Warning!! Warning!! Dont lose your backups!! - Sony Xperia ZL

VERY IMPORTANT!!
I recently FTF'd up to 4.2.2, rooted, and installed CWM.
The first thing I ALWAYS do when I first root and install CWM is make a backup of stock, to have incase I need it.
Now I always name the backup according to the date I created it, and usually use my favorite file explorer (es file explorer) to find the backup and rename it.
When I attempted to do this, I could not find my backup ANYWHERE!!! I thought maybe It didn't get created properly or something, yet, I saw and big ding on my storage capacity, presumably due to the backup I made, but couldn't find.
I just happened to stumble across a message in ROM Manager that gave me the answer I was looking for.
In ROM Manager it states:
"In Android 4.2, backups are placed in a secure directory, INACCESSIBLE to other apps.
Backups can be pulled with ADB or by using the ROM Manager Backup Download Server."
Basically you HAVE to use ROM Manager to find and rename your backups if your using CWM on Android 4.2
Figured I would post this and save people the headache I went through trying to locate the backup I made.
Check the attached picture of the message that's in ROM Manager.
Thanks and happy flashing!

ATRIXXIRTA said:
VERY IMPORTANT!!
I recently FTF'd up to 4.2.2, rooted, and installed CWM.
The first thing I ALWAYS do when I first root and install CWM is make a backup of stock, to have incase I need it.
Now I always name the backup according to the date I created it, and usually use my favorite file explorer (es file explorer) to find the backup and rename it.
When I attempted to do this, I could not find my backup ANYWHERE!!! I thought maybe It didn't get created properly or something, yet, I saw and big ding on my storage capacity, presumably due to the backup I made, but couldn't find.
I just happened to stumble across a message in ROM Manager that gave me the answer I was looking for.
In ROM Manager it states:
"In Android 4.2, backups are placed in a secure directory, INACCESSIBLE to other apps.
Backups can be pulled with ADB or by using the ROM Manager Backup Download Server."
Basically you HAVE to use ROM Manager to find and rename your backups if your using CWM on Android 4.2
Figured I would post this and save people the headache I went through trying to locate the backup I made.
Check the attached picture of the message that's in ROM Manager.
Thanks and happy flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes! I had forgotten about that from the Nexus 4! That explains why I was missing some space, and of course this means I lost the backup I had. Luckily I have a Titanium Backup of my apps and settings, and the pictures were not that important.

havanahjoe said:
Ah yes! I had forgotten about that from the Nexus 4! That explains why I was missing some space, and of course this means I lost the backup I had. Luckily I have a Titanium Backup of my apps and settings, and the pictures were not that important.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have your backups still. Just look for them in Rom manager.
Sent from my C6506 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

ATRIXXIRTA said:
You may have your backups still. Just look for them in Rom manager.
Sent from my C6506 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I wiped the /data partition when installing a clean version of the .423 FTF. I was missing about 7 GB of space when on RomAur, and I bet some of that space was used by at least one backup. I don't think I had more than one though.

Wiping data doesn't erase your backups. Our anything on your sd cards. Formatting your storage or manually deleting them is the only way to erase them.
Sent from my C6506 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I save my CWM backups on the external SD card so it doesn't disappear even when I upgraded to 4.2
Press thanks if I helped
Sent from my awesome Xperia ZL

Ya that's for sure the way to do it.
Sent from my C6506 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Related

CWM recovery Problem

Hello. I'm running clockwork mod touch v 5.8.4.7 and when I backup any rom it names the backup 1970.**.** I know that cwm v6 is out, however I prefer cwm v5 (I feel as though on my gnex the nandroids took loads longer to backup and restore. And also prefer the old backup method as opposes to the new one.) So here are my questions. 1)has anyone else encountered this bug. And 2)is there a different cwm version that's either newer but not v6 that doesn't have this bug?
I'm pretty sure this is a known bug which doesn't have a solution for the time being. What you can do is backup through Rom Manager; this way you can name the file whatever you want.
Davidion said:
I'm pretty sure this is a known bug which doesn't have a solution for the time being. What you can do is backup through Rom Manager; this way you can name the file whatever you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you I forgot about that :laugh:
Or try TWRP. It's WAY better in my opinion, but to each his own of course. Just a suggestion.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Your question has been answered, but I would like to add two things:
ROM Manager can name backup folders for you, however, the datestamp on that folder and the included files will still say 1970. You can always rename the folder manually, also.
I was depressed about CWM's new backup methods with v6 as well. At least until I learned that it still has support for the old "full backup" method. I really detest incremental backups for many reasons. In my opinion, tar should be the default option.
To re-enable full backup mode with CWM v6, navigate to:
backup and restore > choose backup format > tar.
This setting saves, by the way. It stores in /sdcard/clockworkmod/.default_backup_format. This file contains the text "tar".
There is zero reason not to use v6 over v5. You can store backups on your extSD now. The only thing I don't like about it is total lack of UI organization. It is a total mess, but I love it anyhow.
jpolidori11 said:
Or try TWRP. It's WAY better in my opinion, but to each his own of course. Just a suggestion.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard trwp keeps you from losing your imei. Not sure if its true or not. But I switched just in case
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
vw65bus said:
I heard trwp keeps you from losing your imei. Not sure if its true or not. But I switched just in case
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's just that the only people that have lost their IMEI have mostly been using CWM.

Android 4.2.x File Structure Thread

Hey Guys,
So After all of the recent questions and concerns I have seen and answered, I have decided to make a thread to help users understand the new file structure of android 4.2.x. I hope this will help those of you with questions and concerns and make for a smoother transition from 4.1.x and touch wiz roms.
I will break this into three categories........
First I will explain what the file system is and why it is present and how it affects you......
Second is if you haven't yet but are planning on making the jump to 4.2.x.
Third will be if you have already made the jump without doing your homework. (For those of you wondering where your files are, wondering why your sd card was formatted, or cant find your recovery backups..... This section is for you!!)
Section 1.)
What is the new file system and what the hell is this /0 folder?
With Android 4.2, Google introduced multiple users as a new feature. In order to accommodate multiple users, Google is now giving each user their own folder for storage. What happens is 4.2 uses an emulator to make different users and uses the /0 folder as the default users storage on the sd card. It doesn't recognize anything on the root of the sd card only whats in /0. To support multi-user capabilities this will be the norm... for each user, there will be a sequentially numbered folder in /data/media (/data/media/0, /data/media/1)...
And for each user, within Android, this will be symlinked to /sdcard & /storage/sdcard0... for user 1, /sdcard = /storage/sdcard0 = /data/media/0... for user 2, /sdcard = /storage/sdcard0 = /data/media/0...
These are emulated storage points... /data/media/0 = /storage/emulated/0, /data/media/1 = /storage/emulated/1
Without root access, each user will just see /sdcard/ and will not be able to access the other emulated storage points...
In the recovery mode, however, /sdcard is mapped to /data/media which is why you need to navigate to the "0" folder to see your files!
So in order to access your internal storage files they will be in data/media/0. So for example to access the backup location In titanium backup after you flash navigate to data/media/0/TitaniumBackup. (Thanks to ktetreault)
That being said, If you already flashed a 4.2 rom without preparation, your files aren't lost they are just inaccessible they are just not in the proper place for 4.2 to see them.
So now that we have all the technical stuff out of the way...... Lets get into how to either prevent or fix this issue.
Section 2.)
Preparing to flash a 4.2 rom from a touch wiz rom or an aosp 4.1.x based rom.
Okay, so you have touch wiz or aosp 4.1.x of some sort and your ready to try out the goodness of 4.2?
First backup your ext sd card to your pc or if a pc is unavailable (and your willing to take a risk) use a file explorer on your phone such as Es file explorer from the market to transfer the contents of the ext sd card to your internal sd card. I highly suggest avoiding using the phone as some hiccups can occur. I have done it successfully myself but have heard others who have lost their files during transfer because they left the app while it was transferring. If you do use this method DO NOT LEAVE THE APP UNTIL THE FILE TRANSFER IS COMPLETE.
Second Format your ext sd card so we have a clean slate to work with as this will help tremendously to avoid any headaches.
Third Install the latest recovery of your choice. The reason for this is that the older recoveries are not updated for 4.2 and will continuously create a new /0 folder every time you flash a new rom. Follow the instructions to install in the applicable thread.
Thanks to naddict for posting the links.... These are all flashable zips thru recovery
TWRP 2.4.1.0 - http://d-h.st/9cL
CWM 6.0.2.3 - http://d-h.st/jbT
CWM Touch 6.0.2.3 - http://d-h.st/8A9
Fourth Flash the 4.2 rom of your choosing per the instructions of the developers OP in their thread.
Set your phone up as usual and then restore the files from your backup on your pc or move them back from the internal sd card using es file explorer again. Keep in mind that the /0 folder is your new sd card storage. Now you are good to go and enjoy the new features and benefits of 4.2 and not have to search for your files :good:
Section 3.)
Okay so you got overly excited and flashed a 4.2 rom........ OMG!!! All my files are gone!!!! I can't restore any backups and all my precious files have disappeared!! Why was my sd card formatted?????
Relax.... Your files didn't go any where they are exactly how you left them you just can't see them.....
I will walk you thru 4 easy steps to get your files back and put you back on track.
First Make sure you have the latest recovery of your choice. If needed refer to the links posted in section 1. If you don't do this you will see a duplicate /0 folder created every time you flash a new 4.2 rom.
Second You won't be able to find your backups thru recovery. The easiest method I found is to download any touch wiz rom. Wipe your phone completely and then flash the touch wiz rom you downloaded. Reboot and go thru the setup and what not.
Third Now install es file explorer or the app of your choice. Next copy everything from the root of the sd card into the /0 folder that 4.2 had created oh so nicely for you.
Fourth Reboot into recovery and re-flash the 4.2 rom you began with. After going thru the initial rom setup you will see that are of your files are back intact and ready for you to access.
Hopefully this has helped those of you with questions and concerns about upgrading to 4.2.x. If i missed anything please feel free to let me know and ill include it here or address any further questions.
Thanks to:
Sundawg of TBD
Koush Of CWM
Team Win
And All of the devs on xda
Hope I have helped if so feel free to press thanks!!
Thank you for taking the time to write this. This should help a lot of people.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
WhoWhere said:
Thank you for taking the time to write this. This should help a lot of people.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I was answering this a few times recently and I know I was baffled at first. As well I didn't see any other threads regarding this so I figured it may help.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
If i am currently on a 4.1 ROM and don't have an external sd(i only have the internal storage), will the new 4.2 file system affect me when i flash a 4.2 ROM?
So far i have backed up apps+data with titanium backup, and im ready to flash liquid smooth ROM using twrp. I just want to know if after flashing my internal storage contents will still be there and i will be able to restore apps with tb.
Outstanding guide, good work!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
This should help a lot of people, nice work! I will add this to the FAQ.
chromium96 said:
If i am currently on a 4.1 ROM and don't have an external sd(i only have the internal storage), will the new 4.2 file system affect me when i flash a 4.2 ROM?
So far i have backed up apps+data with titanium backup, and im ready to flash liquid smooth ROM using twrp. I just want to know if after flashing my internal storage contents will still be there and i will be able to restore apps with tb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you shouldn't be affected bud I would only suggest getting an sd card just to backup anything important in case of a freak error during flashing or accidental wiping of internal sd.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Towle said:
This should help a lot of people, nice work! I will add this to the FAQ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks i appreciate you including it in your thread.
Thetenthdr said:
Outstanding guide, good work!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot took me a little while to get it all together.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
chromium96 said:
If i am currently on a 4.1 ROM and don't have an external sd(i only have the internal storage), will the new 4.2 file system affect me when i flash a 4.2 ROM?
So far i have backed up apps+data with titanium backup, and im ready to flash liquid smooth ROM using twrp. I just want to know if after flashing my internal storage contents will still be there and i will be able to restore apps with tb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but you will have to set the backup location In titanium backup after you flash to data/media/0/TitaniumBackup
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
ktetreault14 said:
Yes, but you will have to set the backup location In titanium backup after you flash to data/media/0/TitaniumBackup
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for informing I'll add that to the op as well.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
this was of great help
When I went to 4.2.1 I did not understand the file system change. I had to use my backup phone for 5 days before I finally got my SMSand MMS and Launcher Pro restored.
Then I wiped and flashed again and it created a new "0" directory. I have been afraid to do anything but dirty flash since.
This finally explains it all and I feel confident in wiping again.
Thank you so much.
GeneLM said:
When I went to 4.2.1 I did not understand the file system change. I had to use my backup phone for 5 days before I finally got my SMSand MMS and Launcher Pro restored.
Then I wiped and flashed again and it created a new "0" directory. I have been afraid to do anything but dirty flash since.
This finally explains it all and I feel confident in wiping again.
Thank you so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem bud that's why I created the thread to help everyone understand and to give you guys a place to ask.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
You rock, thx for the info, looks like it was a lot of work but good idea after so many posts asking about the same thing
lordazoroth said:
You rock, thx for the info, looks like it was a lot of work but good idea after so many posts asking about the same thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem it was my pleasure. Hopefully will cut the redundancy lol
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
If you are missing your /sdcard/download/ file:
Go to: /mnt/shell/emulated/download/
+Bound for Valhalla!
Valhalla_ said:
If you are missing your /sdcard/download/ file:
Go to: /mnt/shell/emulated/download/
+Bound for Valhalla!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup that will work but quite an annoying work around Lol that's why I showed you guys how to prevent this or fix it so this won't be needed every time you need a file
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Great work, very informative and easy to read...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
unk2009 said:
Great work, very informative and easy to read...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, quick question, I bounced off another ROM onto liquidsmooth without updating my recovery and ended up with an extra '0' folder, can I move my files out of there and delete it safely?
lordazoroth said:
Hey, quick question, I bounced off another ROM onto liquidsmooth without updating my recovery and ended up with an extra '0' folder, can I move my files out of there and delete it safely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup no problem just delete the innermost one without your files and you will be good to go.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
rawdaddymagraden said:
Yup no problem just delete the innermost one without your files and you will be good to go.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pimp, thx a bunch!

Restoring Contacts with Titanium Backup

Just got done rooting my ATT GS3, and flashed Cyanogenmod10 onto it. Before I did a full Titanium Backup, and did a backup of my previous ROM on CWM. When I got everything sorted in Cyanogenmod I noticed that my contacts weren't syncing, so I tried to restore them with Titanium Backup. All this did was give me an annoying error where something kept crashing, so I had to clear the data from my contacts app.
Then I found somebodies advice on the forum that said the restore the data from the recovery image I had on CWM. This was terrible advice and left Cyanogenmod frozen on the splash screen. So I reinstalled CM10 and got everything working fine again. Now my question is, is there any way to get my contacts back from my previous stock image, or the backup I made in Titanium before I flashed CM10? I've looked around and haven't found anything that works yet
Thanks
diiggidy said:
Just got done rooting my ATT GS3, and flashed Cyanogenmod10 onto it. Before I did a full Titanium Backup, and did a backup of my previous ROM on CWM. When I got everything sorted in Cyanogenmod I noticed that my contacts weren't syncing, so I tried to restore them with Titanium Backup. All this did was give me an annoying error where something kept crashing, so I had to clear the data from my contacts app.
Then I found somebodies advice on the forum that said the restore the data from the recovery image I had on CWM. This was terrible advice and left Cyanogenmod frozen on the splash screen. So I reinstalled CM10 and got everything working fine again. Now my question is, is there any way to get my contacts back from my previous stock image, or the backup I made in Titanium before I flashed CM10? I've looked around and haven't found anything that works yet
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your contacts will sync the second you enter your gmail info. Google syncs and backs them up automatically.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Sorry I forgot to mention that, for some reason, my contacts weren't backed up with my google account. I have no idea why this is, but when I try to sync them with google I get nothing.
"Contacts Storage" holds the contacts. Backup this regularly and restore this when needed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
diablo009 said:
"Contacts Storage" holds the contacts. Backup this regularly and restore this when needed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I try to back up Contacts Storage and reboot, contacts crashes and then I continuously get the message processes.acore has stopped working. The only way I can get this to stop is if I clear data from the contacts app
Ok. Another way when moving between ROMs.
Install GoContacts free app. This app allows to export contacts and import after a new ROM flash. The safest method i can think of.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
diablo009 said:
Ok. Another way when moving between ROMs.
Install GoContacts free app. This app allows to export contacts and import after a new ROM flash. The safest method i can think of.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any of the Go apps are far from safe.
This is why it is known to never restore any system data.
Wayne Tech S-III
zelendel said:
Any of the Go apps are far from safe.
This is why it is known to never restore any system data.
Wayne Tech S-III
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never told to use it. Install it, export, freeze/uninstall. And when needed, install/defreeze, import, uninstall/freeze. Simple. Plus I use GoContacts from over an year ago, not the GoContactsEx version.
Restore
A general query.
I switched from samsung Y pro DUOS to samsung grand quattro. I had my old device rooted and had a titanium backup. That folder is also available in my laptop. Is there any way to have my contacts etc back again on my new quattro??
Btw, previous device got washed thoroughly! So all i have is a "titanium backup" folder.
PS: In no mood to root my new device.
UchihaMadara08 said:
A general query.
I switched from samsung Y pro DUOS to samsung grand quattro. I had my old device rooted and had a titanium backup. That folder is also available in my laptop. Is there any way to have my contacts etc back again on my new quattro??
Btw, previous device got washed thoroughly! So all i have is a "titanium backup" folder.
PS: In no mood to root my new device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you backup with contacts to your google account? If so, that's a way to get them back.
Otherwise, you'll have to root your device.
P.S.: This is the S3 section.
Another sort of general question on doing app+system data full backup on the SG3 using Titanium
Assuming I own the 16GB version, I've rooted and installed custom recovery on the device. I've done a custom recovery backup (TWRP or whatever)
Now I'm ready to install my custom rom zip and gapps, but say I have like 100+ downloaded apps with app data & whatnot, so I have Ti Backup installed and do a complete 'apps+system data' backup file...
but my internal 16GB memory doesn't have enough spare room to store the complete Ti backup file in addition to my existing system files, existing custom recovery backup file and existing apps and data/junk. And my options for cloud storage, lets say Google Drive or Dropbox, don't have enough room either.
Is my external SD card (say a 32 GB card in the slot) and option for backup of the Ti backup app+system data file? Will that Ti backup file be readable by the phone once I flash the custom rom on the phone? Or does stock ROM touchwiz format the external microSD card a certain way that once I flash a different custom ROM like CM, that external SD card and all its data is now unreadable?
kayone73 said:
Another sort of general question on doing app+system data full backup on the SG3 using Titanium
Assuming I own the 16GB version, I've rooted and installed custom recovery on the device. I've done a custom recovery backup (TWRP or whatever)
Now I'm ready to install my custom rom zip and gapps, but say I have like 100+ downloaded apps with app data & whatnot, so I have Ti Backup installed and do a complete 'apps+system data' backup file...
but my internal 16GB memory doesn't have enough spare room to store the complete Ti backup file in addition to my existing system files, existing custom recovery backup file and existing apps and data/junk. And my options for cloud storage, lets say Google Drive or Dropbox, don't have enough room either.
Is my external SD card (say a 32 GB card in the slot) and option for backup of the Ti backup app+system data file? Will that Ti backup file be readable by the phone once I flash the custom rom on the phone? Or does stock ROM touchwiz format the external microSD card a certain way that once I flash a different custom ROM like CM, that external SD card and all its data is now unreadable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the external will work fine as that was always my default storage location. But a word of advice. Backing up your system data is a bad idea.
zelendel said:
No the external will work fine as that was always my default storage location. But a word of advice. Backing up your system data is a bad idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive heard that (danger or being caught in bootloop?) but for some reason every youtube tutorial on full Ti backups I see they always choose apps+system data in the batch operations. And I've been doing it on my rooted HTC one with no issues.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
kayone73 said:
Ive heard that (danger or being caught in bootloop?) but for some reason every youtube tutorial on full Ti backups I see they always choose apps+system data in the batch operations. And I've been doing it on my rooted HTC one with no issues.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never follow videos, they are seldom done by anyone that really knows what they are doing. The issue is with restoring the data. Like you say you are doing it on your HTC one. If you were to restore that system data on a non HTC device or a non Sense rom (if you are using a sense rom) you will corrupt the system data forcing you to reflash from scratch.
zelendel said:
Never follow videos, they are seldom done by anyone that really knows what they are doing. The issue is with restoring the data. Like you say you are doing it on your HTC one. If you were to restore that system data on a non HTC device or a non Sense rom (if you are using a sense rom) you will corrupt the system data forcing you to reflash from scratch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So im best off just choosing 'Backup all user apps' I want to save apps and app data?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
kayone73 said:
So im best off just choosing 'Backup all user apps' I want to save apps and app data?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes your better off saving just user apps. This normally backs up game save data as well but doesnt always work across devices due to different layouts of the partitions.
zelendel said:
Yes your better off saving just user apps. This normally backs up game save data as well but doesnt always work across devices due to different layouts of the partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks for the input.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk 2
Can't find my contacts
So I have a Verizon Samsung galaxy s4 model SCH-I545 NC5. I used the towelroot method and then I used safestrap to flash Hyperdrive onto it. Everything worked fine but then I looked at my contacts and hardly any of them were there. I had previously backed up my data but I can't seem to find the contacts. I used titanium backup and the safestrap backup. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Chapman03 said:
So I have a Verizon Samsung galaxy s4 model SCH-I545 NC5. I used the towelroot method and then I used safestrap to flash Hyperdrive onto it. Everything worked fine but then I looked at my contacts and hardly any of them were there. I had previously backed up my data but I can't seem to find the contacts. I used titanium backup and the safestrap backup. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're in the S3 section (SGH-I747). But that being said, if you had your Google account connected to your device, it should restore all your contacts you had on it.
So can you backup and restore contacts using Titanium Backup?

[Q] Restore backup from boot.img?

Hi,
I'm new to both the forums and to rooting, which should be obvious when I say I soft-bricked my phone tonight. After about 3 hours of pouring over these forums and trying numerous things, I was finally able to factory reset my phone. It sucks, but I'm glad to have it at least working again!
Before I went messing around, I created a Nandroid backup using the Samsung Galaxy S3 Toolkit v7.0, but now, since all the files on my droid are gone, that backup only exists on my PC. So, the question is, how do I restore my phone to this backup?
I have an S3 1747M 4.1.1
The files in my backups folder are:
\backup
-\2013-03-23.05.11
--boot.img
efs.tar
efs.img
system.ext4.201303230727.tar
I apologize if this has been answered elsewhere, but I couldn't find it and I'm going crosseyed after spending so much time here tonight :silly:
Thank you!
If the back up was created from a recovery just put it on a SD card a restore from recover
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Pbwizkid said:
If the back up was created from a recovery just put it on a SD card a restore from recover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Erm... I don't have an external. Is it possible to move it to my internal to accomplish the same thing? I appreciate the help
GerPronouncedGrr said:
Hi,
I'm new to both the forums and to rooting, which should be obvious when I say I soft-bricked my phone tonight. After about 3 hours of pouring over these forums and trying numerous things, I was finally able to factory reset my phone. It sucks, but I'm glad to have it at least working again!
Before I went messing around, I created a Nandroid backup using the Samsung Galaxy S3 Toolkit v7.0, but now, since all the files on my droid are gone, that backup only exists on my PC. So, the question is, how do I restore my phone to this backup?
I have an S3 1747M 4.1.1
The files in my backups folder are:
\backup
-\2013-03-23.05.11
--boot.img
efs.tar
efs.img
system.ext4.201303230727.tar
I apologize if this has been answered elsewhere, but I couldn't find it and I'm going crosseyed after spending so much time here tonight :silly:
Thank you!
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This is not a system backup. The files in your folder do not match the files that you should be seeing in a nandroid folder. You made this in recovery?
xBeerdroiDx said:
This is not a system backup. The files in your folder do not match the files that you should be seeing in a nandroid folder. You made this in recovery?
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This is, I *believe* what was output by the toolkit when I ran the nandroid backup option. Am I looking in the wrong spot? I also did an EFS backup, which could explain erroneous files.
GerPronouncedGrr said:
This is, I *believe* what was output by the toolkit when I ran the nandroid backup option. Am I looking in the wrong spot? I also did an EFS backup, which could explain erroneous files.
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That's what this is: an efs backup, not a nandroid.
xBeerdroiDx said:
That's what this is: an efs backup, not a nandroid.
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OK, thanks for the info, that clears it up a little. However, just for crystal clarity sake, are you saying that the boot.img is EFS related also?
When I ran the Nandroid backup it gave me the option to save either externally or internally, IIRC. I saved internally because, as mentioned, I don't have an external. If this boot.img isn't what I need, then does that mean I lost my backup when I factory reset? :crying:
Whats the file size of system.ext4.201303230727.tar?
Quasimodem said:
Whats the file size of system.ext4.201303230727.tar?
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I was wondering that too but at the same time, there's still a data & cache tar plus several other standard files I've always seen in a backup that aren't here
GerPronouncedGrr said:
This is, I *believe* what was output by the toolkit when I ran the nandroid backup option. Am I looking in the wrong spot? I also did an EFS backup, which could explain erroneous files.
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Click to collapse
xBeerdroiDx said:
That's what this is: an efs backup, not a nandroid.
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Yep. Definitely an efs backup.
xBeerdroiDx said:
I was wondering that too but at the same time, there's still a data & cache tar plus several other standard files I've always seen in a backup that aren't here
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There are major files missing here.
TO OP: Do not attempt to flash any of this unless you are trying to restore your efs (which you should do ONLY IF you lost your imei). The tar file MAY be your system files and the boot.img just that, but that is it. You have none of the rest that is standard and if you are on a custom ROM things could go very wrong. If possible make your nandroids through TWRP or CWM. These will store nandroids properly. I believe both give you the option to store the nandroids on the internal or external (if you have one) memory. Make backups of these regularly if you really like the ROM.
I would HIGHLY recommend an external card...and for various reasons. It can be only a 2gig and that will be fine. This covers you in the event that your data/charging port should quit working for any reason (rare but it can happen). It also gives you a convenient way to backup those important things to you (pictures, music, etc.) and convenience to restore nandroids or revert to stock.
aybarrap1 said:
TO OP: Do not attempt to flash any of this unless you are trying to restore your efs (which you should do ONLY IF you lost your imei). The tar file MAY be your system files and the boot.img just that, but that is it. You have none of the rest that is standard and if you are on a custom ROM things could go very wrong. If possible make your nandroids through TWRP or CWM. These will store nandroids properly. I believe both give you the option to store the nandroids on the internal or external (if you have one) memory. Make backups of these regularly if you really like the ROM.
I would HIGHLY recommend an external card...and for various reasons. It can be only a 2gig and that will be fine. This covers you in the event that your data/charging port should quit working for any reason (rare but it can happen). It also gives you a convenient way to backup those important things to you (pictures, music, etc.) and convenience to restore nandroids or revert to stock.
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+1 for the micro sd card. At $10 for a 16g, you can't go wrong. I keep a backup or 2 on mine, plus my current rom/gapps/recovery zips. Very handy.
Aybarrap1, that rom settling in well for you?
OK, well now that it's been pointed out to me I feel like an idiot. Size of .tar file in question is 0kb... So obviously backup failed and I just never noticed, because I didn't know what to look for. I saw the operation complete and assumed it was fine. I guess I just have to accept that I'm starting over from square one. Lesson learned from all this: Read more, ask first.
Thanks go out to everyone who helped me figure this out.
GerPronouncedGrr said:
OK, well now that it's been pointed out to me I feel like an idiot. Size of .tar file in question is 0kb... So obviously backup failed and I just never noticed, because I didn't know what to look for. I saw the operation complete and assumed it was fine. I guess I just have to accept that I'm starting over from square one. Lesson learned from all this: Read more, ask first.
Thanks go out to everyone who helped me figure this out.
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That's what we're here for, buddy.
Go back into recovery and make another backup so you'll have one. What's good is that you actually do have an efs backup. That's a very smart thing to do and something I keep on my micro sd card. Cheers
By the way, while we're on the topic of me not knowing what's going on, is it possible that through all of this, factory reset, stock boot, that my phone is still rooted? I started re-installing apps and one of them was the ROM Toolbox that caused my issue in the first place. I didn't do anything with it yet, but I didn't notice that it behaves as though I have SU access.
GerPronouncedGrr said:
By the way, while we're on the topic of me not knowing what's going on, is it possible that through all of this, factory reset, stock boot, that my phone is still rooted? I started re-installing apps and one of them was the ROM Toolbox that caused my issue in the first place. I didn't do anything with it yet, but I didn't notice that it behaves as though I have SU access.
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I don't know exactly what steps you took to recover your device so I can't say specifically. However, you can download apps like rom manager and titanium Backup that require root to see if they work. Do you still have a custom recovery (cwm or twrp)?
xBeerdroiDx said:
+1 for the micro sd card. At $10 for a 16g, you can't go wrong. I keep a backup or 2 on mine, plus my current rom/gapps/recovery zips. Very handy.
Aybarrap1, that rom settling in well for you?
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Click to collapse
So far. Of course, as with all ROMS, I can't say for sure until I have given it a couple of days. Thanks for asking. And regarding the micro sd...you are right. They are super cheap now so there is really not much of an excuse to not have one. For the cost of a couple of beers or eating out you can buy one that has ample memory.
---------- Post added at 09:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:41 AM ----------
GerPronouncedGrr said:
By the way, while we're on the topic of me not knowing what's going on, is it possible that through all of this, factory reset, stock boot, that my phone is still rooted? I started re-installing apps and one of them was the ROM Toolbox that caused my issue in the first place. I didn't do anything with it yet, but I didn't notice that it behaves as though I have SU access.
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Click to collapse
If you are unsure, look for SuperSU or SuperUser in your app drawer. Or download TiBu and run it. If you have SU access it will prompt you (or open up if already installed). If you do not have root, try these methods here if you have a windows pc. You sound new to this so this would be easier than the learning all the steps you took to gain root. The toolbox is great but take your time to learn about each component before jumping in. Remember toolbox is more or less a roll up of multiple things root and otherwise. Take your time to learn one thing at a time. This will save you a lot of headache.
Yes, I have SuperSU, and I was successfully able to change my system font using the toolkit, so it seems I still have root access. I will definitely be moving more slowly with this stuff in the future! Thanks again for all the help, everyone!
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app

Backup of Rom Manager backup

Hi guys
Maybe I'm a moron for not being able to find the answer to this but here goes:
I can see that with ROM Manager my backups are stored in a "safe" location out of reach no matter which file manager I'm using. And then with ROM Manager Premium it's possible to transfer these backup to your PC. But how do I get a backup transferred back to my phone if I need that? I haven't been able to find any information about how to do that.
So before I invest in RM Premium can anyone tell me if this is possible?
"Backups can be pulled using adb or by using ROM Manager Backup Download Sever." To use the sever method go to ROM Manager -> Manage and Restore Backups -> Download Backups It should start a server and show a link you put into your computer browser which will download the backups
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Is this any use?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
d3xp2pc said:
"Backups can be pulled using adb or by using ROM Manager Backup Download Sever."
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Yes as I understand it that's Phone -> PC. But what about the other way?
I've just reinstalled it to have a look at the options. I've never used it for at least a year.
From what I understand now (I didn't want to flash cwm) when you store them on a PC they're on a .zip format. To restore you just copy it back to your internal storage/sdcard then use the backup/restore option.
Personally I wouldn't buy the premium. I did long ago but it's outdated and rarely updated.
Best option for backing up is Titanium Backup Pro. Constantly updated and responsive devs.
There are loads of free options. You can even use something like obackup to perform online nandroid backups or just even use recovery and perform a nandroid.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
@d3xp2pc Thanks for an elaborate answer. Thumbs up!

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