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What is the proper way to rom hop?

Greetings,
I want to be able to seamlessly switch from CM7 to MIUI to Sense, etc., keeping all of my settings, apps, etc for each setup. I assumed that I can do this by simply configuring each and doing Nandroid backups. But, when I try to restore my Myn's backup, I get an error.
Anyone know the proper procedure rom-hopping like this?
Thanks!
mike

1. Backup current apps and data in titanium backup
2. In recovery, backup current rom
3. Full wipe [factory/data, cache, dalvik]
4. Flash rom, reboot.
5. When booted into new rom, restore apps and data, NOT system settings.
6.
And if you want to switch back, go to recovery, backup current rom, then restore the backup you want; no need to wipe.
Also you'll get restore errors if you renamed the folder using invalid characters, or its corrupted.

Yes, you can just keep nandroid backups of each ROM you like after you get them set up and running how you want. Then you can restore whatever setup you feel like that day.
You can also back up your apps w/ titanium, that way if you install any new apps, when you restore another ROM, you can use ti to restore any missing apps that you've installed since the backup was made.

To the OP, your post is incomplete without the error message
Your steps seem like the proper way to go between roms. What you need to be aware of is, some apps store their data on the sdcard. Depending what is stored, you may get issues. Beautiful wigets comes to mind. It stores the skins on the sd card.
Are you getting error messages restoring from the backup image itself? What error. Are your image files intact?

Might be your version of recovery. I had a problem going from CM7 to anything else. I switched the recovery version in Rom Manager and fixed it

Sorry, I overlooked that. What error are you getting?
1. What % was your battery at? If it's below 30-40%, it won't restore or backup.
2. Have you renamed the backup? You can only use certain punctuation in the names or it won't work.

teh roxxorz said:
1. Backup current apps and data in titanium backup
2. In recovery, backup current rom
3. Full wipe [factory/data, cache, dalvik]
4. Flash rom, reboot.
5. When booted into new rom, restore apps and data, NOT system settings.
6.
And if you want to switch back, go to recovery, backup current rom, then restore the backup you want; no need to wipe.
Also you'll get restore errors if you renamed the folder using invalid characters, or its corrupted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good advice. One thing I'm curious about though. When you do a rom backup, it saves your apps/data etc. anyway, right? When you "restore" a ROM everything is exactly like you had it. So why is it necessary to do a Titanium Backup of all your apps/data (other than prudent good practice obviously) when your ROM backup will have the same. Is there another reason I'm missing?
Second, when you say backup "apps + data" but NOT system settings, what exactly do you mean? When you do a batch backup w/ Titanium Backup you can choose to do Apps or Apps + all system data. How can you quickly and easily backup apps + app data without all system settings? Manually go in and select certain (green) system data?

I do it in case I download any new apps while on one ROM that may not be included in my nand backup.
I don't restore app data, but theoretically you could restore the newer app data as well.

Alpine- said:
Good advice. One thing I'm curious about though. When you do a rom backup, it saves your apps/data etc. anyway, right? When you "restore" a ROM everything is exactly like you had it. So why is it necessary to do a Titanium Backup of all your apps/data (other than prudent good practice obviously) when your ROM backup will have the same. Is there another reason I'm missing?
Second, when you say backup "apps + data" but NOT system settings, what exactly do you mean? When you do a batch backup w/ Titanium Backup you can choose to do Apps or Apps + all system data. How can you quickly and easily backup apps + app data without all system settings? Manually go in and select certain (green) system data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason for backing up your apps and data is because when you install a new rom, like going from CM7 > MIUI, you should always do a full wipe, which will erase your user apps; erases all phone content. When you boot into the new rom, the titanium backup data is on the sdcard, and can be restored from there; that's why. And doing a full wipe when flashing a new rom kills off a lot of problems, like random fcs, ect.
No, you do the batch operation for backup user apps + system data, just to be safe that you get the data for the apps. That makes it easiest. When you RESTORE, you go into batch, there's an option for restore only user apps and data, right above apps + system data.

[Q]Is there any good app or Recovery to backup /sd-ext?

I think that most of customized ROM support ext4 partition and release A2SD/CM7/A2E version.
And many apps or data are moved to /sd-ext.
Is there any good backup app or Recovery can backup /sd-ext partition and save to sdcard?
Sometimes I don't want to recovery all ROM and do restore data/apps things again and again.

Use ROM Manager, which could backup sd-ext individually.
But this function only shown in Premium version.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but doesnt Recovery menu offer that function? (Backup and restore menu)
I use the recovery menu that was flashed by RomManager (2.5.0.7 or something), and it is able to do a full backup (aka nandroid backup? I'm new so not sure about terms)

scottnet said:
Use ROM Manager, which could backup sd-ext individually.
But this function only shown in Premium version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not use rom manager. It carts more problems than out solves.
Yes, every recovery should have this offer.
TouchPaled from Oxygen with Transparent XDA App

The way I backup is following:
1st step:
Titanium Backup. Use this to backup all my app/data/settings.
2nd step:
Set up Google Backup if supported (that way Market knows what apps i had and starts installing them after a wipe) Does not always work however, hence the step1.
3rd step:
Reboot phone into recovery menu, "backup and restore > Backup". This backs up following: system, rom, ext partition (if any) and also recovery/bootloader.
Using these steps, i can restore only my apps/settings (step 1) on a new rom or do a complete restore if something doesnt work right (step 3). Step 2 is handy If i want a fresh start but it doesnt always work right.

asestar said:
The way I backup is following:
1st step:
Titanium Backup. Use this to backup all my app/data/settings.
2nd step:
Set up Google Backup if supported (that way Market knows what apps i had and starts installing them after a wipe) Does not always work however, hence the step1.
3rd step:
Reboot phone into recovery menu, "backup and restore > Backup". This backs up following: system, rom, ext partition (if any) and also recovery/bootloader.
Using these steps, i can restore only my apps/settings (step 1) on a new rom or do a complete restore if something doesnt work right (step 3). Step 2 is handy If i want a fresh start but it doesnt always work right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4rd step:
after the backup with the step 3, u can go in the advanced restore menu, and restore only the partition u want..for example restore only the sd-ext (as the OP was asking)

Thanks for your information.
No matter ROM manager or new Recovery, the problem is to support /sd-ext backup/restore especially I always format to ext4.
I installed ROM manager once, but it can not backup/resotre my ext4 partiton.
It might be 2 month ago, and I removed ROM manager.
Did anyone have the experience to backup/resotre ext4 and which Recovery version?

Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A

Can you nandroid restore for apps & settings on new ROM or new version of same ROM?

Can you nandroid restore for apps & settings on new ROM or new version of same ROM?
Many people (myself included) are "flash-happy" and install new ROMs or ROM updates very frequently. While I love flashing new stuff, I hate the process of getting my phone set up all over again. Titanium Backup is currently my go-to app for backing up apps and restoring them after a flash. Nova Launcher has been super-helpful in keeping my widgets. However, many apps don't work until you open them after a restore (1Weather, Adfree, LightFlow, Lux, etc). So generally, the following is my tedious process for flashing:
1. Assign labels in TiBU to the apps I want to restore and run "backup all apps + data"
2. Wipe Data, Cache, Dalvik, Battery Stats
3. Flash ROM, GApps, Kernel, etc. Fix permissions
4. Install TiBU and then painstakingly restore apps (only non-system), then restore data for those apps.
5. Open each app and configure where necessary
6. Go through all the ROM settings and set them the way I like (nav bar icon size, clock posiiton, battery icon, etc etc etc).
Just the thought of going through this whole process makes me hold off on flashing too often, and I usually end up saving flashes for when I have a big chunk of time. Some people, I've noticed, flash new ROMs like they've got nothing better to do. It makes me wonder... do they have some trick for quickly restoring their phones after each flash? Is there some way to condense or streamline steps 4-6 in my process?
A Nandroid backup saves the System and Data partitions. What info does each partition contain? I realize that each ROM is different and it might be problematic to restore settings of one ROM to another, but what if you're simply upgrading to a newer version of the same ROM? I'm wondering if I can make a nandroid backup of CNA 3.6.6 and then restore only the Data partition after flashing CNA 3.8.0 so that the new ROM is in place but all the apps and settings are restored from the previous setup. If this does work, is it stable and smooth?
Or if I'm completely off about using Nandroid for this purpose, does anyone have any methods for getting back up to speed quickly after flashing new ROMs?

In titanium backup you can go to settings > create update.zip so next time you flash a new rom gapps etc you can install the update.zip as well and have TiBu off the back. If you have the pro key it will be more beneficial to you. You do have to log into you google account if you have the pro key before opening TiBu. I use Paranoid Android and I can backup my rom settings idk how CNA does it. That one you might have to manually do.
Between ROM updates you don't have to wipe data. Just Cache and dalvik.
I have recovered my data partition between wipes before but stopped because everytime I update or flash a new rom I usually go for a new look.
Here is my process between flashing new roms
1. Backup everything in TiBu (I already have the update.zip so I skip that. You only need to do it once or if the app gets updated)
2. Go into recovery wipe data, system, cache, dalvik
3. Install rom, gapps, kernel, TiBu
4. Restart
5. Load up sign into google account
6. Open TiBu and restore everything
Some apps naturally won't restore everything like Adfree for example will put the hosts file in your system for you, when you back that app up your only backing up the settings. When you back it up it only backs up the settings. Dropbox and Skydrive I have to manually sign back in. I never had lightflow so I don't know how that works. Its a little tedious but I usually give a rom a few hours before I actually go through all that.
Hope it helps

If you don't want to have to log in to your Google account before using the full version of Titanium Backup, just use App2Zip to make a flashable zip of TiBu and its Pro key. Then just flash it last, boot, and batch restore the rest of your apps and data.

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[Q] ROM Hopping Help

I want to hop to a new ROM, but it is a real pain to restore everything. Is there a quick way?
I am on Wompasaurus. Before was LJ1 stock rooted then MA7 DeOdexed then Womp. I want to try some more but hours and hours it takes to get everything running is ridiculous.
I have Titanium Backup, TWRP(GooManager), ROM Manager, ROM Toolbox and SManager. If I need something else, I get it.
SIDE NOTE: I was able to backup the 4.2 Gallery. But Titanium backup cannot find the 4.2 Camera.

Lord Sekhmet said:
I want to hop to a new ROM, but it is a real pain to restore everything. Is there a quick way?
I am on Wompasaurus. Before was LJ1 stock rooted then MA7 DeOdexed then Womp. I want to try some more but hours and hours it takes to get everything running is ridiculous.
I have Titanium Backup, TWRP(GooManager), ROM Manager, ROM Toolbox and SManager. If I need something else, I get it.
SIDE NOTE: I was able to backup the 4.2 Gallery. But Titanium backup cannot find the 4.2 Camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Titanium Backup and Backup Your Mobile. Titanuim backup for apps and data. Backup Your Mobile for call logs, sms, mms, user data dictionary and wifi networks. I believe ROM Toolbox will do all of that and more. However just make sure that you save your backups to external sd and not internal sd as you will lose them if you do a full wipe of internal memory when you switch ROMs.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

Small problem. I use extsd2internalsd2.
Where should I put the backup?. Currently I transfer all my backups to my desktop.
EDIT : I installed Backup Your Mobile and ran it. THANKS!!

Lord Sekhmet said:
Small problem. I use extsd2internalsd2.
Where should I put the backup?. Currently I transfer all my backups to my desktop.
EDIT : I installed Backup Your Mobile and ran it. THANKS!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Extsd is your external sd which is where you want to keep your backups as well as always keeping a copy some where else like a desktop.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

In case anyone is reading my thread for help / ideas, I figured out a shortcut.
When every app is working, use TB Batch Action -user apps. Save this to some place safe. Before doing a full wipe re-backup apps with changing data . i,e. games

After you get your ROM setup exactly like you want it go into twrp go to backup and make a nandroid backup. Backup your data, boot, and system I believe they are. (The first three options) choose the option to compress the backup as it will save it the exact same way just save space by compressing it and shaving 40-50% off the size.
Then after it says backup wad successful. Reboot system. Use ROM toolbox and backup all your user apps+data. Then go to your contacts choose export to sd.. Make a"V card" export all your contacts to your sd. Then download sms backup&restore app.. backup all your texts. Then after these steps are done reboot to recovery (TWRP) go to wipe and wipe (assuming you already have other ROM zips on your sd or external sd saved and ready to flash) wipe cache, Dalvik cache, system, factory reset, system, factory reset.. In that order. Back out to main TWRP menu. .
Choose Install and install your ROM zip of your choice. After it installs successfully and reboots setup your phone and get to home screen. Go to market install rom toolbox again. After that is installed open and scroll to backups. Restore all Apps+data that you want. While that's restoring open contacts choose import from sd.. choose vcard files... choose the one you just made and restore...
Once your apps restore open sms backup&restore them restore your texts... setup any thing else you want/need widgets settings options etc..
After the new ROM is setup to your liking. Scroll back to the top and repeat till you have solid Nandroid backups (Twrp backups) of all the ROM'S you want.
Then anytime you want to change between then you reboot to recovery (twrp) wipe with above said method then hit restore choose the ROM you want to restore to and voila you'll literally be where you left off to a T even the same messages and websites still open... Only thing you might want to do between nandroid flashes is backup any NEW apps you downloaded recently. Our make a new backups of text messages with sms backup&restore if you want your texts always up to date...
If this helped which I hope it did cause its laid out, then hit the Thanks button:good:
Have a great afternoon
-Tw1steD

[Tutorial] Back-Up & Restore from a Android Device - Unrooted & Rooted Methods

[Tutorial] Back-Up & Restore from a
Android Device - Unrooted & Rooted
Methods
How to backup & restore all your
data, contacts etc..... on your
Android device running a Non-
Rooted STOCK ROM
*******************************
************
MyBackup
MyBackup works as a perfect
backup & restore utility for Non-
Rooted (as well as ROOTED)
devices running the Android
OS......
The app can be downloaded from
Play Store here : https://
play.google.com/store/apps/
details?id=com.rerware.android.
MyBackup&feature=search_result
(FREE VERSION)
Once installed open the
application and tap the Backup
button, an option will pop up
asking wether you want to backup
your apps or data.....
When you backup your apps via
MyBackup, you will be presented
with an option of either selecting
certain apps you want backed up
or all your apps......
With backing up your DATA you
backup either straght to your
SDCard or to a Online server, for
later restoring..... same with the
app menu you can choose what to
backup or backup the your entire
data on the ROM, when backup is
complete it will create a ZIP file
on you SDCard.......
You can also have a backup
scheduled for a certain time ,
which is a great feature to have
especially if you forget to backup
sometimes.........
To Restore you can simply tap on
the RESTORE button and restore
what you want........
*******************************
************
Manual Drag and Drop
Drag & dropping files from your
Android device whilst connected
to the PC is a easy & fuss free way
of backing up data, contacts,
images and other SD Card data.....
Take a few minutes of your time
to save yourself the heartache if
something unfortunate happens to
your Android device.
******************************
How to backup & restore all your
data, contacts etc..... on your
Android device running a Custom
ROM with Custom Recovery MENU
or Backup Software
Nandroid backup
For ROOTED Users, you will
obviously have a Custom Recovery
installed with your ROM..... As
with most Nandroid recovery
systems you can backup & restore
all data right from this menu.......
There are many custom recoveries
available the most common one
being the ClockworkMod Recovery, Just boot into
the recovery console, tap on the
backup/restore tag, usually
through the menu Backup and
restore > Backup or restore...
To Restore follow the same
method as backup option, boot
into Recovery Mode and select
Backup and restore > Restore.
*******************************
************
Titanium Backup
Another option for rooted Android
users is Titanium Backup.
Titanium Backup gives you direct
access to your system. If you have
not used this program before
make sure to read all release notes
and methods of using the program
as mistakes can be made....
Once you’ve launched the app,
click on the Backup/Restore tab
and click the Menu button on your
phone. From the menu that
appears, select Batch. At the next
menu, click [RUN] Backup all user
apps + system data. You can
choose to backup just your user
apps and system data but you can
choose a complete and total
backup of your phone.
Depending on how much of your
phone you’ve chosen to back up,
the initial backing up process can
take anywhere from a few minutes
to half an hour or even more. Just
like a Nandroid backup, you can
opt to copy the backup file to your
computer. Navigate to the /
Titanium Backup directory on your
device’s SD card and you can find
your backup there, ready for
safekeeping.
When you’d like to restore your
backup, you can enjoy the same
Batch function. Select Menu >
Batch. On the Backup/Restore
menu, scroll down to find restore
options.
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