I have been using TWRP for a while and have been saving backups regularly on the external SD-card. I have restored many times after testing some custom ROM.
Today I tried to restore my most recent backup and after it was done, it throws me back into the boot screen.
I can see a long list of previous backups but when I select them I observe the following, which I had not paid attention to before:
1) the most recent backup involves the partitions System and Data
2) the three next backups show no partitions and TWRP refuses to restore them (and I could swear I had restored from them in the past)
3) a very old backup shows System, Data and Boot
4) an older custom ROM backup also shows System, Data and Boot
Can someone please tell me what you think the problem is here? I cannot go back to my most recent backup.
Make sure you've not somehow ended up with 2 twrp folders with different id's as twrp will only recognize the current Id.
If that's the case copy the backups into that folder.
There is only one TWRP folder. It seems some backups contain "Boot" "Data" and "System" and some backups contain only "System" and "Data" and are missing "Boot".
As I only followed the "defaults" when I did the backups, I need to understand why in some cases it did not save "Boot".
Would you know why?
Zilliman said:
There is only one TWRP folder. It seems some backups contain "Boot" "Data" and "System" and some backups contain only "System" and "Data" and are missing "Boot".
As I only followed the "defaults" when I did the backups, I need to understand why in some cases it did not save "Boot".
Would you know why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've no idea, never come across it, unless you accidentally unchecked those partitions?
In any case none are full backups.
You should make a backup of EFS and modem too.
ashyx said:
I've no idea, never come across it, unless you accidentally unchecked those partitions?
In any case none are full backups.
You should make a backup of EFS and modem too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have managed to restore an older backup which had Boot, Data and System partitions. I then restored the latest backup which only had Data and System. It now seems to work. I started it up and it all appears to be in place.
I then booted into TWRP and selected to do a backup and it had automatically selected the Data, System and Boot partitions. Why did it leave Boot out of the previous backups I do not understand but will keep an eye on it from now on.
Regarding the EFS partition: Originally I installed the stock ROM using ODIN. Does this mean that all the partitions were created during that initial installation? Or was the EFS partition present beforehand?
EFS partition is not part of the firmware, so is extremely important to back up, probably the most important of all to backup as it contains a lot of information that could render your device useless if it gets corrupted.
OK, thanks, will do it now.
ashyx said:
EFS partition is not part of the firmware, so is extremely important to back up, probably the most important of all to backup as it contains a lot of information that could render your device useless if it gets corrupted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we make EFS checked by default? I had no idea that it's that important..
alexeyp said:
Can we make EFS checked by default? I had no idea that it's that important..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Important" - is there anything other than the IMEI to worry about? On my other, dual-SIM Chinese phones, I used to change the IMEI as I liked.
Yes. And it's ONLY 20MB, compared to the other partitions which are many GB in length.
And Restore should be made to have the partition unchecked by default.
Zilliman said:
"Important" - is there anything other than the IMEI to worry about? On my other, dual-SIM Chinese phones, I used to change the IMEI as I liked.
Yes. And it's ONLY 20MB, compared to the other partitions which are many GB in length.
And Restore should be made to have the partition unchecked by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check it and it should stay checked.
And yes it contains a lot of important stuff related to imei, wifi, network, Bluetooth.
Lose it and you could be in trouble.
Search Google for more info.
Hi,
Where can I find an explanation of the Nexus 5X partitions, and which of those are changed during use and are a good idea to back up?
Coming from Nexus 7 3G 2012, I see the 5X has quite a few more partitions. I've searched this site and the wider Internet for their purpose but have come up only with a parted listing without explanation.
E.g. what typically goes into "vendor", why do "system" and "vendor" have "... image" counterparts, and what exactly goes into the crucial "EFS" partition?
Following from that, it seems that an unlocked but otherwise unmodified device can be fully restored from the factory image and a data partition backup (apart from perhaps needing to restore EFS in extreme cases), right?
Or are there other partitions that may get modified during normal use and need to be backed up too?
I've come across one of the answers.
It seems the vendor partition contains the platform-specific drivers/binaries that were previously stored in the /system partition: https://plus.google.com/+JeanBaptisteQueru/posts/akHWypRNEn3.
...and according to this the "... image" selections aren't device partitions, but TWRP options to add fastboot flashable image backups of the corresponding partitions.
fvisagie said:
what exactly goes into the crucial "EFS" partition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Continuing the monologue, although I haven't found a definitive source, most authorative-sounding ones like this one and this one claim it contains device-specific IDs, mostly connectivity, such as IMEI/ESN, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC addresses, network unlock information etc.
fvisagie said:
Following from that, it seems that an unlocked but otherwise unmodified device can be fully restored from the factory image and a data partition backup (apart from perhaps needing to restore EFS in extreme cases), right?
Or are there other partitions that may get modified during normal use and need to be backed up too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recall from a previous experience that to be completely safe, user data/internal storage (/sdcard) needs to be backed up and restored too. Most Android apps that had been run and had created data on /sdcard before the backup will fail to run if restored without their /sdcard content.
Hello all-
In the process of trying to upgrade to OOS 5. I made sure to make a backup of the entire system (system image) in TWRP before proceeding. I also backed up the Boot image and Modems. I had the entire OOS 5 rom ready to flash but before doing so I elected t wipe Dalvik/Cache, Cache, Data & System as I always thought you have to do a fresh clean install when changing versions (7.1.1 to 8.0). The first error I encountered was that it couldn't flash the file. Then when I tried to restore my backup...it does the process with no errors yet when I try to reboot I am told no OS installed. What has happened and what can I do since I always make these backups to be safe?
Thanks all!
Plug your phone on a PC (with the phone in recovery mode), move your backup (sdcard/TWRP/backup) on your PC to keep it safe. Next follow the mega unbrick method 2 (just Google it) on OnePlus forum, update your phone to the version that you were and reflash TWRP and copy your backup from your PC to your phone (in the same location than before) and try to restore your backup.
Error installing OOS 5
Thanks all! I thought a System Image backup was all I needed and had no idea I also had to restore my Boot Image backup. Once I restored that backup I was good to go. Oddly though I didn't have all my apps and data on the phone like I thought the system image backup would have. Honestly I don't care as long as I have a phone again.
On a side note, I have the full OOS 5 ROM on my phone and when I try to flash it I receive an error. The error message states as if the file os for a One Plus 3 and that it cant confirm what my device is? I have always downloaded the full ROMS from OP site and nver had issues upgrading in the past. Any ideas? Does the version of my TWRP matter? Please advise.
DroidJay123 said:
Thanks all! I thought a System Image backup was all I needed and had no idea I also had to restore my Boot Image backup. Once I restored that backup I was good to go. Oddly though I didn't have all my apps and data on the phone like I thought the system image backup would have. Honestly I don't care as long as I have a phone again.
On a side note, I have the full OOS 5 ROM on my phone and when I try to flash it I receive an error. The error message states as if the file os for a One Plus 3 and that it cant confirm what my device is? I have always downloaded the full ROMS from OP site and nver had issues upgrading in the past. Any ideas? Does the version of my TWRP matter? Please advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
System image is rarely useful, it's a full Byte by Byte backup of the system partition ( meaning even the empty Bytes are saved). System partition means that boot one isn't concerned. And system partition means that data partition isn't concerned either, so no user apps or data.
Better to stick to /boot /system and /data backup.
You must have latest official TWRP 3.2 for Oreo ROMs. Or blue_spark latest (8.61 version see blue_spark kernel thread OP)
Striatum_bdr said:
System image is rarely useful, it's a full Byte by Byte backup of the system partition ( meaning even the empty Bytes are saved). System partition means that boot one isn't concerned. And system partition means that data partition isn't concerned either, so no user apps or data.
Better to stick to /boot /system and /data backup.
You must have latest official TWRP 3.2 for Oreo ROMs. Or blue_spark latest (8.61 version see blue_spark kernel thread OP)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Good information to have moving forward. No sense in backing up partitions that are not useful and only take up space. Can I update to TWRP 3.2 right in the TWRP app or should I download image and flash within TWRP? I am currently on SU 2.82....is that compatible with Android O?
DroidJay123 said:
Thanks man! Good information to have moving forward. No sense in backing up partitions that are not useful and only take up space. Can I update to TWRP 3.2 right in the TWRP app or should I download image and flash within TWRP? I am currently on SU 2.82....is that compatible with Android O?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes update from within TWRP. I think superSu 2.85 should be good or Magisk 14.0
Hello
This is a TWRP recovery for Motorola Moto G5 Cedric for arm64 ROMS, with encryption support, backup support for persist and efs partitions and possibility to flash/backup logo boot image.
I need review and test, especially for the storage decryption and/with LineageOS fingers-crossed. I was able to test it on my device (XT1676 3Go).
It is my first ROM so it is possible that there are bugs.
- Be carefull, there are problems with the backup system :
Just wish to come here and tell you guys to AVOID using this recovery, it seems to have a serious bug.
I just backed up my entire data partition (and enable digest verification) and restored the partition afterwards and the phone didn't boot.
Then I tried restoring it with verification enabled and the hashes didn't match.
In other words, for some reason, the generated backup was corrupt.
- freeZbies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changelog
TWRP 3.2.3-2
add sdcardfs
add FB2PNG for screenshot
fix brightness path and define it at 160
fix time zone error
fix incorrect lun path for USB
You can download it here :
TWRP 3.2.3-2 (md5: 0dbd3846593ae907d3391596876c1f35)
TWRP 3.2.3-1 (md5: 404b54d27653b5a1ec5b59023f53d3cb)
TWRP 3.2.3-0
Sources :
https://github.com/Akipe/twrp_android_device_motorola_cedric
https://github.com/Akipe/twrp_android_device_motorola_msm8937-common
Manifest :
https://github.com/Akipe/android_development_manifest
Would it be possible for you to compile a version capable of backing up all partition, including persist and efs? see here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78695191&postcount=95
Guttergorm said:
Would it be possible for you to compile a version capable of backing up all partition, including persist and efs? see here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78695191&postcount=95
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Sorry for the delay, I added the functions you wanted. Can you try and tell me if everything is ok?
Hi,
tested your recovery image with my installed LOS 15.1. (32bit) Device: XT1676 16GB P5
- storage decryption: OK
- backup support for persist and efs partitions and possibility to flash/backup logo boot image: OK
nice work, thx for you effort
mikefive said:
Hi,
tested your recovery image with my installed LOS 15.1. (32bit) Device: XT1676 16GB P5
- storage decryption: OK
- backup support for persist and efs partitions and possibility to flash/backup logo boot image: OK
nice work, thx for you effort
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for testing :good:
Akipe can u help us to build treble rom for cedric???
Works nicely, thanks.
I just tested it and it decrypts my internal storage normally.
Just wish to come here and tell you guys to AVOID using this recovery, it seems to have a serious bug.
I just backed up my entire data partition (and enable digest verification) and restored the partition afterwards and the phone didn't boot.
Then I tried restoring it with verification enabled and the hashes didn't match.
In other words, for some reason, the generated backup was corrupt.
Of course I could make another test but it'll take just a long time to backup everything again, so if anyone wants to test it, feel free, but beware, you could have a hell of a headache finding out the backups you made were useless.
freeZbies said:
Just wish to come here and tell you guys to AVOID using this recovery, it seems to have a serious bug.
I just backed up my entire data partition (and enable digest verification) and restored the partition afterwards and the phone didn't boot.
Then I tried restoring it with verification enabled and the hashes didn't match.
In other words, for some reason, the generated backup was corrupt.
Of course I could make another test but it'll take just a long time to backup everything again, so if anyone wants to test it, feel free, but beware, you could have a hell of a headache finding out the backups you made were useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello ! Thank you for your test and sorry for your backup
I will test the backup system and add a warning
freeZbies said:
Just wish to come here and tell you guys to AVOID using this recovery, it seems to have a serious bug.
I just backed up my entire data partition (and enable digest verification) and restored the partition afterwards and the phone didn't boot.
Then I tried restoring it with verification enabled and the hashes didn't match.
In other words, for some reason, the generated backup was corrupt.
Of course I could make another test but it'll take just a long time to backup everything again, so if anyone wants to test it, feel free, but beware, you could have a hell of a headache finding out the backups you made were useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have backup up data partition from my TWRP, reboot one time to recovery, restore the data backup with digest verification, and reboot to LineageOS, with no problem (my rom is LineageOS 16.0 without encryption.)
I think there may be 2 errors (maybe more) :
1) There is a problem with data restore when encryption is enable. I can not test this scenario for now, but i will do it as soon as i can
2) Was your backup stored on your SD card? if so, it is possible that the sd card may be damaged, because it is too old or of poor quality (more info here : https://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/40489/what-causes-an-sd-card-to-go-corrupt )
if you have other information or other ideas, do not hesitate to share it!
if people want to participate, try to save the data partition and restore it, especially with the encrypted partition :good::good:
be careful, make a backup of your data before test
Akipe said:
I have backup up data partition from my TWRP, reboot one time to recovery, restore the data backup with digest verification, and reboot to LineageOS, with no problem (my rom is LineageOS 16.0 without encryption.)
I think there may be 2 errors (maybe more) :
1) There is a problem with data restore when encryption is enable. I can not test this scenario for now, but i will do it as soon as i can
2) Was your backup stored on your SD card? if so, it is possible that the sd card may be damaged, because it is too old or of poor quality (more info here : https://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/40489/what-causes-an-sd-card-to-go-corrupt )
if you have other information or other ideas, do not hesitate to share it!
if people want to participate, try to save the data partition and restore it, especially with the encrypted partition :good::good:
be careful, make a backup of your data before test
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it may be any of the 2 problems.
My data partition was indeed encrypted, and yes, my SD card is not what I would call genuine, though I think that's not the case since the card is relatively new and I never had any problem related to data corruption.
Anyways, thanks for your effort.
freeZbies said:
I agree it may be any of the 2 problems.
My data partition was indeed encrypted, and yes, my SD card is not what I would call genuine, though I think that's not the case since the card is relatively new and I never had any problem related to data corruption.
Anyways, thanks for your effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have test backup the data partition with encryption on LineageOS 16 (arm64), backup and restore work without issue
What ROM did you use when you made the backup, and with what arch (arm or arm64) ?
Akipe said:
I have test backup the data partition with encryption on LineageOS 16 (arm64), backup and restore work without issue
What ROM did you use when you made the backup, and with what arch (arm or arm64) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on stock oreo, so its arm, not arm64
freeZbies said:
I was on stock oreo, so its arm, not arm64
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok, there are chances that's why the backup did not work .
This recovery is mainly intended for arm64 rom !
Just wanted to say that everything worked well for me in backing up and restoring the OmniROM, on both decrypted and encrypted phone.
Thanks @Akipe for the great job
Can you update it to latest TWRP?
Sent from my cedric using XDA Labs
forgot password to decrypt??
hi,
first, sorry if this is the wrong place to post this. right now, when i install the 64 bit twrp i am asked for a password to decrypt my data. i have tried some passwords i think i would have used, but those don't work and i get a message also saying that the default password didn't work - i haven't typed a default password, though, so i assume there is a default one that twrp tries automatically. in the past, i did try a rom requiring 64 bit twrp and i am guessing i set a password other then the default to encrypt/decrypt, but i went back to stock without issues so have not thought about the password and cannot remember what i would have used. i wanted to try dotos on my phone, which i assume requires 64 twrp because i got error 255 when i tried to flash without twrp64. so i installed twrp64 but cannot get any further. so here are my questions:
is there any way to decrypt the data if i forgot my password?
if not, can i format the data while encrypted to install the new rom? if i can do that, what should i back up? i have pictures and other necessary files backed up, so i am not worried about completely wiping the phone to start over. however, should i back anything else up before formatting? do i need to worry about losing imei or losing any partitions that would make phone inoperable or not have any signal? should i back up with twrp64 or the non-64 bit twrp currently installed? any help or point in the right direction is greatly appreciated.
tia,
nurvus
nurvus said:
hi,
first, sorry if this is the wrong place to post this. right now, when i install the 64 bit twrp i am asked for a password to decrypt my data. i have tried some passwords i think i would have used, but those don't work and i get a message also saying that the default password didn't work - i haven't typed a default password, though, so i assume there is a default one that twrp tries automatically. in the past, i did try a rom requiring 64 bit twrp and i am guessing i set a password other then the default to encrypt/decrypt, but i went back to stock without issues so have not thought about the password and cannot remember what i would have used. i wanted to try dotos on my phone, which i assume requires 64 twrp because i got error 255 when i tried to flash without twrp64. so i installed twrp64 but cannot get any further. so here are my questions:
is there any way to decrypt the data if i forgot my password?
if not, can i format the data while encrypted to install the new rom? if i can do that, what should i back up? i have pictures and other necessary files backed up, so i am not worried about completely wiping the phone to start over. however, should i back anything else up before formatting? do i need to worry about losing imei or losing any partitions that would make phone inoperable or not have any signal? should i back up with twrp64 or the non-64 bit twrp currently installed? any help or point in the right direction is greatly appreciated.
tia,
nurvus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to format data
Push back button when it asks for decrypt
Goto wipe and select the option on the right to format data
This will erase everything on internal storage so copy any files you want to keep to pc first (pictures music etc)
Once formatted data restart back to recovery to check encryption has been removed and data partition is mountable
TWRP backups do not save personal files (pictures music etc) They only backup data and system files (and other named partitions)
Once you have flashed a new rom you can encrypt again if you want to via the security settings menu in phone settings
TheFixItMan said:
You need to format data
Push back button when it asks for decrypt
Goto wipe and select the option on the right to format data
This will erase everything on internal storage so copy any files you want to keep to pc first (pictures music etc)
Once formatted data restart back to recovery to check encryption has been removed and data partition is mountable
TWRP backups do not save personal files (pictures music etc) They only backup data and system files (and other named partitions)
Once you have flashed a new rom you can encrypt again if you want to via the security settings menu in phone settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the quick response! and just for clarification and for me to be sure, should i back up any partitions before formatting? right now i have 32 (or non64 i guess) bit twrp installed, stock rom and bootloader unlocked. do i need to take any precautions with data/imei/signal before reinstalling twrp64, formatting data, and installing a new rom? if it matters any i have the international version of the moto g5. thanks again!!
nurvus
nurvus said:
thanks for the quick response! and just for clarification and for me to be sure, should i back up any partitions before formatting? right now i have 32 (or non64 i guess) bit twrp installed, stock rom and bootloader unlocked. do i need to take any precautions with data/imei/signal before reinstalling twrp64, formatting data, and installing a new rom? if it matters any i have the international version of the moto g5. thanks again!!
nurvus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup efs if you want to preserve your current emei state or need to restore it in future