Hello all
I think this thread would be highly relevant since we are all in the business of continuous wipes and ROM installs.
I have been using two programs for my backup needs: Titanium Backup and My Backup Pro. I know the two apps are quite different, but ultimately their purpose is the same. I list brief observations about the two:
TItanium BAckup
1) Backs up all right, but stalls on some programs while restoring, restarting Sense. In order to resume, one has to uncheck that program from the restore list
2) Creates a single, unified backup, thus saving disk space. But also, I haven't found a way to restore exactly the apps that I had last - it only restores ALL the apps in its backup history, meaning it is a cumulative history of apps rather than latest snapshot. The options are either 'restore missing apps' or 'restore all apps'. Am I missing something?
3) Closes down everything while backing up - something of a minor irritation
4) Does not restore my Sense desktop fully
5) Some restored programs are prone to errors or missing data
My BAckup Pro:
1) Generally quite slower than TB
2) Backs up everything, allows to restore only the apps I had last installed
3) Restores Sense desktop quite well
4) Sometimes stalls in the process of zipping the backup or unzipping it again. But always picks up from where it left.
It turns out MBP is slightly better. But I'd love others' feedback on this.
I've found TB to be highly advanced in Apps backup area compared to MBP. TB allows app freezing, which virtually allows you to uninstall a nagging system app with an undo option. And with the latest version it even allows uninstalling system apps!!
Bye Bye Teeter, Peep and the like.
Yes, you are right it is more 'advanced'. But for me more important than saving a few MB by removing system apps is getting my whole apps and desktop back undamaged and without errors etc, and in this case I found MBP to be better.
As I mentioned above, Titanium does not offer an easy way to restore the EXACT apps I had before wipe - it either offers 'ALL apps ever backed up' or nothing. Again, that might be my misconception. But as I said, it does stall on too many apps.
talhamid said:
Yes, you are right it is more 'advanced'. But for me more important than saving a few MB by removing system apps is getting my whole apps and desktop back undamaged and without errors etc, and in this case I found MBP to be better.
As I mentioned above, Titanium does not offer an easy way to restore the EXACT apps I had before wipe - it either offers 'ALL apps ever backed up' or nothing. Again, that might be my misconception. But as I said, it does stall on too many apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will have to agree with u TB is quite annoying stopped using a while ago
the only problem i have with MBP is the contacts and calender restore so i stopped using them
i just log on to my gmail and sync my contacts and calender
and as for app restore, its works great never had any errors and i usually restore with data.
TB does allow single apps to backup or restore.
I have backup and restored single apps many times. U can set it to backup only user apps an optionally add the system ones. You simple press menu->batch->backup user apps then you can go through the list and tick/untick those apps you wish to backup or not.
I have found TB so easy to use for whatever combination of backup restore i feel like doing. Also the scheduled backup is a life saver!
for these reasons i have donated to this app!
Been using the paid version of Titanium since I got my Desire and love it. Have never had a single issue or experienced any of the problems listed...
i always used titanium earlier but since i tried MBP.... i generally uninstall titanium from the custom roms of flash. for me MBP is the best love it
I have paid versions of both TB and MBP, and only have one installed on my phone now.
Which one?
Titanium.
I've not experienced a single one of the issues that the OP mentioned. As has been said previously, even in batch operation you can select/deselect the apps you want to backup or restore.
To the OP: Are you using the paid version of Titanium?
Regards,
Dave
Yes, I am using paid version. I am aware of the option to restore single apps as well. I have been using both for months.
Actually, my problem is this: I have about 167 apps that I am currently using (or pretend to be using anyway!). TBP has a backup of these 167, PLUS many other apps that I backed up earlier but uninstalled. Now when I wipe, and then restore, I have to uncheck the apps I had uninstalled from the restore list. Second problem is, TBU stalls on some apps and reboots Sense, and will continue only if I keep looking at the progress bar, notice which app causes the crash, and uncheck it from restore list.
MBP provides multiple backups, allows me to back up JUST the apps I have installed RIGHT now, and restores them without a problem. it also restores my desktops quite nicely.
when you do a full backup of all the apps and system apps of course sense will crash , because TB shuts sense down to back up the files !
Thats the case with all the running apps, because you can choose
Kill active apps OR Exclude active apps !
You can choose a batch to backup the NEW programs in TB.
its in the list.
Backup All new apps & newer versions
I use the paid version and im very happy with it, it works great.
talhamid said:
Now when I wipe, and then restore, I have to uncheck the apps I had uninstalled from the restore list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't want the backups for the uninstalled apps, why not just use the batch operation to delete them?
Second problem is, TBU stalls on some apps and reboots Sense, and will continue only if I keep looking at the progress bar, notice which app causes the crash, and uncheck it from restore list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never experienced this issue, so I can't comment.
MBP provides multiple backups, allows me to back up JUST the apps I have installed RIGHT now, and restores them without a problem. it also restores my desktops quite nicely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TB backs up your desktop too, if you select the right options.
Does MBP now have something similar to Market Doctor from TB?
Regards,
Dave
The Sense stall comes during RESTORATION not BACKUP, and on certain specific apps.
Secondly, yes I have seen the option, but what about restore. I have 'restore missing apps', 'restore all apps', and 'restore newer apps', none of which exactly matches my requirement.
Also, I know with the 'right options' I can restore the desktop with TB too, but it is restored in a broken way with many widgets missing.
Does MBP now have something similar to Market Doctor from TB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually yes but I have currently the problem, when restoring all apps with their data, they won't show up in the market until I reinstall one app (does not matter which one) and then you will see all your installed apps in the market. Can anyone confirm this ?
Besides that it won't restore 3rd party widgets at your homescreen but I'm almost using all launcherpro plus widgets and the lpp config will be anyway saved through MBP app backup.
I'm using MBP quite often to restore everything and it's quite impressive imho and definitely well worth its money. Never had a big issue with it except the small ones mentioned above.
Best Regards
How about, "Delete backups of Uninstalled Apps"
I used that after every full backup to make sure when I restore it doesn't restore uninstalled apps.
OK, I didn't notice the 'delete backups of uninstalled apps' - so my bad.
That said, I think MBP does what I need with far fewer clicks. Perhaps this is because it has less features.
One thing I can't get around is the error messages I keep getting with TBU.
Guess will have to keep both
talhamid said:
Also, I know with the 'right options' I can restore the desktop with TB too, but it is restored in a broken way with many widgets missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect that this may be due to the order in which the backups are restored. It's possible that TB restores the Sense homescreen data before some of the apps and widgets that are on the homescreens have been restored, causing the problems you mentioned.
I've no particular interest in testing it because I don't generally feel the need to backup and restore my homescreens, but if you are, I'd suggest trying to restore your apps and then try to restore your homescreen data.
One other great feature of TB is its integration with App Organizer. Using this, you can label your apps and then backup/restore by label. For example, I do play some games on my phone, but due to space restrictions I don't keep them on the phone at all times. Using App Organizer, I label all my games as "Games", and I then in TB I can backup/restore by that label.
Personally, I think TB is a much more flexible tool than MBP, but with that flexibility comes complexity, which means that MBP is probably superior for less technical users.
Regards,
Dave
To be honest i am a Lover of
My Backup Pro,
When i first flashed my phone, i was told by a number of people to use
Titanium
So i got it installed it,
and it come to flashing my rom, i loaded it up,
And was blown away by the number of options,
For me and my honest opinion and what i need it for,
Its far to over complex and does not always perform correctly,
After fafing around for a while i finialy managed to Backup my apps and Data,
And restoring them was a faf, And when i did some Apps didnt load / crash
At this point i never give it the time of day,
I got My Backup on the go and Wow was it easy and fast.
In the Time messing around with options in Titanium i would have backeup all my Apps and Data, and every settings and contacts SMS and MMS Alarms, well pretty much the whole phone using My Backup,
It was Super easy, no fuss, no messing, it backs up and restores,
Restoring is just as easy, select all, or Deselect ones you dont want to restore, if its Settings or A Couple of Apps,
So after loving it i paid for the Pro Version,
Never looked back
the_rebel said:
I've found TB to be highly advanced in Apps backup area compared to MBP. TB allows app freezing, which virtually allows you to uninstall a nagging system app with an undo option. And with the latest version it even allows uninstalling system apps!!
Bye Bye Teeter, Peep and the like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying right now to uninstall Facebook widget and devices is rebooting...
Any suggestion
P.S.: Leedroid 2.0c ROM
I have been using My Backup Pro since day 1 of having an Android phone. But I am so sick of this POS app. Every single time I restore my apps to a newly rommed phone a number of them force close. If I uninstall those and reinstall fresh from market, they then work fine, so I completely blame this app.
I am not referring to widgets, btw
My question is, before I dump this POS and buy Titanium, has anyone experienced similar problems with it?
Thanks
Hi Barsky,
According to your question, I didn't encounter any issues with user apps + data restore.
However, in order to succesfully use all the features of Titanium Backup (reffered as TB) you have to be an aware user.
This means that you either backup everything and make custom restore, or you backup with a proper selection of things and restore everything. What do I mean?
1. You probably don't need to hesitate backuping user apps+user data, that comes pretty straight-forward.
2. You also probably don't need to worry when you upgrade your ROM.
3. The problem arises with rom/system applications and settings when changing (not upgrading) ROM (Froyo/GB, Sense/AOSP etc). What I found quite safe is:
BACKUP:
- backup everything in TB
- use Calls Logs & Backup from the market to backup calls log
- synchronize contacts and calendar with google
RESTORE:
[don't allow google synchronization before restoring calls log if you don't want to have call log with unbound telephone numbers]
- use Titanium Backup to restore Call Logs & Backup application
- use Calls Logs & Backup to restore calls log
- restore selective tasks in TB:
[be aware that restoring Widgets/HTC Sense may cause conflicts]
# Accounts
# Bluetooth Pairings
# HTC Sense (If you use Sense - and I have suspicion this can cause conflicts, but not sure yet)*
# Bookmarks
# SMS/MMS/Apn
# E-mail account settings
# Wi-Fi Access Points
# SMS/MMS Prefs
# ALARMS
- reboot
- enable google synchronization for contacts and calendar (I don't restore contacts with Titanium Backup since: 1. It's not necessary, 2. It causes FC on some migrations)
- restore all user apps+data from TB
Always make nandroid backup along with TB backup. I also advise making nandroid backup after restoring everything mentioned above except HTC Sense and Widgets, and then try to restore those two (if needed).
Obviuos tip - selective restoring can be done by executing 'batch restore' and then selecting from the generated list.
When I got all that, I am happy with TB. I don't expect perfect Backup&Restore tool, since there are too much defragmentation in Android platform.
What are you guys using to back up your phones when switching Roms? I want to back up contacts, wifi settings, APPs etc.
If I'm switching ROMs I set them up from scratch again, after doing a Nandroid of the current one
Titanium Backup works really well. It's on the market. Probably on here somewhere also.
Will Titanium restore your screens? Its a bit tiring getting them alls setup and then starting from scratch on my droid incredible I never really set up the phone because I switched Roms so often.
veli69 said:
What are you guys using to back up your phones when switching Roms? I want to back up contacts, wifi settings, APPs etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use google for contacts and wifi settings, apps Titanium Backup
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
veli69 said:
Will Titanium restore your screens? Its a bit tiring getting them alls setup and then starting from scratch on my droid incredible I never really set up the phone because I switched Roms so often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so for backing up your system you're going to want to use CWM and make a NANDROID backup. After you're done with that you will probably want to back up your apps. To back up app as well as data (such as angry birds scores) you will want to use Titanium Backup. Just remember not to restore system data, just apps/app data after flashing your ROM/Kernel.
For contacts (assuming you are on verizon) you had the option to chose where you store your contacts. Those options were either in your Gmail account or in "Backup manger" if you cant figure out where they are you can always make a file with all your contacts and place it on your SD card by going to the People App>menu>import/export>Export to storage.
As far as wifi settings go i am not aware of a way to do so.
And if you wanted to keep the launcher as it is (like where your apps are, folder, widgets, etc.) you will have to be on a custom launcher such as ADW or GoLauncher. This happens because the launcher is an app and when the app data is restored (from titanium backup) the placement of things are exactly how they were when you made the backup!
1) Nandroid. Always nanroid just to be safe - if something breaks, you need to have a working build to fall back on .
2) Contacts - I don't worry about it - they should all be synced with your Google account anyhoo.
3) Wifi settings - should also be synced with your Google account, and will be automatically restored when you set up the new ROM (assuming you tick the "restore data to my device" option in the google account setup screen).
4) Apps - TitaniumBackup for apps and data - not for system data though.
5) Launcher - some launchers will have an option built-in for backing up and restoring your screen layouts, folders, etc. Widgets will rarely be able to be restored no matter what method you use. You can also use Titanium to explicitly back up and restore your launcher's data - if you're still on the stock launcher, filter for System apps and look for an entry that starts out "[DESKTOP] Launcher ..." (it'll be in green) and backup/restore the data for that.
When you boot after first wipe it asks you for Google account details, then it will pull down your contacts, wifi settings etc. which we want.
But it also starts re-downloading all your Market apps, which we don't want because we've got them in Titanium Backup and we want to restore them with data (save games) and be linked to the Market for updates.
What's the correct way to handle this?
I've created issues before where some apps don't list in 'My apps' in the Market, and don't auto-update unless I search for them at which point it says 'Installed'.
I usually enable airplane mode immediately after the Google account setup, reboot, restore from titanium, reboot, and then turn the radios back on.
ClockworkMod Rom Manager. Its the best tool there is. yu can flash roms by pressing a simple button.
make sure you understand the difference between clockworkmod and titanium backup before you start modding your device. CWM will restore your phone exactly to how it was when you made the backup, everything from your screens, apps, setting, contacts, call and text logs. When you restore with CWM it will erase everything that was done after the backup point. Another thing to keep in mind is that you cant choose to restore specific things in CWM like you can with TB, you have to restore it all in one shot.
TB will restore apps, system apps and data associated with those apps. TB can also be used to backup settings, wifi access points and bluetooth pairings.
So if you get a bootloop or softbrick you have to use CWM. You need to do a factory reset/wipe before you flash a new rom, this is when you would use TB. Use TB to restore the apps, data and settings.
SMSbackup and calllogbackup in the market is also good for backing up or texts and call logs if you want to keep them. google will backup your contacts if you allow google to do this but you can always just save your contacts on your sim card
never ever restore system apps and data.
Especially if it was meant to be a full wipe.
Even then, clean start is always best so wipe and stop reporting bugs if you didn't do a wipe.
s2d4 said:
never ever restore system apps and data.
Especially if it was meant to be a full wipe.
Even then, clean start is always best so wipe and stop reporting bugs if you didn't do a wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On that note, some data for system apps can be safely restored - just never do it as a batch process. If I'm going to try restoring any system data, I do another full nandroid first (just in case) and then restore data one at a time.
I'm shocked no one has mentioned this app yet. Appextractor let's you restore things from your nandroid, Obviously some things shouldn't be restored, but many things can be safely restored.
EKnofsky said:
I'm shocked no one has mentioned this app yet. Appextractor let's you restore things from your nandroid, Obviously some things shouldn't be restored, but many things can be safely restored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only problem I had with app extractor is the amount of SD storage space it uses - and doesn't automatically clean up. My nandroids are already ~2.7GB - I don't really want the whole thing also stored uncompressed. I quickly run out of storage space that way.
Oh, and it's painfully slow.
AppExtractor is useful if there's an important app you forgot to back up in Titanium, but doesn't really make sense to me as your primary restore method.
Isn't the Titanium data wiped when a new ROM is flashed? I assume that before flashing anything, copy the /sdcard directory to another computer?
And after flashing a new ROM, I assume that Ti has to be downloaded first in order to restore the other apps
thereddog said:
Isn't the Titanium data wiped when a new ROM is flashed? I assume that before flashing anything, copy the /sdcard directory to another computer?
And after flashing a new ROM, I assume that Ti has to be downloaded first in order to restore the other apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you're using the factory recovery, the Titanium data will remain intact. You will have to reinstall Titanium from the market - or use the tool built-in to Titanium to create a flashable *.zip. Just flash that *.zip before you boot your ROM the first time and you'll have Titanium pre-loaded.
use adb! works without root
adb backup [-f ] [-apk|-noapk] [-shared|-noshared] [-all] [-system|-nosystem] []
- write an archive of the device's data to .
If no -f option is supplied then the data is written
to "backup.ab" in the current directory.
(-apk|-noapk enable/disable backup of the .apks themselves
in the archive; the default is noapk.)
(-shared|-noshared enable/disable backup of the device's
shared storage / SD card contents; the default is noshared.)
(-all means to back up all installed applications)
(-system|-nosystem toggles whether -all automatically includes
system applications; the default is to include system apps)
( is the list of applications to be backed up. If
the -all or -shared flags are passed, then the package
list is optional. Applications explicitly given on the
command line will be included even if -nosystem would
ordinarily cause them to be omitted.)
adb restore - restore device contents from the backup archive
example: adb backup -all -system -shared -apk
nitramz said:
use adb! works without root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. I had seen adb backup alluded to elsewhere but not a concise post detailing the usage. I'd rather not have to use my computer to handle backups, but it sounds like a pretty cool option.
Try MyBackup PRO. It does exactly what you need. I have used it before and it is good.
Hey guys,
i used good old InsertCoin ROM most time, but i'd like to use new Sense 3.5 now.
I tried Runnymedia AIO and Runny ROM. Both perform ok at first, but then i restore my apps using Titanium Backup. Now the device performs extremely slow after i use the market (play store).
Increasing CPU Frequency doesn't help either. How can i find out, whats slowing my device down?
Using STOCK HBOOT with 1GB Ext4 Partition.
Radio: 32.49.00.32U_5.11.05.27
Instead of Restoring apps, why not try re-downloading them from the Play Store. My Phone is super smooth. No problems yet.
It seems that you're right. App-restoring might be the problem. I removed most apps which i restored with TB and now its smooth again.
But of course i want to keep my App-Data (/data) from my InsertCoin installation.
I'll try installing BackupEverything on IC, backup my apps with this app and then restore to Runny ROM.
Any idea why that might be?
I also have a slow RunnyMod after restoring via Titanium to restore my apps, but most of them have no other way to backup...
Slow, after restoring with BackupEverything too. And BE doesn't even backup /data/data
Somebody knows a tool which actually works?
thylux said:
Any idea why that might be?
I also have a slow RunnyMod after restoring via Titanium to restore my apps, but most of them have no other way to backup...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I backup my apps using AppMonster PRO. Have done since I got my Desire 2 years ago.
It allows for plain name backup of .apks and using its newer backup method, allows for batch reinstall of apps. Also can specifiy how many versions of an apk to keep / as2d notification and automatic backup of .apk when installed.
Doesn't do cache backup and user customizations that can be carried over from one install to another in way that Titanium Backup does, but works fab for me, I just reinstall wot I want!
In this way I dont get any mess up's when switching roms were I restore a TB backup and it puts the data in the wrong place.
I always backup and restore with ic_backup_apps.zip and ic_restore_apps.zip. I can't find the original links (there was a link in the Insertcoin thread) and I don't know if I'm allowed to post mirrors here. But a google search should help you get those files I think.
ic_backup_apps stores all the apks in a .tar file on you sd card and also wipes your system, be careful
ic_restore_apps unpacks this file and puts them back
To install another ROM I always do the following:
backup apps with titanium (only user apps+data, no system data)
backup sms, call log and "some" system settings with Mybackup root
power off, reboot in recovery
a nandroid backup is advised, you should do this regulary anyway imo
flash ic_backup_apps.zip as you would flash any other zip. But be careful, this also wipes everything
full wipe (data+system+boot+sd-ext+cache+dalvik) + battery stats, so everything except sd card
flash the rom.zip
flash ic_restore_apps.zip
power off, (remove sim, to prevent incoming sms while restoring), reboot
switch off automatic backup (it's not needed now)
restore with mybackup root
restore (some) user app data with titanium
I've wiped and flashed multiple sense 3.5 ROMs this way and never had problems with slowness or FCs.
Your SD card could also be a bottleneck.