Develop Bugs

Anyone have a clean backup/restore for ROM changes?

I used to have a WinMo device that I would flash new roms to a couple times a month. I had a procedure down to backup contacts, SMS, and CallLogs with some other info. Then after, the flash i would restore the SMS, contacts, and Call logs and an auto installer (Sashimi) would redo all my settings (email, registry, etc) and then install a couple apps I used regularly. I used this method because the ROMs would change the software on the device around and I didn't trust a standard app backup since it might restore old files onto a newer build app.
I know with Android, there's a ton of apps (Titanium, sprint, etc) to do backups but some seem more purpose built than others. Plus, the contacts get backed up on google, so they don't matter much.
Does anyone have a good method that they use to backup the data and restore between ROM changes on Android similar to the above?

Titanium backup is pretty much the gold standard for Android
It will back up ALL of your apps, their data, and your system data but you want to be careful about restoring system data. If you restore everything you're likely to get boot loops from something being incompatible, just be selective about what system data you restore and maybe only restore one thing at a time the first couple times so you can get a feel for what restores well and what doesnt.
Conversly I have had almost no problems batch restoring all my apps and their data. The only real problem you are likely to have is with apps that check to see if it's a restored copy or an install from the original apk. None of gameloft's games can be restored, for example. That has been my experience, hope it helps.

nebenezer pretty much got it, I'll just add a couple points
Invest in the donate version of Titanium. It automates the re-install process of apps. Otherwise, you will have to physically press Install, and then OK once an app is finished installing, for every app.
System settings items in green (includes SMS messages, call log, etc) are pretty much safe to backup/restore when switching ROMs, you just have to make sure you are switching between like ROMs.
For example:
2.2 Sense-based ROM <----> 2.2 Sense-based ROM - Ok
CyanogenMOD AOSP <----> 2.2 Sense-based ROM - Bad
Any 2.2 ROM <----> Any 2.1 ROM - Bad
Sense AOSP-lite ROM <----> 2.2 Sense-based ROM - You can probably get away with a few settings, but if you try to restore HTC Browser settings/bookmarks to AOSP browser, etc, or vice versa, it will likely cause issues.
That just goes for settings, as far as user apps, those are pretty much safe to restore to/from any ROM.

[Q] Restoring SMS Breaks ROMs ( Help Please )

I would REALLY appreciate some help with this please, because after 10 reflashes, I still can't find the problem. I've been trying to flash the Darkside Evolution ROM ( latest T-Mobile version ) on my phone. Everything seems to work fine, until I start restoring my text messages, at which point, all hell breaks lose. My stock messaging app just brings up a black screen and eventually FCs, Google Play keeps FCing as well, and occasionally, no keys typed in any of my keyboard apps show up in the fields selected. Reboots don't help.
Here's how I've been flashing ( running CWM 5.0.2.7 non-touch ): 1. flash darkside super wipe. 2. flash ROM. 3. flash darkside cache-wipe. 4. let system sit 10 minutes before toying with it. I've also tried flashing the cache-wipe after the 10 minute system sit, but I still have issues.
Here's what I've tried, with no success:
1. Searching the forums for any possible solution, but to no avail.
2. Mainly use GoSMS to backup & restore texts, but also tried SMS Backup & Restore and GoBackup instead, with same results, if not worse.
3. Re-ODINed to stock, rooted and flashed CWM again .
4. Checked MD5 checksum of all files I've said I've used; all are verified as correct.
5. Tried Settings->Applications, and deleting cache / data for troubled apps. Only fixes issue with Google Play.
5. Tried different ROMs ( Juggernaut v5.0 and Darkside Digital Warfare v2.7-( my somewhat stable DD until now) months ago, and Infamous 2.6-(worked after a couple of tries, but missing features I need) and Darkside Evolution v7 the past few days ).
TL;DR - Restoring SMS breaks any Rom I flash. Help please?

Could someone help, pretty please?
...I'm sorry if I sound pushy or agitated, but I spent about 20 hours just this past week, wiping, flashing, and restoring, over and over again with quite a few different ROMs to no avail, and unfortunately I'm not exaggerating. I'm tech savvy, but I know anyone can make stupid mistakes, and I would just REALLY appreciate it if someone could help me finally get to the bottom of this; it's been the bane of my rooting life. I can get on an IM app if that would make it easier.

I used to use Titanium Backup to restore sms & mms. But now I use Go Backup and hadn't had any issues. Every time I've used SMS Backup. I would get issues of the app freezing. I'm using TWRP for my recovery. I know some Dev's say not to use it but I haven't had one issue with it at all.
When you do restore your SMS & MMS are you rebooting your device right after?

Beefvvl said:
I used to use Titanium Backup to restore sms & mms. But now I use Go Backup and hadn't had any issues. Every time I've used SMS Backup. I would get issues of the app freezing. I'm using TWRP for my recovery. I know some Dev's say not to use it but I haven't had one issue with it at all.
When you do restore your SMS & MMS are you rebooting your device right after?
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Thanks for the reply. I've mostly used GoSMS Backup, but I've tried SMS Backup & Restore, Go Backup, and TiBu ( with "Migrate System Data" checked ) this week, but all of them cause random issues. I've been hesitant about using TWRP because a lot of people don't recommend it, but I don't mind giving that a shot if it won't brick my phone. Is there anything I should know about using it?
And sometimes I reboot right after an SMS/MMS restore, and sometimes I try to access the messages before rebooting. With TiBu, I always reboot first now. Either way, I still have issues.

I'm also on DarksideEvolution.3.v7, and have used SMS Backup and Restore without any issues. Also used SMS Backup+ without issues. I've restored anywhere from 400-800 +/- messages. How many text messages are you trying to restore? My only thought, was if your backup has thousands of messages, it may cause a memory issue that causes the hang ups.

I'm trying to restore about 12,000 text messages...
I was able to get DarksideEvolution3v7 completely working once, except that my GPS wasn't working, so I was going to wait until TDJ releases an update with a GPS fix until I try Darkside again. I haven't used SMS Backup+ because I don't want to use cloud services, and SMS Backup & Restore is one of the best working ones right now. I just tried GoBackup again, and after about 65%, it force closed with some kind of unknown exception error, and no texts showed even after a reboot.

That's your issue. Had it happen to me awhile back. Had to do some manipulation to get it to work. I forget the details exactly unfortunately. However, I do recall it was related to The max limiter in the messaging app and had to go with handcent, adjusted max sms settings higher prior to SMS refresh. Then had some issues with mMs which is the part I forget

Tb has the xml backup feature now, that might help since the backup file is smaller, so maybe memory isn't such an issue

I was afraid it might be something like that. I've had issues with previous phones restoring texts when I start hitting around 10k messages, but nothing this severe, and I figured that our SGSII's processing power should be able to handle it. I've been making sure that under the stock messaging settings, "Delete Old Messages" is always unchecked, but I'm not sure if that's what the max limiter is.
And do you know if there's anything special that I have to do to activate that TiBu feature? I saw it in my changelog when I updated, but I wasn't sure.

[Q] What to flash?

Hey guys,
Right now, I have an unrooted, GB i927 (stock rom). I held off on the previous stock updates through Kies to ICS, since there were some features (read: silly little things like the date and carrier switched places when opening the notification center, the YB contacts addition, and I think that was it) that I didn't like. Now, seeing as how GB is slowly being phased out of development, I am looking for something to flash. I am aware of the newer UCLJ3 update via Kies, and have considered that, but it doesn't fix the silly little things I mentioned. I have also looked at dman's CM10 port, but that is still in beta. Therefore, can someone suggest an ICS rom to flash? I am looking for something with the physical keyboard working (a must, as well as the backlight working), theme support, and no YB plugin in the contacts! Also, if someone has a rom to suggest, would I have to update to UCLJ3? Or does that even matter? (I'm pretty new to the custom roms on Android, so some help would be appreciated.)
Thanks!

Flash dman's deodexed JL3 and flash 14 toggles. It gives the phone an awesome feel.
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda app-developers app

Is there a specific version of 14 toggles to flash? All I could find was ones built for specific phones/roms, so I'm not sure if there is a i927-specific or just a general version.
And also, I have heard about the T-Mobile Theme Engine, which is on CM (shows up as Theme Manager?). Would this rom have the support for themeing as well?

literom 0.8.4... has 14 toggles already pre-installed.
I recommend backing up everything with titanium backup, doing a nandroid backup ... flash stock w/ Odin, factory reset and wipe cache, then install CWM then literom 0.8.4 per the instructions. Restore your apps/config etc. with Titanium and you should be good to go.
I created a batch that held only my apps/settings (IE: email, accounts, wifi hot spots, frozen bubble so i dont loose my level, SMS Messaging, call log, widgits I use, apex and config). I run my back to backup, I run it to restore with a new flash .. really saved time in trying new roms
Good luck!

yohan4ws said:
literom 0.8.4... has 14 toggles already pre-installed.
I recommend backing up everything with titanium backup, doing a nandroid backup ... flash stock w/ Odin, factory reset and wipe cache, then install CWM then literom 0.8.4 per the instructions. Restore your apps/config etc. with Titanium and you should be good to go.
I created a batch that held only my apps/settings (IE: email, accounts, wifi hot spots, frozen bubble so i dont loose my level, SMS Messaging, call log, widgits I use, apex and config). I run my back to backup, I run it to restore with a new flash .. really saved time in trying new roms
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you do did you make an update.zip? That did not work for me. Just wondering because I have the pro Titanium backup and now what I do after I install a new ROM is I return the apps I want 1 by 1 via Titanium. Also how do you backup your Text messages via Titanium backup? As well is there a way to backup your 10 speed dial numbers I hate having to redo those after every new Rom.

[Q] Questions About Flashing a New Rom

I have a GSM Nexus 4.1.1 rooted using my Mac and it's running the XenonHD rom. I rooted a while ago and do not really remember the nuances of it.
I would like to flash a new rom that includes the enhancements of 4.2 but obviously want to keep all my texts, music, programs, settings, etc. I have read around but need some definitive answers on steps to take to flash a new rom but keep my phone entirely intact. I also remember having problems with the google apps when I first rooted and flashed, and would love to avoid that.
Any advice would be appreciated, and my apologies if this appears to be redundant. I am just not very good with technology and would prefer to have all the facts pertinent to my situation beforehand. Thanks!

First of all - make a nandroid backup through your recovery menu. That way, if things go bad, you can flash your backup.
To backup messages, application data, programs etc, I'd recommend using Titanium Backup Pro. Its a few bucks but if you flash often, its money well spent for sure.
Remember though, that when you flash a new ROM, restoring all your apps and settings from a previous ROM can cause problems. I would recommend backing up messages and non-system application data only. You can restore apps through the play store and then use titanium backup to restore the data for the app.
Depending on the ROM you install - you may have to install the gapps separately. See the ROM thread for details on that.
Lastly, if going to a 4.2 ROM, make sure you have updated your recovery as there can be some SD card issues otherwise.

Firmware

Hello guys. One year ago i installed skydragon ROM and everything was ok. But now id like to reinstall my Rom to newer one. But i dont remember how i did it so could anyone help me? I actualy started to have some problems. My screen turns itself on randomly, pages refreshes or falls to main desktop randomly. If i use safe mode it is ok so its probably some of my applications. But i want to reinstall my phone so its like a new one(its ok with a custom rom ,i just need some recommended roms) so please if anyone could help me, i would be so happy.

FTWDiesel said:
Hello guys. One year ago i installed skydragon ROM and everything was ok. But now id like to reinstall my Rom to newer one. But i dont remember how i did it so could anyone help me? I actualy started to have some problems. My screen turns itself on randomly, pages refreshes or falls to main desktop randomly. If i use safe mode it is ok so its probably some of my applications. But i want to reinstall my phone so its like a new one(its ok with a custom rom ,i just need some recommended roms) so please if anyone could help me, i would be so happy.
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Backup all of your data, whether it be twrp or titanium
download the rom of your choice, id suggest leedroid or android revolution for you as they are close to stock
copy to phone, wipe data and flash in twrp recovery (im assuming you have it as you have skydragon installed)
then restore your data through titanium.
You may have issues if your firmware is out of date, however I have not updated mine for a long period and it is still working fine. There are plenty of threads that can direct you through the process.

Thanks alot. And what types of custom roms exist? I mean how do are they different? And i read on other forum that i have to do something with kernel? But i totaly forgot what is that

And id like to ask, if i can somehow backup my apps settings and saves from games for example?

FTWDiesel said:
Thanks alot. And what types of custom roms exist? I mean how do are they different? :
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Some ROMs are GPE (Google Play Edition) or AOSP; both mean no Sense. Others are Sense based, but with various tweaks, customization options, etc. But you need to read the ROM threads to see the differences; and how they relate to your needs and preferences.
FTWDiesel said:
And i read on other forum that i have to do something with kernel? But i totaly forgot what is that
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Unless you have the Sprint or Verizon M8, you don't need to do anything with the kernel. The kernel installs automatically when you flash a ROM.

What does no Sense mean?

FTWDiesel said:
What does no Sense mean?
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Sense is HTC's "skinning" or customization of the Android OS. They add their own version of some apps, modified the launcher, icons, etc. as a means to differentiate their devices from the competition.
Not everyone likes that, so there is also a Google Play Edition of the M8, which is an Android version close to "pure" Android such as on Nexus devices. GPE ROMs are based on the official HTC released GPE version OS (although custom GPE ROMs may have tweaks and customizations of their own).
While AOSP ROMs such as Cyanogenmod and others are compiled from source code, and constitute "original work". But again, they don't have Sense customizations, and are close to "pure" Android.

Okay, thanks alot

So i flashed the newest skydragon ROM but after i installed it and used recovery(from twrp or what is the name) i recovered my data (apps etc) but my notification bar and home button wasnt there. I tried to flash it many times but it was the same.

FTWDiesel said:
So i flashed the newest skydragon ROM but after i installed it and used recovery(from twrp or what is the name) i recovered my data (apps etc) but my notification bar and home button wasnt there. I tried to flash it many times but it was the same.
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Did you check the Skydragon thread to see if its a reported issue (and if so, there may be a fix posted)? That should always be the first thing to check when encountering issues after a ROM flash.
It sounds like you migrated user data using TWRP? I don't personally recommend it, as it often leads to issues, especially if the ROM is significantly different/updated than what you were using before.
Does the issue occur if you clean flash the ROM (default wipe in TWRP, then flash the ROM) and do not restore user data?

Ye the error isnt there if i dont recover my data. But i want to have apps etc there. So is there some way to backup them? Also sms, phone calls etc.

FTWDiesel said:
Ye the error isnt there if i dont recover my data. But i want to have apps etc there. So is there some way to backup them? Also sms, phone calls etc.
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I always use the app Titanium Backup to migrate my app data. IMO its also well worth the few $ for the paid pro key, to enable the batch functions (you can backup/restore all your user apps with just a few taps). Titanium is a very useful and reliable tool for ROM flashers.
Restore the data with TWRP, then back up your user apps and app data with Titanium. Wipe in TWRP. Then reboot and restore the apps in Titanium, and all should be good.
You can also use Titanium to backup and restore your SMS (backup app data "Dialer Storage") and call log ("Contacts Storage"). But be careful about restore any system data, since that is usually when the bugs pop up.

Okey, thanks alot. I'll try it today.

Hello, i tried the titanium backup but i have many many apps there and it wanted me to confrim every one one by one when installing which is pretty annoying while i have many apps. Also i thought about other roms, but i cant find here on xda developers any "comparing stats" or something. And mostly i cant find where are some cons and pros of the roms. Only last update notes... im really dumb or idk, cant really find anything.

Also i want to ask if its possible to remove car mode somehow? Cause my phones somehow sometimes thinks that im in a fckin car and uses car mode which interrups my app or refreshes page or light my screen..