Develop Bugs

[Q] nandroid backup doubts

can someone help me?
the wonder is my first android and I wanted to learn while before hacking on it ...
last night I did the root and installed ClockworkMod 6.0.1.2 to make a nandroid before flashing a ICS rom.
but I have come some doubts:
1) the nandroid with clockworkmod is done either on internal mem on external sd right? I tried with the internal memory and I did a backup of 17MB ... I have copied to the PC the folder ClockworkMod always 17MB: they seemed to me just a few for a nandroid backup... I did it again ... the same ...
2) then I added the external sd and I deleted the two previous backups from internal mem and redid the backup to external sd ... the process took about twenty minutes (slower then before), and in fact has made ​​a backup of 790mb
3) I try to copy the backup on the PC with the phone attached but it don't work .... I removed the SD card and copied the folder on pc with win7: I did not copy some files because they are "too long" (???)... then I tried to copy it on a pc with ubuntu and makes the copy but when the transfer is finished tells me that the number of files copied is right but instead of 790mb is only 725mb: I need to trust this backup? ?? better to delete and redo everything? I do not want to flash something and do not have a working nandroid...
another question: when I flash a rom and do ALL wipe the sd external is reset? no I think, right? and to put on the contacts and messages and the settings I use those saved using kies or do I need to do a better titanium backup or save contacts synced to gmail?
sorry for the many questions but as I'm a true noob and before I do damage I want to have in mind what I was doing
I'm waiting your reply before flash a rom... thanks

bennymax said:
can someone help me?
the wonder is my first android and I wanted to learn while before hacking on it ...
last night I did the root and installed ClockworkMod 6.0.1.2 to make a nandroid before flashing a ICS rom.
but I have come some doubts:
1) the nandroid with clockworkmod is done either on internal mem on external sd right? I tried with the internal memory and I did a backup of 17MB ... I have copied to the PC the folder ClockworkMod always 17MB: they seemed to me just a few for a nandroid backup... I did it again ... the same ...
2) then I added the external sd and I deleted the two previous backups from internal mem and redid the backup to external sd ... the process took about twenty minutes (slower then before), and in fact has made ​​a backup of 790mb
3) I try to copy the backup on the PC with the phone attached but it don't work .... I removed the SD card and copied the folder on pc with win7: I did not copy some files because they are "too long" (???)... then I tried to copy it on a pc with ubuntu and makes the copy but when the transfer is finished tells me that the number of files copied is right but instead of 790mb is only 725mb: I need to trust this backup? ?? better to delete and redo everything? I do not want to flash something and do not have a working nandroid...
another question: when I flash a rom and do ALL wipe the sd external is reset? no I think, right? and to put on the contacts and messages and the settings I use those saved using kies or do I need to do a better titanium backup or save contacts synced to gmail?
sorry for the many questions but as I'm a true noob and before I do damage I want to have in mind what I was doing
I'm waiting your reply before flash a rom... thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing: Why do you need to copy the backup to your PC? I can certainly assure you that the backup is working fine. Just leave your SD card within your device upon backing up. And just leave it there. If you ever really wanted to copy the backup to your pc, well don't get the file size(s) wrong. They will certainly be different since the systems you are trying to copy the files to uses a different file system. So it's normal for them to have different file sizes. To add to that, the CWM uses generated MD5 to confirm that the backup (it's related files) are correct before it will restore a certain backup. If something is wrong or the backup got corrupted, CWM will not continue in restoring it.
Second: when you flash, your personal files in your sd card will remain intact. Flashing (may) be only wiping an SD-EXT if you created such partition in your card since apps uses this. So don't worry.
For most customized ROM, I'm afraid components regarding the communication of your device and Kies won't be integrated since devs prefer your system to be our of bloats as possible. So upon flashing a custom ROM, you might not be able to use Kies anymore. In flashing, internal data such as contacts, messages, APN, wifi(s), etc. will be erased as the system will be erased. So;
For your contacts: Sync it with Google or export them to our SD for later import.
For your APN and messages: There's an app in the Play Store that allows you to backup and restore them.
The titanium backup is a very good tool too. Use it.

Thread moved
The [Q] in your thread title should have been reason enough to post it in Q&A .
Please don't post Questions in General Section in the future.

bbmadzky said:
First thing: Why do you need to copy the backup to your PC? I can certainly assure you that the backup is working fine. Just leave your SD card within your device upon backing up. And just leave it there. If you ever really wanted to copy the backup to your pc, well don't get the file size(s) wrong. They will certainly be different since the systems you are trying to copy the files to uses a different file system. So it's normal for them to have different file sizes. To add to that, the CWM uses generated MD5 to confirm that the backup (it's related files) are correct before it will restore a certain backup. If something is wrong or the backup got corrupted, CWM will not continue in restoring it.
Second: when you flash, your personal files in your sd card will remain intact. Flashing (may) be only wiping an SD-EXT if you created such partition in your card since apps uses this. So don't worry.
For most customized ROM, I'm afraid components regarding the communication of your device and Kies won't be integrated since devs prefer your system to be our of bloats as possible. So upon flashing a custom ROM, you might not be able to use Kies anymore. In flashing, internal data such as contacts, messages, APN, wifi(s), etc. will be erased as the system will be erased. So;
For your contacts: Sync it with Google or export them to our SD for later import.
For your APN and messages: There's an app in the Play Store that allows you to backup and restore them.
The titanium backup is a very good tool too. Use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot bbmadzky, I understand what you say
I wanna copy backup in my pc to have a secure place where put the first nandroid of my wonder with stock rom as I have bougth it external sd can be corrupted or deleted and have a genuine nandroid of my phone I think is better
just do another backup to ha the certainty to have a good backup and now can I try to flash my first costomized rom
thanks a lot dude
ciao

It's been a pleasure in helping you with your doubt. Happy flashing and don't ever forget to do a nandroid backup.
Sent from my GT-I8150 using Tapatalk 2

This reply may be too late in coming...but I'll post it anyway. First, the size of your created nandroid....17mb.....WAY too small....the size of the backup I made was +/-800mb.
Second....if you REALLY have to copy it to a PC, zip it with minimal compression first....I found from personal experience that it copies MUCH more easily and safely....
Finally, keeping personal data (contacts, SMS, lists of installed apps [not including app data]) safe. You can install apps that will make data files of your texts and installed apps that can be accessed after flashing a custom ROM to enable recovery and re installation, and for your contacts (if you store them on the phone instead of the sim card) you go to your contacts, press the menu button and select import/export, then export to SD card. If you use these apps (appbak and SMS backup and restore) and the export to SD card function on your phone, you will find that data files have been created by using them.....these data files MUST be moved to your EXTERNAL SD card BEFORE flashing your custom ROM. They will be perfectly safe there as long as you haven't played around with the storage configurations on your phone....which I don't believe is possible with a stock ROM anyway....
Good luck and happy flashing
Hope this has helped....if it has, click thanks
Sent from my GT-I8150 using xda app-developers app

not so late dude
the problem is... I don't have a working backup still now!
I just flased cm9 and RemICS 1.5 rom and every time I tried to make a backup before flashing...
the first time I have the above doubt (as you can read above)
the second time I've tried to install CWM 6.0.1.0 instead 6.0.1.2 and the backup process is finish well (or it was what I belive ) then when I try to comeback to stock version an error has occurred in restore and I must re-do a flash with stock firmware because the SGW was freezed.
I don't know if there are problems with installation of CWM, the release of CWM (now I try with a CWM 5.5.0.4), with the type of backup files (n CWM6 you can choose the type of format file do you have from the backup process) but now before to flash another rom I want to have a WORKING nandroid!
thanks for your reply and your suggests too... maybe make I something wrong but I follow the tools on web and these are simple... maybe is only bad luck... I retry

Dude...if you read my thread here.......
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846449
And specifically the replies posted by IvanKurnia, you'll find the links (and installation method) for the version of CWM that I'm using.....with success. When you make your nandroid backup, you need to make sure you have enough space for it to complete as you don't get any warning about lack of memory....the backup process will simply stop....and unless you know what to look for, you may not realise.
I'm not totally sure if flashing different versions of CWM on top of each other will cause instability or not....maybe somebody else can answer that one.....
I'd advise getting as much info as you can about EVERYTHING! before you make any more modifications to your phone.....read as many threads and ask as many questions as it takes.....most members of this community will be happy to help (though there are one or two who have a superiority complex...lol)....it's better to ask a hundred questions and get it right, than to ask none and turn your phone into an expensive paperweight.......
CM9...I don't HAVE to.....I just.....can..

first of all: I wanted to write mate not dude sorry for my bad english...
thanks keithross
I read your thread and all the replies in it...
yes the metheod for flashing the CWM is the same I knew. I prefer to flash it whit odin.
I don't think I have problems flashing other versione because I must do a replace of stock firmware before: I set the cell in the status as new... then I reflash on it the CWM.
the only thing I don't have made is to set on USB debugging ON... uhmmm maybe is this the problem?
I try now to flash, make a nandroid, try recovery by nandroid to understand if nandroid works! If not... I try to instal CWM witn the method has showed by ivankurnia
for free space I have enough space in my SD ext card (3gb ca.) and not so many app installed... and yes I use often forum and I think these are the greatest resource on the web xda for android is "the bible" I think so!
p.s. your thread has so many informations I need...

Hi Bennymax, I found ivankurnias method the easiest to use....I'd tried ODIN without success....but successfully installed CWM on the first try with the terminal emulator/busybox method.....others have successfully used this method too. I do still stand by my concerns about flashing different versions of CWM on top of each other as I've come to believe that the recovery partition is separate to the ROM partition and that changing the ROM partition has no effect on the contents of the recovery partition. I hope I'm wrong about that, and that the issues you are having with nandroid backup and restore are as you say bad luck....but I'm not convinced.....having said that, I'm not a developer, and I could be wrong. I feel that it is something that needs researching just in case the luck you've had is not bad, but good in so far as you haven't bricked your phone yet......
Anyway, good luck however you decide to proceed....
Keith
CM9...I don't HAVE to.....I just.....can..

I think CWM screwed me

I should be able to flash a backup I made with CWM recovery in CWM recovery, correct? Or would I have to adb push it?
I moved to 4.2.1 but not a fan of it at this point and want to go back using a backup (4.1.2) I made with CWM, but it won't flash. So at this point I'm trying to save my photos, notes, texts, and my titanium backup of apps and do a complete wipe using wugs (unroot/relock then reroot/unlock). Or should I be able to get away with just doing a format on my sdcard/system/cache/data and data/media (options in CWM)? Since going to 4.2.1 I have also lost a significant amount of free space.
BTW I have tried TWRP before and went back because I didn't like the layout but damn if your recovery can't even handle its own backups what the hell is it good for? TWRP here I come again.

you know it moves everything to a folder called 0 on the internal memory, right...?

A lot of the following is probably overkill but what I'd do is...
1. Backup everything I wanted to keep when in Android 4.2.1 onto my PC (Nandroid backups, photos, music, etc.)
2. Flash the factory 4.1.2 image
3. Boot up to make sure it's working
4. Restore nandroid in CWM
Chances are there are easier ways of doing this but I'd be happy knowing that is 100% right then have the potential for it going wrong

derekwilkinson said:
you know it moves everything to a folder called 0 on the internal memory, right...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bud I have tried to flash it out of every folder I have access to in CWM Recovery
The folder's I have tried, after choosing install zip from sdcard:
sdcard/0/clockworkmod/backup/ - 4 backups in here but wont flash any of them - says no files found when I try to flash one
sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/ - can actually see 2 backups in here (ones I don't want, just wanted to see where they were placed in 4.2)
sdcard/legacy/ - no files found
But stupid me did just realize the CWM backups I have been creating aren't zips? So I need to figure out how to get to sdcard/clockworkmod/backup and place my backup folders here. So I will be able to see them when I choose Backup and Restore - Restore

CWM can't see the backups in the '0' folder, it stores them on /data/media (or is it /media/data??) so unless you have a file manager with root access you won't get them back

EddyOS said:
CWM can't see the backups in the '0' folder, it stores them on /data/media (or is it /media/data??) so unless you have a file manager with root access you won't get them back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My my my you are the man. It looks like it is data/media/clockworkmod/backups.
I am going to try to Restore my latest 4.1.2 nandroid tonight, after I had a chance to back every thing up, but I'm guessing it's going to keep the current file structure though.

The best way to upgrade to 4.2.1 from 4.1.2 is
1.Flash all factory images from fastboot apart from recovery,@ recovery step flash twrp 2.3.3.0 and you are all set to no '/0' bug,
2. Downgrade to 4.1.2 ? Flash factory images of 4.1.2 , just keep the recovery as twrp 2.3.3.0, at present it is the best possible recovery for maguro for handling the '/0' bug , it doesnot delete the layout file.
And restoring nandroids in between the versions can make every file very clumsy, take some time and flash stock images to get rid of that.

BaMaDuDe87 said:
My my my you are the man. It looks like it is data/media/clockworkmod/backups.
I am going to try to Restore my latest 4.1.2 nandroid tonight, after I had a chance to back every thing up, but I'm guessing it's going to keep the current file structure though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After downgrading you will still have the /0/ folder with all data. So many apps wont recognize that the backups are there available to be restored. You can just point to the "new" backup location that now exists in the /0/ directory.
Example: Titanium backup will tell you there is no restore data unless you go into preference and point it to the right folder in /0/.
Example 2: Nova launcher will not see the backups. Manually move them via Root explorer or similar from the /0/data/ to the /data/
..and so on.

I guess I will be flashing the factory image then.
1. Backup everything I need/want (photos, notes, sms, and grab latest copy of titanium backup folder)
2. Format system/cache/sdcard just because
3. fastboot - factory image (4.1.2)
4. Phone should still be unlocked/rooted (on current bootloader/radios correct?)
5. fastboot - twrp
5. Restore everything else
Or use Wugs to take back to stock, then fastboot unlock, root, add CWM recovery might be the easier way at this point. Restore nandroid and everything else. Then add TWRP and remove CWM.
Sorry trying to talk this out with you guys and wrap my head around what I am in for. I know it's not hard, just frustrating to think I could possibly lose some things.

Better Recovery TWRP
BaMaDuDe87 said:
I guess I will be flashing the factory image then.
1. Backup everything I need/want (photos, notes, sms, and grab latest copy of titanium backup folder)
2. Format system/cache/sdcard just because
3. fastboot - factory image (4.1.2)
4. Phone should still be unlocked/rooted (on current bootloader/radios correct?)
5. fastboot - twrp
5. Restore everything else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be bossy but the latest version of TWRP seems to do a better job handling user folder /0. Its also touchscreen and [email protected]$$ so there is really no comparison....:highfive:

Yea I tried it, thought I was more comfortable with CWM and this bit me in the ass, so TWRP it is when I get everything straightened out

TWRP Restore Error 255

Team,
I just recently bought a Google Pixel and was attempting to transfer my contacts and messages and stuff from my HTC One M8 to my Google Pixel. However, my HTC One M8 was still on KitKat (4.4.2) and would not work with the transfer tool. So then I said let me take a TWRP backup of my phone before i start attempting to update it.
I attempted to download a rom to flash via TWRP but it did not work so I naturally tried to restore back to the TWRP backup I took.
Except now everytime I try to restore the backup I took all I get is extractTarFork() process ended with ERROR: 255
I have attempted to google all day with no luck.
Anyone dealt with this and have resolved it?
Thanks!

bef349 said:
Team,
I just recently bought a Google Pixel and was attempting to transfer my contacts and messages and stuff from my HTC One M8 to my Google Pixel. However, my HTC One M8 was still on KitKat (4.4.2) and would not work with the transfer tool. So then I said let me take a TWRP backup of my phone before i start attempting to update it.
I attempted to download a rom to flash via TWRP but it did not work so I naturally tried to restore back to the TWRP backup I took.
Except now everytime I try to restore the backup I took all I get is extractTarFork() process ended with ERROR: 255
I have attempted to google all day with no luck.
Anyone dealt with this and have resolved it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try updating TWRP? I had something like this happen a few years ago with my S3 and updating my recovery fixed it.

xunholyx said:
Did you try updating TWRP? I had something like this happen a few years ago with my S3 and updating my recovery fixed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, I had updated to twrp 3.0.2.0...still no luck
there has to be a way to fix this

so now even more weird. I downloaded Titanium Backup to try and extract from my TWRP backup, and nothing is there!
how the f is that possible!? does this mean my data is forever gone?

NoCall log, you should backup your calls with CALL LOG BACKUP & RESTORE apk from play store.Messages,you should backup with SMS BACKUP AND RESTORE apk from market(witch also can make a backup of all your sms/mms & call log!!!),so it's an one app for all.Both app make folders on your internal/sd memory that contain files selected by name and date,and you can just transfer this folders from M8 to Pixel and download those apps from playstore on your new Pixel phone,and restore calls/sms..About Titanium restore,isn't M8 ARM phone and Pixel is ARM64(or x86,I'm not sure)?so you can't restore those apps in TB cuz they're different versions with diferent screen DPI,and I suppose they won't work or TB gives you error cuz of that.You can only restore data from TB ,and it's very probable that some of those "restore' s" will give you problem due thing I sad in upper text and also cuz of big difference in Android versions(4.4>7.0+).
I hope you understand what I try to say,English is not my language,and I'm just trying to help you.I didn't by Pixel yet,I plan to,and this is what I would use in mind doing those transfers and restore procedure.
I had LGG4(ARM64),I transfered all my TB folder from M8(ARM),and when restoring ARM>ARM64 ,many of them force closed or mail function.But ONLY data restore allways worked on already installed app.
And about your error and problems on m8 with TWRP,yes try with some other and maybe older versions of TWRP(if m8 is on 4.4.4 ,then maybe latest recoveryes have problem to do backup and restore.In the end,try to flash stock RUU for your version on it,then TWRP+superuser,to try to fix all.BUT BEFORE Ruu Move all your TB and other data from internal memory/sd to computer or some other external drive-in case you lost or overwrite your data on phone.
Maybe someone will point you in right direction,maybe someone already had that problem.
Sent from my HTC One M8 [6.0 Gpe]

shawek said:
NoCall log, you should backup your calls with CALL LOG BACKUP & RESTORE apk from play store.Messages,you should backup with SMS BACKUP AND RESTORE apk from market(witch also can make a backup of all your sms/mms & call log!!!),so it's an one app for all.Both app make folders on your internal/sd memory that contain files selected by name and date,and you can just transfer this folders from M8 to Pixel and download those apps from playstore on your new Pixel phone,and restore calls/sms..About Titanium restore,isn't M8 ARM phone and Pixel is ARM64(or x86,I'm not sure)?so you can't restore those apps in TB cuz they're different versions with diferent screen DPI,and I suppose they won't work or TB gives you error cuz of that.You can only restore data from TB ,and it's very probable that some of those "restore' s" will give you problem due thing I sad in upper text and also cuz of big difference in Android versions(4.4>7.0+).
I hope you understand what I try to say,English is not my language,and I'm just trying to help you.I didn't by Pixel yet,I plan to,and this is what I would use in mind doing those transfers and restore procedure.
I had LGG4(ARM64),I transfered all my TB folder from M8(ARM),and when restoring ARM>ARM64 ,many of them force closed or mail function.But ONLY data restore allways worked on already installed app.
And about your error and problems on m8 with TWRP,yes try with some other and maybe older versions of TWRP(if m8 is on 4.4.4 ,then maybe latest recoveryes have problem to do backup and restore.In the end,try to flash stock RUU for your version on it,then TWRP+superuser,to try to fix all.BUT BEFORE Ruu Move all your TB and other data from internal memory/sd to computer or some other external drive-in case you lost or overwrite your data on phone.
Maybe someone will point you in right direction,maybe someone already had that problem.
Sent from my HTC One M8 [6.0 Gpe]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply; I wish I had asked before attempting.
Here is what I see from the bootloader screen in case it helps --
*** UNLOCKED ***
M8_WLV PVT SHIP S-OFF
CID-VZW__001
HBOOT-3.18.0.0000
RADIO-1.09.20.0702
OpenDSP-v38.2.2-00542-M8974.0311
OS-2.21.605.2
eMMC-boot 2048MB
Aug 7 2014,20:26:27.26992
--
I took the full backup of my M8 using some version like TWRP v2.8.0.? I tried to restore the backup and it kept throwing me that error. So I said, lets try to flash the latest version of TWRP and that is what I did. I attempted restoring through the latest TWRP but still I get the same error. I have also tried to extract the backup using Cygwin with no luck. Titanium Backup also does not see it as a valid backup.
I am still on Android 4.4.2 (I had a backup from 2014 I was able to restore to in the meantime and is rooted).
The only place the data from my M8 is, is in the TWRP backup file which refuses to restore. All data on the phone was formatted and overwritten as I tried to flash a newer rom on it with no success. I have not tried to restore the data to my pixel and will not do so. All I need to do is restore the M8 backup to the M8 and try the methods you listed but I cannot get past this TWRP error. Or, get the backup to extract properly without throwing errors so that I can get the appropriate .db files from within
I am sure there is a fix involved with TWRP or is my wishful thinking sore out of luck?

I had this problem and it took me two days to resolve it. I had a good backup and I know it was good because I had used it several times and it worked. But then after doing some system installs I got the error 255. I tried several things to fix it and nothing worked and I really did not want to lose my backup. What did work for me was to use TWRP wipe function to FORMAT the phone. Wiping or factory reset did not work. I lost the contents of my internal SD card but I was able to transfer most to my external SD card. You could also connect the phone with a cable to a computer and use the pull command in ADB to backup the contents f the internal SD card. Given the choice between losing the SD card and the data files I come to lose some of the SD card. Anyway, a FORMAT worked when nothing else did. I read that this error is caused by a lack of space. When I checked the log it seemed that the restore was failing with a particular file which misled me to thinking I had to remove the corrupt file, but since after the format I was able to restore without any problem, it would seem that there was no corrupt data. Hope this helps someone.

Best way to do a full backup (and restore it)?

Hi, on my previous phones I used TWRP to create full backups of my phone. My A2 lite is rooted with Magisk and I decided to keep the stock recovery to simplify OTA updates (also there is no official TWRP build available supporting encryption). The phone is already setup completely and I don't want to start all over again so formatting is not an option. Still I want to be able to create a full backup in case something goes wrong or the phone gets damaged. Is there a way to do this or do I have to continue with SD and TB backups? Thanks in advance.

nice q >>>waiting for an answer ???

I used Titanium Backup before. But now I'm using Migrate for backups.

My backup is TB and rsync of /sdcard to a server at home (automated overnight).
I never bothered getting anything else setup. I try not to brick my devices
I did have to restore a few times when I first got the phone, until I figures out how to recover from Magisk/xposed errors without factory reset.

i prefer Titanium Backup method with batch file to backup folders i need from phone memory to PC. of course i backup Titanium Backup folder too,
minimal adb&fastboot package is installed (portable) so i can perform below backup:
backup.bat
these example lines inside
adb pull /storage/emulated/0/DCIM
adb pull /storage/emulated/0/Download
adb pull /storage/emulated/0/Pictures
...

What is the Best Backup AND Restore Method?

Since upgrading from my Pixel, I've had the hardest time finding a reliable full system backup and restore method. Here's what I've tried so far:
TWRP backup and restore - the backup procedure works great, but I have not once been able to successfully boot back to the operating system after restoring. Usually get caught in some form of boot loop and I'm forced to wipe and start over.
ADB backup and restore - the backup command only works 50% of the time and the restore procedure hangs and fails each time I've tried.
Titanium backup and restore - great solution for apps and data, but requires more setup after the restore process than I'd prefer. Also, I can't seem to figure out how to backup directly to my Google Drive to avoid losing the backups during a wipe.
So, do you guys have any recommendations on a reliable full system backup and restore method?

Really, nothing?

PuffDaddy_d said:
Since upgrading from my Pixel, I've had the hardest time finding a reliable full system backup and restore method. Here's what I've tried so far:
TWRP backup and restore - the backup procedure works great, but I have not once been able to successfully boot back to the operating system after restoring. Usually get caught in some form of boot loop and I'm forced to wipe and start over.
ADB backup and restore - the backup command only works 50% of the time and the restore procedure hangs and fails each time I've tried.
Titanium backup and restore - great solution for apps and data, but requires more setup after the restore process than I'd prefer. Also, I can't seem to figure out how to backup directly to my Google Drive to avoid losing the backups during a wipe.
So, do you guys have any recommendations on a reliable full system backup and restore method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After restoring the backup in twrp if it doesn't boot reflash what ever room the backup was on, ie. Stock, scorpion and so on. I had to reflash the stock img after I did a twrp restore and it booted back up with everything still there. Just make sure you get rid of the -w in the flash all.

I bought a USB-C drive (SanDisk 256GB Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C FOR $53) from Amazon which connects directly to phone USB-c port. I am able to save backups from both TWRP and Titanium here and recover from it as well. One thing that I did notice like you said, when recovering from a TWRP backup, sometimes it boot loops. (It did this when trying to go back to stock from Scorpion OS). When it bootlooped, I flashed Magisk afterwards and that fixed the bootloop. Then it booted up properly. All the apps were there. I also save my Titanium backups to the USB drive and recover any apps from there (If/when needed). I keep the Titanium backup updated by running it every few days to update any apps that may have updated info. I recommend getting this drive, its fast and has a huge capacity. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XC1WGQR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Eudeferrer said:
I bought a USB-C drive (SanDisk 256GB Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C FOR $53) from Amazon which connects directly to phone USB-c port. I am able to save backups from both TWRP and Titanium here and recover from it as well. One thing that I did notice like you said, when recovering from a TWRP backup, sometimes it boot loops. (It did this when trying to go back to stock from Scorpion OS). When it bootlooped, I flashed Magisk afterwards and that fixed the bootloop. Then it booted up properly. All the apps were there. I also save my Titanium backups to the USB drive and recover any apps from there (If/when needed). I keep the Titanium backup updated by running it every few days to update any apps that may have updated info. I recommend getting this drive, its fast and has a huge capacity. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XC1WGQR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Another reason why I miss expandable storage slots...