you "have to" but I didn't want to chance it.
orangekid said:
That's what I did.
Not sure if you "have to" but I didn't want to chance it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, yeah it seems like the safest way to approach it
masully84 said:
Thanks man, yeah it seems like the safest way to approach it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it also sounds like it will conserve a lot of space because it won't double up on app data which matches your other ROMs.

[Q] CWM, TWRP, and Switching - Think I Understand, Just Want To Clarify

Hey guys, now that we can backup our IMEI (Thanks to peoplearmy and geek!) I feel like flashing roms like a mad man. But before I start I was wondering if theres any differences between the CWM and TWRP? I want to be able to backup my current stock state and flash new roms.
Still new and it's taking a bit of time learning the vast ocean of android modding/development. When I hear people saying backup your stock rom before flashing, does this mean basically backing up the system or EVERYTHING including apps, music, sms etc? Correct me if I'm wrong but backing up with CWM or TWRP basically means just the system recovery kinda backup right? Like the CD's manufacturers give you when you first purchase a laptop.
Okay so if I'm correct on that, it basically means that if I were to flash a new rom or revert back to my stock rom. I'll lose all the files I've added on to the device aside from the factory starter apps/settings right? If this is the case than I would have to use QCOM Toolkit by mskip or titanium backup to backup all my apps (while i would have to manually backup photos,sms,music,videos etc through just normal USB?) or does our files get transferred over as well? I doubt that since it's basically a new "OS" right?
lol it's pretty cool learning all these new ideas as it'll be beneficial to everyone and myself on how to fully use the android phones. Now say if I want to switch roms with ease, is there such feature?
Last but not least, can all this be done with just the internal memory? I currently don't have any micro sd cards and waiting for the price drop on the 64gb sandisk because I have a huge playlist of FLAC files to add (living in Canada sometimes suck... all the good deals especially free shipping is in the usa lol..)
Thanks again xda-community
Intercrew said:
Hey guys, now that we can backup our IMEI (Thanks to peoplearmy and geek!) I feel like flashing roms like a mad man. But before I start I was wondering if theres any differences between the CWM and TWRP? I want to be able to backup my current stock state and flash new roms.
Still new and it's taking a bit of time learning the vast ocean of android modding/development. When I hear people saying backup your stock rom before flashing, does this mean basically backing up the system or EVERYTHING including apps, music, sms etc? Correct me if I'm wrong but backing up with CWM or TWRP basically means just the system recovery kinda backup right? Like the CD's manufacturers give you when you first purchase a laptop.
Okay so if I'm correct on that, it basically means that if I were to flash a new rom or revert back to my stock rom. I'll lose all the files I've added on to the device aside from the factory starter apps/settings right? If this is the case than I would have to use QCOM Toolkit by mskip or titanium backup to backup all my apps (while i would have to manually backup photos,sms,music,videos etc through just normal USB?) or does our files get transferred over as well? I doubt that since it's basically a new "OS" right?
lol it's pretty cool learning all these new ideas as it'll be beneficial to everyone and myself on how to fully use the android phones. Now say if I want to switch roms with ease, is there such feature?
Last but not least, can all this be done with just the internal memory? I currently don't have any micro sd cards and waiting for the price drop on the 64gb sandisk because I have a huge playlist of FLAC files to add (living in Canada sometimes suck... all the good deals especially free shipping is in the usa lol..)
Thanks again xda-community
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The differences in the recoveries that will matter for you, is that you're going to have an SD card in the future, currently only recovery 5.8.4.5 supports SD card in FAT32 format, later version recoveries don't have extSD support, the 5.8.4.5 images and zips are HERE
So after you've followed the root no-trip counter method, which is what is recommended, you can flash a different recovery from that thread, or just download the zip of the one you want, the recovery is inside the zip and can be pushed via ADB... refer to mrRobinson's thread for help with all that, and links to images... It'll need a recovery after getting rooted, might as well put the proper one on then...
Performing a backup is done from recovery, do an nandroid backup, it backs up the present state of your phone, so if you restore to it, it will be exactly like it was, when you backed it up...
No need for the toolkit, use Titanium Backup to backup apps or apps data if you want to restore them on a new ROM, and it's only recommended to back up USER apps and data, nothing system related, it will cause issues... The paid version is highly recommended if you're going to be relying on backups of your apps and such... I personally don't use it...
Without the SD, yea you'll be using internal memory... and it'll fill up quick with nandroids and ROMs... I never made an nandroid for my phone, but im sure its well over a gig in size...
B-Naughty said:
Without the SD, yea you'll be using internal memory... and it'll fill up quick with nandroids and ROMs... I never made an nandroid for my phone, but im sure its well over a gig in size...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. Its quite a large file. Around 1.6GB
Sent from my GS3
B-Naughty said:
The differences in the recoveries that will matter for you, is that you're going to have an SD card in the future, currently only recovery 5.8.4.5 supports SD card in FAT32 format, later version recoveries don't have extSD support, the 5.8.4.5 images and zips are HERE
So after you've followed the root no-trip counter method, which is what is recommended, you can flash a different recovery from that thread, or just download the zip of the one you want, the recovery is inside the zip and can be pushed via ADB... refer to mrRobinson's thread for help with all that, and links to images... It'll need a recovery after getting rooted, might as well put the proper one on then...
Performing a backup is done from recovery, do an nandroid backup, it backs up the present state of your phone, so if you restore to it, it will be exactly like it was, when you backed it up...
No need for the toolkit, use Titanium Backup to backup apps or apps data if you want to restore them on a new ROM, and it's only recommended to back up USER apps and data, nothing system related, it will cause issues... The paid version is highly recommended if you're going to be relying on backups of your apps and such... I personally don't use it...
Without the SD, yea you'll be using internal memory... and it'll fill up quick with nandroids and ROMs... I never made an nandroid for my phone, but im sure its well over a gig in size...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a specific reason why the toolkit isn't recommended? Wouldn't it be easier to just backup all the stuff to the pc?
Now if I can backup all the nandroid, ROMs, and app&data through to the pc. Then titanium wouldn't be needed and the differences between the TWRP and CWM would be non? And is it okay to have the nandroid and ROM backup on the computer and not the device or sd card, or is it a good idea to keep it on the deivce/sdcard? If thats the case I will go with the link you gave me which is 5.8.4.5 CWM, (not sure the difference between the Touch and just normal, and which one I should downloaded out of the three (I own the Telus which should be equivalent to the AT&T))
Lastly, you mentioned if I wanted a different recovery I would go and flash the one in Robinson's thread (which i did on my last root but un-rooted and went to factory after having some issues with the homescreen). The ones in his thread aren't SD-card compatibility are they? or Are they?
Intercrew said:
Is there a specific reason why the toolkit isn't recommended? Wouldn't it be easier to just backup all the stuff to the pc?
Now if I can backup all the nandroid, ROMs, and app&data through to the pc. Then titanium wouldn't be needed and the differences between the TWRP and CWM would be non? And is it okay to have the nandroid and ROM backup on the computer and not the device or sd card, or is it a good idea to keep it on the deivce/sdcard? If thats the case I will go with the link you gave me which is 5.8.4.5 CWM, (not sure the difference between the Touch and just normal, and which one I should downloaded out of the three (I own the Telus which should be equivalent to the AT&T))
Lastly, you mentioned if I wanted a different recovery I would go and flash the one in Robinson's thread (which i did on my last root but un-rooted and went to factory after having some issues with the homescreen). The ones in his thread aren't SD-card compatibility are they? or Are they?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just follow his steps to get it rooted and install a recovery, his thread is using a 5.8.4.5 version, you'll be fine with the SD card... keep at least one working nandroid on you device... and it's not that toolkit isn't recommended, it's highly useful, but to me thats one extra time you're hooking your phone to computer, doing something... just make sure it isn't backing up / restoring system apps, and only user apps... If you just want to feel safer and stuff, use to toolkit to back up what you'd like, and keep a working nandroid on your phone... It's all user preference, I never back anything up... some people back up everything they possibly can...
B-Naughty said:
Just follow his steps to get it rooted and install a recovery, his thread is using a 5.8.4.5 version, you'll be fine with the SD card... keep at least one working nandroid on you device... and it's not that toolkit isn't recommended, it's highly useful, but to me thats one extra time you're hooking your phone to computer, doing something... just make sure it isn't backing up / restoring system apps, and only user apps... If you just want to feel safer and stuff, use to toolkit to back up what you'd like, and keep a working nandroid on your phone... It's all user preference, I never back anything up... some people back up everything they possibly can...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol okay thanks a lot mate
I just have one last concern is it a good idea to make a nandroid backup while your in a different ROM from stock? Like for example if I downloaded some apps, got new sms, new settings etc and wanted it to maintain even though I switched ROMs or go back to stock, everything would transfer over but the ROM that I was in before (Kyan in this case) would also transfer so stuff like (apps) gallery, google chrome, google music, and other things that were special to the custom ROM?
If this is true, I guess the best thing to do is make a backup before switching ROM's than make separate backups of all the apps+data, sms etc before switching to either a stock or another custom ROM?
Intercrew said:
I just have one last concern is it a good idea to make a nandroid backup while your in a different ROM from stock? Like for example if I downloaded some apps, got new sms, new settings etc and wanted it to maintain even though I switched ROMs or go back to stock, everything would transfer over but the ROM that I was in before (Kyan in this case) would also transfer so stuff like (apps) gallery, google chrome, google music, and other things that were special to the custom ROM?
If this is true, I guess the best thing to do is make a backup before switching ROM's than make separate backups of all the apps+data, sms etc before switching to either a stock or another custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All ROM devs recommend that you make an nandroid before flashing their ROM just in case you need it... Most people made one on stock, and everytime before they flash something else... Like I said, I never make one, if I have issues I'll fix it some other way... and the backup will restore EVERYTHING back to exactly as it was when you made it... which is also why you don't need to backup apps with toolkit, etc... just make nandroids, and use TiBu for other stuff...
B-Naughty said:
All ROM devs recommend that you make an nandroid before flashing their ROM just in case you need it... Most people made one on stock, and everytime before they flash something else... Like I said, I never make one, if I have issues I'll fix it some other way... and the backup will restore EVERYTHING back to exactly as it was when you made it... which is also why you don't need to backup apps with toolkit, etc... just make nandroids, and use TiBu for other stuff...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know that, but what I mean is, is it okay to make a nandroid backup while your on a different ROM, and once you switch ROM is it safe to restore the nandroid you made backup of while in a different ROM?
Cause like you said and other the nandroid backups EVERYTHING to exactly how it was before. So that means the stuff that weren't or were in different ROMS will appear/disappear in the other ROM's I'm using?
EDIT: I'm just curious weather or not if I have to reinstall all the new apps i've downloaded and sms backup while in a different ROM to prepare myself for the reset on the new ROM
Intercrew said:
Yes I know that, but what I mean is, is it okay to make a nandroid backup while your on a different ROM, and once you switch ROM is it safe to restore the nandroid you made backup of while in a different ROM?
Cause like you said and other the nandroid backups EVERYTHING to exactly how it was before. So that means the stuff that weren't or were in different ROMS will appear/disappear in the other ROM's I'm using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No don't restore the nandroid unless you want to go back, or something has gone wrong and you have to... If you want to backup your apps and app data use Titanium Backup...
B-Naughty said:
No don't restore the nandroid unless you want to go back, or something has gone wrong and you have to... If you want to backup your apps and app data use Titanium Backup...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you lol
I just wanted to chime in and say thanks for the educational read. It's nice to see well articulated thoughts exchanged (with correct spelling might I add).
Cheers
Be careful as telus is NOT exactly the same as at&t. I'm rogers and although yes we have to use the at&t forum 747 and our 747m phones do have a few key differences so be careful. The cwm recovery is actually an older version that works for us as we can't install the newest version. And our modem or broadband is DIFFETENT then at&T's so that has to be remembered when flashing roms and mod'ing. Just some advise to remember with our Canadian variants.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda premium
pchemerys said:
Be careful as telus is NOT exactly the same as at&t. I'm rogers and although yes we have to use the at&t forum 747 and our 747m phones do have a few key differences so be careful. The cwm recovery is actually an older version that works for us as we can't install the newest version. And our modem or broadband is DIFFETENT then at&T's so that has to be remembered when flashing roms and mod'ing. Just some advise to remember with our Canadian variants.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... I undertsood what you were saying... but then i dismissed it as drunken typing with nothing that makes sense... I understood you..
CWM 5.8.4.5 supports extSD
Modem doesn't have to be changed, so it has nothing to do with it...
Just out of curiousity for those using CWM:
Does your nandroid backup have incorrect date stamps?
Mine says my phone was backup in the 1970s
Sort if this is a dumb question but why cant we use the newest version?
Sent from my A501
twanskys204 said:
Sort if this is a dumb question but why cant we use the newest version?
Sent from my A501
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use newest version if you want, but only 5.8.4.5 supports extSD :good:
B-Naughty said:
You can use newest version if you want, but only 5.8.4.5 supports extSD :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are u sure the newest cwm works on the 747m variant? I was informed ( on several posts) that it doesn't and will cause problems and a few have posted them. Keep in mind this is the Canadian version not at&t. Even in the root sticky for this747m device it talks about this and why it gives the install instructions for the earlier version for our devices. Sure I could be wrong but there is plenty on this site to support what I'm saying.
---------- Post added at 05:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:31 AM ----------
B-Naughty said:
Wow... I undertsood what you were saying... but then i dismissed it as drunken typing with nothing that makes sense... I understood you..
CWM 5.8.4.5 supports extSD
Modem doesn't have to be changed, so it has nothing to do with it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol..I now get why u were saying this...I apologize cuz I just realized that i was talking about the modems in this thread and that was an accident...when I was replying here I had a lot of reply windows open and got mixed up..(I'm not a drinker btw so no drunken typing btw) ..but just as a very general point it still applies..be careful with "some at&t roms" as there are some differences that could cause issues...that's all..but as for cwm rec..its all good and I will have to look into this again about the latest versions because I was under the impression from some here that it is not advised...maybe wrongly. Thanks and I'll check it out.
pchemerys said:
Are u sure the newest cwm works on the 747m variant? I was informed ( on several posts) that it doesn't and will cause problems and a few have posted them. Keep in mind this is the Canadian version not at&t. Even in the root sticky for this747m device it talks about this and why it gives the install instructions for the earlier version for our devices. Sure I could be wrong but there is plenty on this site to support what I'm saying.
---------- Post added at 05:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:31 AM ----------
Lol..I now get why u were saying this...I apologize cuz I just realized that i was talking about the modems in this thread and that was an accident...when I was replying here I had a lot of reply windows open and got mixed up..(I'm not a drinker btw so no drunken typing btw) ..but just as a very general point it still applies..be careful with "some at&t roms" as there are some differences that could cause issues...that's all..but as for cwm rec..its all good and I will have to look into this again about the latest versions because I was under the impression from some here that it is not advised...maybe wrongly. Thanks and I'll check it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I can't confirm whether it will work flawlessly like on an AT&T phone, or will it produce assert errors, because I don't have a Canadian variant... and mostly because I don't come into the Q/A forum very often, and read the threads... I'll just check to see if it's swamped the I'll help out...but the fact still remains that only 5.8.4.5 supports extSD.... Try one of these CWM recoveries, flash it in your current recovery... Worst that will happen is that you'll be changing recoveries again, if it throws script / assert errors...
Possibly someone with an I747M can chime in about which 5.8.4.5 to use for extSD support...

E975: Backuping original LG's Software before going CM?

Hello there,
I googled a lot, I searched a lot here, but I did not find what I searched for.
I am thinking about testing the new Version of Cyanogenmod, the problem is that I in fact never did anything like this.
I want to set back the device to manufactures setting and then backup the original LG Software, so that I can go back to the standard before selling, or if CM isnt quite mine.
Anyone tips or links how to manage that?
Thank a lot before, sorry if this was asked before (I'm pretty shure), I couldn't find.
5MinutesAloneLG
After rooting and unlocking,make sure you place the efs backup somewhere safe. You can also make a nandroid backup and restore it if you don't like cm. or you can use kdz updater to flash stock firmware.
I'm sure you looked all the places,except the FAQ
Okay, this sounds good to me.
Does any of the 3 Methods give me the same way of a full backup from the original software, or is there something else that has to be done?
I searched for the Faqs, but I couldn't find any?
Thanks a lot!
5MinutesAloneLG said:
Does any of the 3 Methods give me the same way of a full backup from the original software, or is there something else that has to be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, these are different things. EFS backup is to save your butt in case something happens with your IMEI. This is one of the most important things, don't overlook it! Nandroid backup is a "snapshot" of your existing ROM, including all your installed apps and their settings. This is the easiest way to get back to your previous ROM after experimenting with others. And KDZ is not a backup - it's a factory image that will return your phone to the exact same state as it was when brand new.
I searched for the Faqs, but I couldn't find any?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in @kimitza signature. It's his baby. :good:
the nandroid backup is like a restore image for windows. you will have all apps/settings from that time saved. here is a scenario:
1. On clean stock rom,root and unlock(unlock will also flash cwm recovery). Place FREEGEE folder somewhere safe.
2. Enter recovery mode and make a backup.
3. Flash any other rom ...and if you don't like it, restore the backup you made earlier.
4. Restore EFS with freegee.
5. Use Unroot from supersu.
6. Backup all your files(photo and other media to pc) then do a hard reset.
7. You will have a clean stock/official rom,like it came from factory.
All of this can be simplified by backing up your files and use kdz updater,followed by a hard reset. .It takes less time and it's safer.
I rooted it, but I dont have an hint of an idea how to do these efs backup?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38886073&postcount=1&nocache=1&z=7530246020855317
what is to do with that zip? I'm from germany and I have no clue what run in recovery mode should tell me. On the Phone or on the PC?
If unzipped, what is there to do?
As I want to use the cm installer with 10.2 stable, I just want to backup everything important..
Sorry, wrong link, i meant this of course, its allready rooted
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38438579&postcount=1
Sorry for posting again, but honestly, I'm not allowed to post in the efs thread, so I cant do anything right now.
Im still waiting to flash it.
Anyone should do efs backup, so basicly people should be able to tell me how to do that or?
Please anyone!
When you unlock the bootloader with freegee, it automagically makes a backup of the EFS,amongst other things(like bootloader state,imei,partitions etc). It's enough to place that FREEGEE folder somewhere safe. If you ever run into troubles(like no IMEI shown or you just want to go back to stock without using KDZ updater),just restore with freegee. It will relock you bootloader and restore EFS(with imei).

Titanium Backup Restores (ROOT)

Since rooted phones can't take OTA's, we have special considerations before updating. (flash/wipe/then recover ... ). Google restores a lot but I've discovered not many system or app settings. TWRP makes full backups, but if your data is full of pics and videos there's not enough available space for backups.
I have Titanium Backup Pro but I'm not sure 'when' to use it for recovery. Individual app restores sure, but what about a complete restore? After a flash and boot, should I bypass the Google setups, install TiB, and restore with that? Will that give me a 100% restored device (all system and app settings)?
Will this work? Is there a better strategy? Or is it impossible to get 100% recovery.
Insight/ Advice are appreciated.
Can't systemless root take OTAs?
Keithn said:
Can't systemless root take OTAs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my limited understanding ... no! Any boot, recovery, or system mods cause OTAs to fail when trying to apply. Getting AP working is a different issue.
since i'm not comfortable using command line programs i find myself using NRT when an update is due. in the end it's just a graphical frontend with some instructions but it makes me feel more secure.
enough rambling, your question is answered in one of the FAQs in wugs homepage:
http://www.wugfresh.com/faqs/how-to-update-ota-not-working/ said:
If you use Titanium Backup it is recommended to only backup user apps + data (not system apps), because when you update to the new android version, the system apps are most likely updated, so restoring an old system app backup will overwrite your new system app with the legacy version; and if you were just to restore the data, it may be incompatible with the new version of the system app. There are some exceptions to this rule; as in – you might be able to get away with restoring some system data, however if you chose to go this route then make sure you just restore the data (not the app), you do so selectively (as in – one system app at a time), and you know how to delete that app data if it doesn’t work properly (Settings > Apps > All > navigate to the particular app > clear data > reboot your device.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
following that link, i mostly find my self making complete backups with TiBa and then following option #1 for smaller updates and #2 for bigger ones.
Broken303 said:
...
following that link, i mostly find my self making complete backups with TiBa and then following option #1 for smaller updates and #2 for bigger ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the valuable info. It appears a full restore (all system settings) is impossible after an upgrade/update. Maybe restoring app data with a TiBackup is possible, but I'm still confused about the 'when' to do this - after the Google restore? Bypass the Google restore?
I recently moved away from Apple where their update/upgrade restore was almost 100%. Maybe some day Google will follow and this will be a moot point.
Mesmurized said:
Thanks for the valuable info. It appears a full restore (all system settings) is impossible after an upgrade/update. Maybe restoring app data with a TiBackup is possible, but I'm still confused about the 'when' to do this - after the Google restore? Bypass the Google restore?
I recently moved away from Apple where their update/upgrade restore was almost 100%. Maybe some day Google will follow and this will be a moot point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
google is certainly impoving on that part, it's only a matter of time until this kind of backup is fully implemented.
if you took a look at the link, you may have realised that at least with option 1 you would not have to go through the setup/restore process again.
in my case, i usually go for the restore option given, as it restores some of the system settings in a compatible way, which TiBa can not as already said.
another option, to carry over all of your settings to the update is to:
make a full backup with TiBa
unroot/reflash your current build (if you are using NRT choose 'no wipe mode' similar to the description in the FAQ. this way you don't have to restore anything and can ignore the next step.)
restore your full backup without fear of compatibility issues(never mind, can't restore system settings without root. stupid me.)
take OTA or trigger the update otherwise
in this case it would of course be pretty much useless to restore the google backup.
Broken303 said:
google is certainly impoving on that part, it's only a matter of time until this kind of backup is fully implemented.
if you took a look at the link, you may have realised that at least with option 1 you would not have to go through the setup/restore process again.
in my case, i usually go for the restore option given, as it restores some of the system settings in a compatible way, which TiBa can not as already said.
another option, to carry over all of your settings to the update is to:
make a full backup with TiBa
unroot/reflash your current build (if you are using NRT choose 'no wipe mode' similar to the description in the FAQ. this way you don't have to restore anything and can ignore the next step.)
restore your full backup without fear of compatibility issues(never mind, can't restore system settings without root. stupid me.)
take OTA or trigger the update otherwise
in this case it would of course be pretty much useless to restore the google backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked out Option #1 and the rest of NRT for that matter. In fact I have NRT installed. What is does mostly depends upon stock and I have Pure Nexus. In addition, it's a toolkit. Toolkits isolate users from an "understanding" of the process. However, it's the understanding that is necessary to have a fully integrated backup/restore process and to respond to issues/problems that may arise. Bottom line, I don't use toolkits.
Mesmurized said:
I checked out Option #1 and the rest of NRT for that matter. In fact I have NRT installed. What is does mostly depends upon stock and I have Pure Nexus. In addition, it's a toolkit. Toolkits isolate users from an "understanding" of the process. However, it's the understanding that is necessary to have a fully integrated backup/restore process and to respond to issues/problems that may arise. Bottom line, I don't use toolkits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok then, i thought your switch to android was very recent and therefore you had very little experience. indeed toolkits are in the way of a learning curve when it comes to android.
to my knowledge the closest thing you can get to a full backup/restore process for manual updates is to use the google backup to restore the system settings and use TiBa to restore your own (user)apps and data (possibly overwriting the apps google may have tried to restore/-install). with pure nexus afaik being very close to stock using the tag to not wipe user data should in theory still work without causing problems.
Broken303 said:
ok then, i thought your switch to android was very recent and therefore you had very little experience. indeed toolkits are in the way of a learning curve when it comes to android.
to my knowledge the closest thing you can get to a full backup/restore process for manual updates is to use the google backup to restore the system settings and use TiBa to restore your own (user)apps and data (possibly overwriting the apps google may have tried to restore/-install). with pure nexus afaik being very close to stock using the tag to not wipe user data should in theory still work without causing problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understand correctly, do you recommend allowing Google to restore everything it wants, then running TiB restore after that?
Mesmurized said:
If I understand correctly, do you recommend allowing Google to restore everything it wants, then running TiB restore after that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, basically. i would still be cautious when it comes to sms/mms and make a copy of every important file on the sdcard aswell.
the only problem i ever encountered this way was with whatsapp, which i had to reinstall and then manually move over its folder on the sd card from the previous installation.
Broken303 said:
yes, basically. i would still be cautious when it comes to sms/mms and make a copy of every important file on the sdcard aswell.
the only problem i ever encountered this way was with whatsapp, which i had to reinstall and then manually move over its folder on the sd card from the previous installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a separate app for call logs and SMS/text messages. I'll use it!
I always have everything on /sdcard backed up .... It's just those darn system/app settings that are missing. Oh well, thanks for your help. Think I've come a little closer to a full 100% restore.
Mesmurized said:
Since rooted phones can't take OTA's, we have special considerations before updating. (flash/wipe/then recover ... ). Google restores a lot but I've discovered not many system or app settings. TWRP makes full backups, but if your data is full of pics and videos there's not enough available space for backups.
I have Titanium Backup Pro but I'm not sure 'when' to use it for recovery. Individual app restores sure, but what about a complete restore? After a flash and boot, should I bypass the Google setups, install TiB, and restore with that? Will that give me a 100% restored device (all system and app settings)?
Will this work? Is there a better strategy? Or is it impossible to get 100% recovery.
Insight/ Advice are appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just follow #10 from Heisenberg's rooting guide & your apps/data stay intact.
ING3NIEUR said:
Just follow #10 from Heisenberg's rooting guide & your apps/data stay intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the easy part! Restoring app settings and all of system settings is the hard part
Mesmurized said:
That's the easy part! Restoring app settings and all of system settings is the hard part
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you follow the guide and don't wipe your phone, then there's no need to restore your apps/settings. They should still be there on your phone. The only thing you have to restore is TWRP/root.
ING3NIEUR said:
... The only thing you have to restore is TWRP/root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a flash update is performed, do you still restore TWRP/root? I would think not as it would overwrite the newly flashed update and likely make the system unstable in the least or unbootable at the worst!
Mesmurized said:
If a flash update is performed, do you still restore TWRP/root? I would think not as it would overwrite the newly flashed update and likely make the system unstable in the least or unbootable at the worst!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted, your phone will not take an OTA update. So you have two options....flash the new factory image or wait for somebody to upload a flashable update zip. The easiest way is to just download and flash the new factory image. If you follow the guide, you are also flashing stock recovery. So, you have to re-flash TWRP and root. Your data/apps stay intact.
ING3NIEUR said:
If you are rooted, your phone will not take an OTA update. So you have two options....flash the new factory image or wait for somebody to upload a flashable update zip. The easiest way is to just download and flash the new factory image. If you follow the guide, you are also flashing stock recovery. So, you have to re-flash TWRP and root. Your data/apps stay intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you input, but after all this, at the least many system settings are lost even after Google does it's full restore. I know, I've done it many times. I'm looking for a process/strategy that restores system settings (and all data settings) after an upgrade.
Mesmurized said:
Thanks for you input, but after all this, at the least many system settings are lost even after Google does it's full restore. I know, I've done it many times. I'm looking for a process/strategy that restores system settings (and all data settings) after an upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im very confused by this whole thread you have unlocked bootloader rooted phone running twrp and wondering how to stay up to date with latest google factory images?
You dont have to backup your phone to install the factory images and you can flash the new one over the current one. You can simply download the latest factory image from google and manually flash the files from fastboot or use the flashall.bat. just make sure to edit the flash allscript so it doesn't flash userdata or recovery as the flashing of userdata will delete your user data)
Flash the following from the factory image. Dont flash recovery or userdata (recovery will over write twrp and userdata will wipe your data partition.
Boot.img
Cache.img
System.img
Vendor.img
Radio.img
Then boot into recovery and reinstall su.
The_Automator said:
Im very confused by this whole thread you have unlocked bootloader rooted phone running twrp and wondering how to stay up to date with latest google factory images? ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Please re-read post #1.
I want to restore all system and app settings AFTER a flash update. It is possible to retain many (most) app settings if the internal storage is not wiped, but this does not apply to system settings.
Mesmurized said:
No. Please re-read post #1.
I want to restore all system and app settings AFTER a flash update. It is possible to retain many (most) app settings if the internal storage is not wiped, but this does not apply to system settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updates modify the system partition of the phone i have found that using titanium backup to restore system apps has always caused issues for me as the files have been modified by the update and you are then overwriting the update with settings from a previous version this can make settings copied incorrectly or cause issues with new features that have been implemented to the system partition. Personally I think it could create more issues than it solves is there a specific setting or thing you are trying to preserve?

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