I am completely new to Android, I've never used it before. I'm looking into the Atrix, and one question I wanted to ask - is it possible to do an utter and complete backup of the phone? By which I mean, no matter what gets screwed up in the O/S, or with future attempts to load a custom ROM, etc... - I would be able to restore the phone to its original factory condition.
Is this possible, and if so, how?
If not, what limitations are there?
Haphim said:
I am completely new to Android, I've never used it before. I'm looking into the Atrix, and one question I wanted to ask - is it possible to do an utter and complete backup of the phone? By which I mean, no matter what gets screwed up in the O/S, or with future attempts to load a custom ROM, etc... - I would be able to restore the phone to its original factory condition.
Is this possible, and if so, how?
If not, what limitations are there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I guess you didn't see the "Atrix 4G Q&A" sub forum? Wheres Mr.Clown? He'll move this soon enough...
there is an SBF thread which allows u to unbrick ur phone and return it to stock assuming ur Atrix is ATT branded, if ur not familiar with how command line interfaces work then u really shouldnt be doin much modding just yet.
BravoMotorola said:
So, I guess you didn't see the "Atrix 4G Q&A" sub forum? Wheres Mr.Clown? He'll move this soon enough...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw it, but I thought it had to do with general product questions, not questions regarding modding.
djkinetic said:
there is an SBF thread which allows u to unbrick ur phone and return it to stock assuming ur Atrix is ATT branded, if ur not familiar with how command line interfaces work then u really shouldnt be doin much modding just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I appreciate your trying to answer my question.
The simple answer is we do not have a full backup option yet. A nandroid backup would provide the full image type of backup you are looking for, but it's not accessible at this time.
You can currently only back up individual parts separately. Titanium Backup for root can help with apps. Blur can store your user settings. Google/Gmail keeps your contacts. As already stated above, flashing the leaked SBF will take you back to (near) stock, but will wipe most everything to get there.
das8nt said:
The simple answer is we do not have a full backup option yet. A nandroid backup would provide the full image type of backup you are looking for, but it's not accessible at this time.
You can currently only back up individual parts separately. Titanium Backup for root can help with apps. Blur can store your user settings. Google/Gmail keeps your contacts. As already stated above, flashing the leaked SBF will take you back to (near) stock, but will wipe most everything to get there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not worried about backing up components or data. I'm looking for a way to ensure that no matter what shape the O/S is (including being bricked), that it's still possible to restore the phone to factory new condition. I don't mind wiping the phone to get there, that's assumed as part of the process.
The SBF is a good start, but what concerns me is that it's not quite identical to what's originally on the phone. That's why I was hoping for a way to do a local backup that would guarantee an identical restore state.
If nandroid would accomplish this, what is the current roadblock to using it?
Haphim said:
I'm not worried about backing up components or data. I'm looking for a way to ensure that no matter what shape the O/S is (including being bricked), that it's still possible to restore the phone to factory new condition. I don't mind wiping the phone to get there, that's assumed as part of the process.
The SBF is a good start, but what concerns me is that it's not quite identical to what's originally on the phone. That's why I was hoping for a way to do a local backup that would guarantee an identical restore state.
If nandroid would accomplish this, what is the current roadblock to using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SBF is nearly the same as the stock version. It's actually got some bugfixes in it too. The one broken thing is the WiFi firmware (on mostly Enterprise/Corporate networks), which Da_G has fixed. That fix will be included in the 7th beta of GingerBlur.
Moved to Q&A.
FWIW Q&A is for any kind of question pertaining to the device, from "does this phone have a camera" to "what backup methods exist".
Cheers
kennethpenn said:
The SBF is nearly the same as the stock version. It's actually got some bugfixes in it too. The one broken thing is the WiFi firmware (on mostly Enterprise/Corporate networks), which Da_G has fixed. That fix will be included in the 7th beta of GingerBlur.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to know. But I just wanted to clarify which SBF we're talking about. I thought the one to use if you needed to unbrick and return to stock was OLYFR_U4_1.5.2. Is GingerBlur usable for the same purpose? Or are you talking about applying that *after* OLYFR_U4_1.5.2?
pulser_g2 said:
Moved to Q&A.
FWIW Q&A is for any kind of question pertaining to the device, from "does this phone have a camera" to "what backup methods exist".
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarifying!
Related
Sorry again for initially posting this I the wrong forum!
Hey all!
I was thinking of rooting my eris, but after reading the forum some, I still have a couple questions about Eris rooting and rooting in general.
First off, if I use the one click root app, I will not have to install a new rom, correct? Also, how likely is it to brick my phone? If bricked, is there a method of restoring it?
Secondly, if I install the FroYo rom, would I be able to go back to the factory build of OTA 2.1? Or would I be stuck with custom roms then?
The only reason I am concerned with restoring the factory rom is that if something happens to the phone, I'd like my warranty to still be able to cover it (I'm 99% sure that they won't cover a rooted froyo thats overclocked).
Also, sorry if these have been asked before, I just wasn't able to find them on my own.
Sent from my Eris using XDA App
birel44 said:
First off, if I use the one click root app, I will not have to install a new rom, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't force you to do anything; it only installs a custom recovery - from which, anything is possible. One of the options is to overlay two different flashes - engtools3.zip and the "OC Kernel" - this gives you root capabilities and overclocking, but leaves you with exactly the same Apps and settings. Or, you can replace everything with a brand new ROM, after you have made a Nandroid backup.
birel44 said:
Also, how likely is it to brick my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is about a 0.0000000001% chance it will brick your phone.
What the risks are after that depend on your ability to read and follow directions, but are generally pretty low.
birel44 said:
If bricked, is there a method of restoring it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A brick is defined as "unable to be restored by any means"; so, no, a brick can not be recovered. There are ways you could make the phone unbootable, but not "bricked". Those can generally be recovered from.
birel44 said:
Secondly, if I install the FroYo rom, would I be able to go back to the factory build of OTA 2.1? Or would I be stuck with custom roms then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you make a Nandroid backup, you can go back to EXACTLY what you had before.
cheers
bftb0
I had pretty much the same questions the other day; I went ahead and installed one-click root, flashed rootme.zip, encountered no problems. Then I simply followed the directions in the sticky in the development subforum (can't remember the name) for flashing a custom rom.
It started off by saying to create a nandroid backup, and it's a darn good thing I did, since my first rom flash was a failure. Luckily I just restored from the backup and my phone was exactly the sane as it was before the custom rom install. Still rooted, and all apps, contacts, and settings were the same.
Sent from my nonsensikal Froyo using XDA App
ok i searched and went through the 5 pages of results and dont see my answer so here we go...
i have a replacement HTC Thunderbolt arriving today however i dont want to start all my mods and tweaks from scratch. I use Rom Manager to flash roms and occasionally make a image backup of the phone in case i screwed it up. but here's where im not sure...will the following me transferable to the new phone from a back up...
after i root the phone and install rom manager on the new device, will all the things in my sig restore or will some things need to be done over again? i would assume itll all just restore on because it mirrors the phone as an exact replica. just some apps might need registered again since the device ID will be different. am i wrong? thanks everyone!
[email protected]|ice said:
ok i searched and went through the 5 pages of results and dont see my answer so here we go...
i have a replacement HTC Thunderbolt arriving today however i dont want to start all my mods and tweaks from scratch. I use Rom Manager to flash roms and occasionally make a image backup of the phone in case i screwed it up. but here's where im not sure...will the following me transferable to the new phone from a back up...
after i root the phone and install rom manager on the new device, will all the things in my sig restore or will some things need to be done over again? i would assume itll all just restore on because it mirrors the phone as an exact replica. just some apps might need registered again since the device ID will be different. am i wrong? thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that should work. You still have to do the radio though. Its not backed up.
If you don't get an answer just add a post to move it back to the top of the list. I wouldn't recommend posting in other threads like the kernel dev thread like you did.
sent from my BAMF'n thunderbolt.
RootandBoot said:
Yes that should work. You still have to do the radio though. Its not backed up.
If you don't get an answer just add a post to move it back to the top of the list. I wouldn't recommend posting in other threads like the kernel dev thread like you did.
sent from my BAMF'n thunderbolt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
excellent thank you for your input. im not gonna put it off then.
Hey guys, nice section you have here. I've been reading all about the Atrix and have a couple of questions to confirm what i'm assuming.
Oh yeah, is the Atrix and Atrix 4G the same? I'm assuming so as i've not seen different specs or sections for it here, just wanted to be 100000% sure as i've never owned an android phone!
If i keep the Bootloader locked, is it impossible for me to hard brick the device? Seeing as though i can't freely flash to a lower firmware? (not including things like upgrading to official firmware and running out of battery etc, that's a sure fire way of bricking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just say i'm on 2.3.4 and i'm rooted and unlocked, if i flash CM7, can i reflash something like Alien or MIUI (when or if it gets ported) without ANY chance of a hard brick (AKA does it touch the bootloader and/or does it carry the risks which the flashing of a lower firmware does?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would LauncherPro and other theme programs be available across the wide range of ROMS as long as i'm rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your time guys, i'm busy reading up and watching the few videos on youtube (seriously, hardly anyone makes videos about this phone, what's up with that? ) I do have a cold right about now so will take a rest but i can't sleep knowing that i may soon be getting this phone (if my order for a Samsung Galaxy S (1) is not accepted by Vodafone and their stringent credit checks!)
Thanks again guys, hope to see you around soon!
The phone will be on T-Mobile in the UK. Hopefully!
First and last bump! I was wondering if installing LauncherPro would have any negative effects on the speed of the phone? It's dual core and has 1gb ram so i'm thinking the new launcher would not cause any lag but has anyone tried this and found out that it does indeed lag?
No not impossible, i would think it would be easier to brick with a locked bl.
Yes you can reflash, and no you won't get the "lower fw brick".
Yes you can use other launchers, always.
Thanks a lot mate.
To expand on the 1st answer, is it because with the locked BL, i can't install CWM so technically if i brick, it'll be harder if not impossible to fix it? So in a way, an unlocked BL is safer then, as long as i don't try to downgrade? That sounds kinda awesome!
Also, after the first flash, is it easier to flash another rom or is it the same process? I mean, is the 1st flash always the hardest and longest? Because i'm thinking that the 1st time flash would have me install a lot of things, and the next time i reflash, i can use the things i already installed the 1st time (such as CWM etc) to flash another rom can't i? I just want to be able to swap between a few different ROMS without having to risk a hard brick! Thanks for your answers btw, really appreciate it
coolnow said:
Thanks a lot mate.
To expand on the 1st answer, is it because with the locked BL, i can't install CWM so technically if i brick, it'll be harder if not impossible to fix it? So in a way, an unlocked BL is safer then, as long as i don't try to downgrade? That sounds kinda awesome!
Also, after the first flash, is it easier to flash another rom or is it the same process? I mean, is the 1st flash always the hardest and longest? Because i'm thinking that the 1st time flash would have me install a lot of things, and the next time i reflash, i can use the things i already installed the 1st time (such as CWM etc) to flash another rom can't i? I just want to be able to swap between a few different ROMS without having to risk a hard brick! Thanks for your answers btw, really appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats right, the unlocked bootloader is the best way to go if you plan on flashing because of custom recovery.
Yes most likely its about the same process BUT, most if not all ROMs will have instructions on how to flash - make sure you read and follow them dont just "do what you did last time".
Prob the easiest way to swap between ROMs easily is to keep nandroid backups for them through cwm.
As far as it being easier to flash the next ROM because you can "keep things from the last flash".. NO you dont want to keep anything between flashing, meaning you should most likley always wipe data, cache & such unless otherwise specified (sometimes upgrading ROMs from one version to the next you can use a "no wipe" upgrade).
Thanks so much! Will install Nandroid asap when i get it! Also, i didn't mean "keep" things as in data and/or apps or cache or whatever, i meant like the 1st flashing would include installing CWM recovery, but the next time i reflash, i won't have to install that again, or would i? If not, then that's great!
Can't wait to try out Cyanogen Mod, theme it up, install some cool apps and just mess around with it! Bookmarked every section of the Atrix forum so i can easily read through it
Thank you for your time in helping a confused noob out I have read a lot of guides but without the phone in front of me, and me being completely new to this, it's not really sinking in. Once i get the phone physically in my hands, then i bet i'll learn a lot more!
coolnow said:
Thanks so much! Will install Nandroid asap when i get it! Also, i didn't mean "keep" things as in data and/or apps or cache or whatever, i meant like the 1st flashing would include installing CWM recovery, but the next time i reflash, i won't have to install that again, or would i? If not, then that's great!
Can't wait to try out Cyanogen Mod, theme it up, install some cool apps and just mess around with it! Bookmarked every section of the Atrix forum so i can easily read through it
Thank you for your time in helping a confused noob out I have read a lot of guides but without the phone in front of me, and me being completely new to this, it's not really sinking in. Once i get the phone physically in my hands, then i bet i'll learn a lot more!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid backup is a backup through CWM, it is not a seperate app. As far as having to install CWM each time.. No you wont have to, the recovery stays but it should be updated when available, unless stated otherwise. Rom Manager will install the latest version of CWM for you. Doing a backup in CWM is known as a Nandroid backup.
Right, i get it now, i was confusing it with Titanium Backup but i've looked at vids about it and know what it does now. Isn't it risky to read/write from NAND a lot? Hmm
Also, if i Nand backed up my stock firmware (before i flash anything), can i restore from there and return to that stock backup anytime i want? If that's possible then i'm sorted!
coolnow said:
Right, i get it now, i was confusing it with Titanium Backup but i've looked at vids about it and know what it does now. Isn't it risky to read/write from NAND a lot? Hmm
Also, if i Nand backed up my stock firmware (before i flash anything), can i restore from there and return to that stock backup anytime i want? If that's possible then i'm sorted!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know of any risks to Nandroid backup, only benefits. I have returned to a Nandroid backup on my Captivate but not on the Atrix, i have created a Nandroid backup on (stock) Atrix and recommend do the same jic. I believe you can return to that stock back up (after flashing) if needed but first check out the section on fruitcakes, there is more info along these lines in that thread.
Reading the section now, makes little sense yet but i'm sure i'll understand. What they basically are are roms that don't touch the BL, so doesn't matter if its a lower firmware than the one i'm on because these fruitcakes don't look at the BL and will flash the firmware without bricking, whereas if i downgraded with a stock firmware or something, they touch the BL and will find out it's unlocked and on a newer firmware so the flashing ends up physically bricking the device. That's what i'm basically assuming. Also, read another thread where the OP said he recovered from a stock nandroid backup from a CM7 rom, which sounds a hell of a lot easier than downgrading carefully using special roms!
coolnow said:
Reading the section now, makes little sense yet but i'm sure i'll understand. What they basically are are roms that don't touch the BL, so doesn't matter if its a lower firmware than the one i'm on because these fruitcakes don't look at the BL and will flash the firmware without bricking, whereas if i downgraded with a stock firmware or something, they touch the BL and will find out it's unlocked and on a newer firmware so the flashing ends up physically bricking the device. That's what i'm basically assuming. Also, read another thread where the OP said he recovered from a stock nandroid backup from a CM7 rom, which sounds a hell of a lot easier than downgrading carefully using special roms!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont worry it makes more and more sense as you learn and play with it. Your assumption of fruitcakes is my understanding as well. I agree that nandroid backup/restore seams a slightly easier method than fruitcakes, but thought I would include the fruitcake methods for you seeing as how you were concerned of a risk with nand, plus the more reading the better. Also NandBacks do take up a good amount of storage space, but are worth it jic. As long as you read you should be just fine, reading here on xda is the best thing you can do to keep from screwing something up. Good luck.
Thank you mate, i really appreciate your time! If i wasn't so ill, i'd be understanding more i think, but i have to look away every few seconds or else my eyes will explode haha, i guess i'm not getting the Galaxy S anymore, i hope i don't regret it! And with the method of hiding the unlocked bootloader, i'm hoping IF anything bad happens, then i still have a chance of tricking the tricksters who gave us these locked down phones in the first place! Android was supposed to be free and open I'm just glad at the thought of getting rid of my iPhone 3g + iTunes + Quicktime.
Also, in your opinion, is ADW EX better than Launcher Pro?
Hello - I didn't like the updates I heard about in the factory 2.3.6 ROM update, so I skipped it. And, I'm rooted.
So, a few questions:
Can I upgrade directly from 2.3.4 to ICS from a rooted phone? Or do I need to step-up to 2.3.6 first?
Do I need to actually unroot before I do any of this?
Can I re-root once I go ICS?
I've heard that the best bet is to do a factory reset after upgrading to ICS. If I do this, is the best bet to do a Titanium Backup app & data backup/restore process? Are there any better solutions to capture all my data that I'd lose with a reset?
Any info/insights greatly appreciated. Note: I have searched far and wide on XDA for answers to these questions, but I could not find any direct answers that made me feel confident enough to move forward. So, any direct response appreciated.
Thx.
Jon
JonDeutsch said:
Hello - I didn't like the updates I heard about in the factory 2.3.6 ROM update, so I skipped it. And, I'm rooted.
So, a few questions:
Can I upgrade directly from 2.3.4 to ICS from a rooted phone? Or do I need to step-up to 2.3.6 first?
Do I need to actually unroot before I do any of this?
Can I re-root once I go ICS?
I've heard that the best bet is to do a factory reset after upgrading to ICS. If I do this, is the best bet to do a Titanium Backup app & data backup/restore process? Are there any better solutions to capture all my data that I'd lose with a reset?
Any info/insights greatly appreciated. Note: I have searched far and wide on XDA for answers to these questions, but I could not find any direct answers that made me feel confident enough to move forward. So, any direct response appreciated.
Thx.
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. yes, you can upgrade straight from 2.3.4 I've done it.
2. you don't need to unroot before - the upgrade will unroot you.
3. your best bet is NOT TO FACTORY RESET AFTER UPGRADE - IT COULD BRICK YOU BECAUSE OF A KNOWN BUG IN FACTORY KERNEL
4. If you want rooted version of upgrade look for the odin.heimdall version the Creepyncrawly put in the development section.
or you could try Semi UCLE5 that i have linked in the signature. It looks like the stock upgrade but it is smoother, among other things.
Good luck!
Jon first of all, you can always upgrade to any new update regardless of your Android version so it's a Yes to your first question. Secondly, whenever you update to a stock ROM your device gets unrooted itself so you'll have to root it again.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Jack Man & uetfreak - thanks! Great feedback.
A couple follow-on questions for Jack Man:
I've read about the kernel bug, but THANK YOU for reminding me that it would affect a simple factory reset. Yeesh, that's a pretty serious bug when a standard reset could brick a phone. So, one remedy, as you say, is to go with UCLE5. Smoother sounds ideal to me (I've heard that ICS on GS2 is a bit jittery on the homescreens, which totally stinks). But if I go with OCLE5, that's a custom ROM so that means I'll lose the ability to do the OEM upgrade to keep all my apps & data intact, correct?
If that's correct, what's the best way to ensure all my settings, contacts, apps, data can be easily restored on a wiped phone? I have Titanium Backup + Root. I assume I'd keep root with OCLE5? And would I just run a TB restore on apps & data (and not system settings)? Are there any system settings I can backup/restore safely between ROMs/OS versions?
I've never flashed a custom ROM so I don't know how y'all keep all your stuff intact as you switch around!
Thx.
Jon
JonDeutsch said:
Jack Man & uetfreak - thanks! Great feedback.
A couple follow-on questions for Jack Man:
I've read about the kernel bug, but THANK YOU for reminding me that it would affect a simple factory reset. Yeesh, that's a pretty serious bug when a standard reset could brick a phone. So, one remedy, as you say, is to go with UCLE5. Smoother sounds ideal to me (I've heard that ICS on GS2 is a bit jittery on the homescreens, which totally stinks). But if I go with OCLE5, that's a custom ROM so that means I'll lose the ability to do the OEM upgrade to keep all my apps & data intact, correct?
If that's correct, what's the best way to ensure all my settings, contacts, apps, data can be easily restored on a wiped phone? I have Titanium Backup + Root. I assume I'd keep root with OCLE5? And would I just run a TB restore on apps & data (and not system settings)? Are there any system settings I can backup/restore safely between ROMs/OS versions?
I've never flashed a custom ROM so I don't know how y'all keep all your stuff intact as you switch around!
Thx.
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, first, since you have never flashed a custom rom I would suggest reading until you're sick of reading before flashing. It will pay off in the long run. Regarding flashing from 2.3.4 up to Custom UCLE5 and keeping all of your apps and contacts - I'm not sure how that would go, honestly. For me, my contacts and calendar are saved on my computer through MSOutlook and I sync them with MyPhoneExplorer without any problems. Most of the apps I use (which is not a lot at all) I don't bother backing up when I flash roms and wipe data clean. I have backed up some in the past with Titanium Backup (pro version is worth it), but only if I know absolutely that I need the data from them. Otherwise, I have just done fresh installs of apps because I have read so much about people having ROM issues from restoring apps with titanium.
About losing the ability to do the OEM upgrade - If you ever want to you can, it'll just take time, and yes, you would have to wipe data anyway to go back to 2.3.4 then use KIES. Kind of a pain if you ask me. Plus, ask anyone here on custom stuff - once you go with a custom ROM, you won't want to go back to stock - EVER.
Hope this helps. feel free to pm me if you need. I'll be on the road for the next few days. remember - READ as much as you can. start with the "stickies" in the top of the main thread with a little pin on the left.
p.s. one more thing. Get yourself a usb jig. it's only a few buck online. once you start flashing roms you may want to try other ones. If you make a mistake somewhere, a jig can get you out of a jam quick.
Make sure to factory reset after. Ive read many problems with notifications messing up until the reset was done. I've done it no problems. On two seperate s2 i777s. Its always best to do this after a big update to the next version
j510 said:
Make sure to factory reset after. Ive read many problems with notifications messing up until the reset was done. I've done it no problems. On two seperate s2 i777s. Its always best to do this after a big update to the next version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea. I do resets if I come from gingerbread too. But I know with this ROM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1650948) you have to make sure you have the kernel that is based off of the stock kernel - AJ's kernel to safely factory reset. I think you will get a boot loop if you factory reset with the Siyah installed. I could be wrong, but I remember getting a boot loop on mine when I had siyah installed. Maybe it was because i did a reset from settings/back up and reset/factory reset and then formatted the sd card (since I had so much useless crap on there, luckily backed up on my pc).
j510 said:
Make sure to factory reset after. Ive read many problems with notifications messing up until the reset was done. I've done it no problems. On two seperate s2 i777s. Its always best to do this after a big update to the next version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're kidding right? No do not tell him to factory reset with the stock kernel. If his phone has the big he could burn out his emmc chip. Then he would need to pay mobile tech videos to jtag it.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Ion
you have to flash iOS on your phone first before you can upgrade to cupcake, immediately update to donut before rebooting, then you have to go through eclair, froyo, and you will find yourself at gingerbread. DO NOT REBOOT AFTER FLASHING GINGERBREAD!! you have to flash ICS during the shutdown process....if you miss your cue, you will have to start all over
Hello everyone,
Well might as well say hi. I'm Ryukouki. I use this handle on a lot of forums, so if this is familiar you most likely know me elsewhere. So, anywho! I purchased a VZW Samsung Galaxy S4 two weeks ago, and I'm really curious. I rooted my phone, installed Clockwork Mod and backed up my data (I THINK) and I'm looking into ROMs for the Galaxy S4. What is the best mod for speed and performance, with good ease of use, and does not require a data wipe on installation? And is there a tutorial to go about doing this? I'm kind of new to the whole smartphone thing (used a feature phone for seven years!!), but I'm not too afraid to try new things out.
Ryukouki said:
Hello everyone,
Well might as well say hi. I'm Ryukouki. I use this handle on a lot of forums, so if this is familiar you most likely know me elsewhere. So, anywho! I purchased a VZW Samsung Galaxy S4 two weeks ago, and I'm really curious. I rooted my phone, installed Clockwork Mod and backed up my data (I THINK) and I'm looking into ROMs for the Galaxy S4. What is the best mod for speed and performance, with good ease of use, and does not require a data wipe on installation? And is there a tutorial to go about doing this? I'm kind of new to the whole smartphone thing (used a feature phone for seven years!!), but I'm not too afraid to try new things out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ROMs 'require' a data wipe per se. You may, however, run into problems with any ROM if you don't completely wipe data when installing (especially the first time you go from stock to a ROM).
Why are you so afraid of wiping data? You could very easily download a few backup apps and have everything back up and running in 20 minutes.
trebb said:
No ROMs 'require' a data wipe per se. You may, however, run into problems with any ROM if you don't completely wipe data when installing (especially the first time you go from stock to a ROM).
Why are you so afraid of wiping data? You could very easily download a few backup apps and have everything back up and running in 20 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that this requires backup to my SD card though? And can you explain how I go about doing this? Do I just pick up things like App Restore and Backup (I think it's the other way around...) and then backup and restore? I don't want to screw this up, because I have a few apps where I've dumped a couple hundred dollars into and if I delete it or wipe it, I lose all the data, and I for sure as hell don't wanna do that!
You are rooted, so grab Titanium Backup, and use it. Just don't backup up system data. App data is fine (at least it always has been on AT&T).
I haven't seen a ROM yet that is stable enough to flash, IMHO. Give it a couple of weeks. I ran AOKP on my GS2 for a long time, and am looking forward to it here.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
If I was you man , I wouldnt never install a rom without a full wipe. That will keep you from running into problems. I know that from experience. Like Sbreen say, no wipe , no gripe
DroidHead214 said:
If I was you man , I wouldnt never install a rom without a full wipe. That will keep you from running into problems. I know that from experience. Like Sbreen say, no wipe , no gripe
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Very well then, I guess a wipe it is.
Now, let me get this straight. I rooted my phone. I have TWRP Custom Recovery on my phone, and I have backed up the thing in the recovery menu to my micro SD card. I also Titanium Backup'd my system with apps and whatnot. So when I decide to flash my phone to a new ROM, I'd first wipe the data, factory reset, and wipe the dalvik cache, then flash it, do the setup garbage, and then from there, redownload Titanium Backup and restore whatever I want to restore, correct?
Ryukouki said:
Very well then, I guess a wipe it is.
Now, let me get this straight. I rooted my phone. I have TWRP Custom Recovery on my phone, and I have backed up the thing in the recovery menu to my micro SD card. I also Titanium Backup'd my system with apps and whatnot. So when I decide to flash my phone to a new ROM, I'd first wipe the data, factory reset, and wipe the dalvik cache, then flash it, do the setup garbage, and then from there, redownload Titanium Backup and restore whatever I want to restore, correct?
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You got it! However the "factory reset" option in TWRP actually wipes data/cache/dalvik, I believe. (It tells you at the top of the screen what its going to wipe) Once you got your new rom you're all set to start restoring your apps with TB and enjoy the smoothness. After the setup process when your phone goes to the home screen, it's a good idea to let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. (some developers advise this)
whiskerz said:
You got it! However, the "factory reset" option in TWRP actually wipes data/cache/dalvik I believe. (It tells you at the top of the screen what its going to wipe) Once you got your new rom you're all set to start restoring your apps with TB and enjoying the smoothness
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I'll try it either tomorrow...or, later in the week if my courage decides to run away. Now, in the worst case scenario, let's say I completely screw up and get stuck with a bootloop or, I just completely hate the ROM itself. To restore to my current configuration do I just go back to TWRP and hit restore, and it basically reverts itself? I'm so sorry if I'm asking really stupid questions, I just REALLY want to do it right, and not have any hassles whatsoever. I am extremely careful and I really want to feel comfortable doing this.
Some guides I see mentioned backing up the IMEI information on the phone. Do I really need to do that, or is that all automated and I shouldn't run into issues? And is there a GApps.zip file thingy that I need to download for the "stock" applications? But wait a second, TB should take care of all of that correct?
Ryukouki said:
I'll try it either tomorrow...or, later in the week if my courage decides to run away. Now, in the worst case scenario, let's say I completely screw up and get stuck with a bootloop or, I just completely hate the ROM itself. To restore to my current configuration do I just go back to TWRP and hit restore, and it basically reverts itself? I'm so sorry if I'm asking really stupid questions, I just REALLY want to do it right, and not have any hassles whatsoever. I am extremely careful and I really want to feel comfortable doing this.
Some guides I see mentioned backing up the IMEI information on the phone. Do I really need to do that, or is that all automated and I shouldn't run into issues? And is there a GApps.zip file thingy that I need to download for the "stock" applications? But wait a second, TB should take care of all of that correct?
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Click to collapse
Yes, if your phone goes into a bootloop or you absolutely hate the rom, then pull the battery and boot into recovery. (If you just hate the rom no need to pull battery just power off)Make sure you have a backup of your system created within TWRP with the "backup" option. If you have a backup in TWRP you would just hit the "Restore" button and find your system backup and wait for it to restore. I've never heard anything about backing up IMEI info, you will probably not run into any issues. I've flashed tons and tons of roms on numerous devices and have NEVER had to do any of that. Gapps (google apps) are ONLY needed when you're going to run an AOSP rom. That means when the rom doesn't have the touchwiz skin over top of it. AOSP roms are pure vanilla android and have zero touchwiz features. You can find the touchwiz based roms in the "Android development" section while the AOSP roms are found in the "Original development" section. Also, it's fine to ask questions. That's how you learn!
whiskerz said:
Yes, if your phone goes into a bootloop or you absolutely hate the rom, then pull the battery and boot into recovery. (If you just hate the rom no need to pull battery just power off)Make sure you have a backup of your system created within TWRP with the "backup" option. If you have a backup in TWRP you would just hit the "Restore" button and find your system backup and wait for it to restore. I've never heard anything about backing up IMEI info, you will probably not run into any issues. I've flashed tons and tons of roms on numerous devices and have NEVER had to do any of that. Gapps (google apps) are ONLY needed when you're going to run an AOSP rom. That means when the rom doesn't have the touchwiz skin over top of it. AOSP roms are pure vanilla android and have zero touchwiz features. You can find the touchwiz based roms in the "Android development" section while the AOSP roms are found in the "Original development" section. Also, it's fine to ask questions. That's how you learn!
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Awesome. Phew, I was like what why do I need to backup my IMEI information? I'm planning on installing Hyperdrive, is that a touchwiz based rom by any chance? And hah, yeah I know, I usually have really meticulous instructions for myself when I flash video game consoles, so I know the routine like the back of my hand.
Ryukouki said:
Awesome. Phew, I was like what why do I need to backup my IMEI information? I'm planning on installing Hyperdrive, is that a touchwiz based rom by any chance? And hah, yeah I know, I usually have really meticulous instructions for myself when I flash video game consoles, so I know the routine like the back of my hand.
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Yes, Hyperdrive is a touchwiz based rom! The file is going to be a little over a 1gig, and already includes all of the apps you'll need.(Don't flash Gaaps) I'm heading off XDA for the night if you have anymore questions/concerns feel free to PM me and I'll try to help
whiskerz said:
Yes, Hyperdrive is a touchwiz based rom! The file is going to be a little over a 1gig, and already includes all of the apps you'll need.(Don't flash Gaaps) I'm heading off XDA for the night if you have anymore questions/concerns feel free to PM me and I'll try to help
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Oh good! And at least my internet is reasonable now, so 1GB shouldn't be too bad. ;D I should head off too, its a bit late over here. Thanks for your help, you've answered a lot of my concerns!
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All ROMs are the best and data wipes are always recommended