[Q] First time flash -- backup question - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I have an SGS2 and am running KG2 UK/VOD firmware, and considering trying VillainRom. I've flashed other phones before, but this is my first go on android
Nearly all my apps are from either amazon marketplace or the android market. All my contacts are synced with google. Photos are backed up via google+ instant upload & also I've run kies to perform backups in the past. I have no significant local music/vids (I use spotify). My email is all based in gmail
I'm trying to figure out what I need to backup. I am assuming right now options are
- Don't bother, do full flash, after installing new rom initial setup will re-install all my market apps. optionally I can redownload from amazon (mostly free demos I'm not interested in). Loses SMS
- ROOT first, install a backup program do a backup, then flash & restore
Actually just thought - install Go-SMS, run SMS backup (and restore afterwards).
What else should I be considering?

If you are installing the no wipe version, all you have to do is flash. you will not lose any data or apps.
you may need to reroot.
If you are using a wipe version, you will need to reinstall everything from your back up.

use titanium back up

Related

[Q] Backup before rooting?

Hi, I'm new here as I just switched from my iPhone 3G to the atrix. I'm planning on rooting it soon but I want to make sure I don't screw anything up. I'm used to the iTunes backup and sync features, so I was wondering how that works on android phones, the atrix in particular. If something goes wrong and I can't access my phone, how can I restore it from my computer?
Also, how do apps sync? If I restore my phone to factory settings but apps are listed as installed on my account, then it won't let me reinstall those apps, will it?
Ok, I'm assuming there's no way to backup the phone without rooting. I was referring to something like making an image of the phone or atleast getting the basic firmware(like for the iPhone).
As for apps, if I get a new phone or wipe my current phone, I won't have to redownload anything right? Will it sync from the market?
But my data will be lost right (like game saves)? So I can use apps like Titanium Backup to that data right?
I just wanted to clarify this before I messed around with anything.
If you've wiped your phone, or get another phone, you can always download the apps you've purchased either from your phone or from a pc. They're linked to your gmail account.
Once you're rooted, you can use Titanium Backup. You can also use Tenfar's port of the Clockwork Mod to make what amounts to a snapshot of your current system via a nandroid backup. I've had to restore from that once after hosing my system. Works well.

[Q] What is lost during a ROM change? How to backup phone so I can play with ROMS

I'm running streakdroid 1.9 but I would like to do some experimentation with my streak. If I flash a new rom what will I lose? How do you backup your data so you can flash to your hearts content?
Thanks
if u flash stock roms, they do a factory reset during first start up.
So u end up loosing everything.
However if u flash .zip version of the stock roms using CWM or streak recovery , u will retain almost everything but may loose somethings like root and so on.
Remember stock roms will flash its default recovery everytime it boots up
Ok thanks. Is it wise to do a factory reset anyway?
What tools can I use to backup messages, apps, photos, etc?
I use titanium backup.
If you do a nandroid backup, when you restore it, everything will be just as it was before you flashed another ROM...
As far as using Titanium... it has never worked for me completely, nor has MyBackUp Pro, they cause me more headache than being useful...
I have gotten to the point to when I flash a new ROM, I just manually install everything, I know it sounds like some hassle, but you end up with a much smoother operating phone.
I even do a nandroid backup first, then go into my ROM and manually uninstall everything, so that when I boot up my new ROM and setup my market account, it doesn't try to install everything on its own and bog down my phone at first, I install everything manually in the order I want and set them up as I go.
I know this sounds cumbersome, but I have found it creates a cleaner environment and practically eliminated force closes
That is the way I like to do things also but what about the things that you can't just re-install e.g. sms, application specific data?
Advice
I was having a sim card and constant restart issue after updating to streakroid 2.4.4, and even after flashing dsc, the problem persisted. After I reviewed the steps I had taken I realized that I never did a factory resest (fearing I would forever lose my precious app data, which I did -_-). It turned out that was the fix, after doing the factory reset, my sim card was recognized immediately and a couple of the text I had missed showed up. However, I fixed one fixed problem and developed another.
Even though I restored a MyBackup and Titanium backup I did right before resetting I recovered my several apps without their precious data (setting, notes, bookmarks). I tried doing internal backups within the apps, some conveniently had syncs to a cloud yet I missed doing that with a few apps because I have over 100+ and I use more than half on a regular basis (even if for 5 minutes). All my apps are on my device, which is a good thing but I cant appreciate that given the missing data.
So my advice is:
Use apps that have can automatically backup or sync data -- there are enough apps with similiar utility that you can avoid ones without that function.
Do a manual backup within your important apps. -- Some apps backup files to locations that may be wiped during update, doesn't have auto backup or the last backup is months old.
Pics, texts, call logs are easily backed up -- Backup programs will explicitly state or ask what to back up in that regard.
Do a nandroid backup -- I believe this only restores rom and apps but someone can correct me.
Caveat
Through all the research done before actually need to restore a backup I missed the fact when restore apps depending on the restore program every app has to be reinstalled individually. If you have more than 25 apps then #$#@!, also for some reason when restoring with titanium if during a batch restore you come across an app if you hit cancel during one of the install prompts because you actually don't want to restore that app the batch will freeze and you'll have to force close titanium and start the restore all over. Go through the list of restore options and choose each app one by one, save yourself the time.
Lastly, to piggy back off what was said before, a factory reset( FR) after updating rom is always recommended but its not always needed. Most roms will update without causing you to lose any data but like I said previously I had sim card issues when I updated without a FR. YMMV
At this point I don't know if this helps the OP but maybe it will benefit someone else who reads this thread.
This guide by _n0p_ tells how to do an upgrade and minimize the re-installation of apps.
Key items:
Use the backup function of any apps that have it
Don't count on restoring data with TB or My Backup
Make a nandroid - just in case
I have found TB and My Backup to be useful for things like browser bookmarks.
The post linked to discussed going from Froyo to Gingerbread but the same techniques apply for moving to any other ROM.
Last time i changed roms, i used the Dell backup utility for evertyhing but the apps, which can be backed up together with their data with QtADB which creates a backup folder on your SD. After installing the new rom, i chose advanced recovery from the Dell Utility and set it to recover everything but the apps, which i recovered with QtADB. However, I also strongly recommend nandroid, in case the steak doesn't boot after the install.

How do I backup my rooted phone?

Hi there,
About a month ago I bought an HTC Thunderbolt and somebody helped me root the phone. Since then I have had some family emergency/issues that have caused me to put programming the phone on hold. Now that they have cleared up I am trying to now learn a little bit more about upgrading Rom/Kernel/Radio.
I am running the following:
Android 2.2.1
Baseband version 1.16.00.0223r
Kernel 2.6.32.21_bamf4.4.2....
Build 1.13.605.7Das Bamf 1.5 Remix
Software 1.13.605.7
Can somebody tell me how to backup my phone entirely?
I would like to back it up with the intent:
* Install different kernel/radio/rom and keep the same android apps without reinstalling
each one individually.
or
* Restore the phone to its current state (if I should drop the phone and get a
replacement).
I do have titanium backup pro installed but it has never been used. Is this all I need?
I seem to recall that there is a backup feature on this phone that was discouraged....
Thanks in advance...
Anthony
The key for me is to
Use Nandroid (the backup feature in recovery) for a full image backup. Use Titanium to backup individual applications.
Before restoring nandroid backups, be sure to wipe cache and Dalvik (under advanced in recovery).
Nandroid takes nearly the entire phone back to the point of backup (houses everything you have on your phone's internal memory). Titanium allows backups to be restored on different roms. Some apps and many system apps don't play nicely with Titanium, but most from the market do play nicely with it.
Installing new kernels doesn't require wiping your data. Installing new/updated roms does. Installing themes usually does not, but there are exceptions.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Thank you for the explanation.
When you refer to Nandroid & recovery feature, you are referring to Clockworkmod?
Per your input I updated to Rom Manager PRO and then simply selected "Backup Current ROM". I assume that this covers everything on the phone including radio/kernel/apps....
If there is anything else I need to do, please let me know.
Thanks again...
Yes, CWM is how you want to backup your phone entirely. I would recommend going into recovery and making a backup on your own instead of hitting the "backup my current rom" button in rom manager. The backup you make will be saved in a folder on your SD card named clockworkmod/backup. I always think its a good idea to move your backups to your computer and keep your two or three most recent backups on your sdcard.
As for backing up your apps, you can do a batch backup in titanium and when you load a new rom you will be able restore the app and any data associated with it. As a general rule I would only backup apps that require a lot of setup. Otherwise when you load a new ROM the apps you had previously installed will automatically restore (depending on the ROM). Just a tip, dont backup system apps. Doing so and switching versions, for example froyo to gingerbread, could cause many issues down the road even if they aren't immediately seen.
Lastly, when installing a new ROM you always want to wipe data/factory reset at least twice and wipe cache and dalvik cache twice each as well. If you have any issues dont hesitate to ask there are many people who are willing to help.
Go to ROM Manager, scroll down and select Backup Current ROM.
I use two apps for backing up and restoring installed apps; Titanium Pro and MyBackup Pro. For some reason MBP successfully restores the apps + data that fail using TP. For example, apps installed from the Amazon android market.
I create full backups with both TP and MBP, but when I need to restore ( after a complete data wipe and new Rom flash) I do the following:
1) skip setting up my Google account during the initial setup process that starts after user data has been wiped.
2) Uncheck the box that allows backups to Google's servers
3) After setup is finished, go into settings, privacy and deselect the automated backup options
( If I don't do the previous two steps, then Google starts pushing apps that may have been backed up and/ or apps that I have purchased. I don't want this to happen since I am going to do my own restore with data.)
4) I use TP to restore MBP only
5) I then use MBP to restore the rest of my user apps and data.
Some may disagree with my two backup app process, but it has been more successful for me than using either TP or MBP by themselves.
If something doesn't go right with MBP, I still have the full TP backup to pull from.
I do not bother backing up systems apps just because it seems to cause me too many issues when i attempt the restore. This means i have to redo any system settings, but that isn't a big deal to me.
Some of my favorite apps have backup features of their own. Folder Organizer and Circle Launcher are two of my all time favorites. Both restore nicely when i move to a new Rom.
Occasionally, i copy the TP, MBP, and Clockwork folders from my sdcard to a folder on my laptop just in case.
The above may sound like alot, but it goes pretty quick for me and I flash quite a bit ( at least once or twice a week when the device is new and the Rom cookers are really active).
Another thought, I have used MBP to successfully restore my android home screen settings for sense ( part of MBP's data bu ). My preferred launcher is LauncherPro, which has its own backup and restore function.
Finally, i always do a nandroid backup before wiping and flashing to a new Rom. I also always do the backup right from clockwork mod recovery. I love the Rom Manager app and paid for the premium version quite a while ago, but i prefer to backup, wipe and flash from the recovery screen. Even if i download something that needs to be flashed using Rom Manager, I still reboot into recovery to perform the needed steps.
Hope this helps and if someone has another app backup/ restore routine they use successfully i would love to know the steps. I am open to learning something new.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

[Q] Is there a way to automate the initial setup after updating to a new rom?

Just wondering if the dev's have to manually setup the phone after installing a new Rom that requires a full wipe/restore. It's not a big deal if you update your Rom every so often. But, I would imagine that it would be a pain if your factory resetting daily or multiple times daily.
I don't reset all that often. However, it seems like when I want a new Rom I first need to install a 3rd Rom first before the new Rom will take. Not sure if It's required but I will go through setup and let all of the data restore on the phone. Frequently, I'll need access to the market before I can go on to the next Rom.
After doing this a few times it just seems like there has to be an easier way.
diaco1974 said:
I don't reset all that often. However, it seems like when I want a new Rom I first need to install a 3rd Rom first before the new Rom will take. Not sure if It's required but I will go through setup and let all of the data restore on the phone. Frequently, I'll need access to the market before I can go on to the next Rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should just wipe, install the new rom, log into your google account to let your data recover and use the market to reinstall your apps. Not sure why you need to install a rom twice...
I have been using titanium backup for a while now though the developers will not offer support if you do. I only backup apps and their data. The only thing google does is add all my contacts back. I do not backup any system apps or system data and have not had any issues to date. My new Rom is literally back up and running less then 5 minutes after first boot. It takes longer to wipe and flash then it does to setup a Rom.
sent from my Clean Rezound
Dev just push new system apps to the phone with adb or whatever has been changed then reboot. At least I do but for your case when switching to a new Rom you shouldn't just be pushing system cus alot changes
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
titanium backup, ftw
-.|.- Rezound, ics
So can I use a titanium backup to restore app data after flashing to a new rom? Would it restore my saved saved logins from the browser?
diaco1974 said:
So can I use a titanium backup to restore app data after flashing to a new rom? Would it restore my saved saved logins from the browser?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about the browser, but yes restoring app data with Titanium backup works great. Just don't restore system apps . Well, I am assuming if you deleted the new browser and restore your saved browser it would work just fine. Unless the browser is a different for the rom your using.

Backup App and User Data Help?

I have been searching for an answer for this question for a couple of days now but have yet to find one, so I decided to go ahead and make a thread for it. What I am wondering, is how to create a backup of all my user data, apps, and app data that I can restore on different roms? I am currently stock rooted, however I have downloaded and wish to flash ARHD Rom, but I don't want to have to re install everything from scratch I just want to be able to click "restore" and have all my apps and data back.
Any Help is greatly appreciated. Thanks Guys.
Pure+ said:
I have been searching for an answer for this question for a couple of days now but have yet to find one, so I decided to go ahead and make a thread for it. What I am wondering, is how to create a backup of all my user data, apps, and app data that I can restore on different roms? I am currently stock rooted, however I have downloaded and wish to flash ARHD Rom, but I don't want to have to re install everything from scratch I just want to be able to click "restore" and have all my apps and data back.
Any Help is greatly appreciated. Thanks Guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you are not rooted go this route. You do not require root.
1. Use the Helium app and copy the folder it creates onto your computer, it's called "CARBON." This will copy all apps and app data.
2. Use HTC Backup from the app store and backup everything onto dropbox. This will also backup your apps + data. It will be on a cloud storage so no need to push anything to anywhere.
3. Go into your SMS and hit the menu button. Backup all user text messaging. Copy to computer.
now you can report everything to anything.
After you are on your new ROM.
1. Run HTC Backup (comes with rom) and restore everything.
2. Use Helium to restore any missing apps.
3. Restore SMS.
Done.
SlimJ87D said:
Because you are not rooted go this route. You do not require root.
1. Use the Helium app and copy the folder it creates onto your computer, it's called "CARBON." This will copy all apps and app data.
2. Use HTC Backup from the app store and backup everything onto dropbox. This will also backup your apps + data. It will be on a cloud storage so no need to push anything to anywhere.
3. Go into your SMS and hit the menu button. Backup all user text messaging. Copy to computer.
now you can report everything to anything.
After you are on your new ROM.
1. Run HTC Backup (comes with rom) and restore everything.
2. Use Helium to restore any missing apps.
3. Restore SMS.
Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am rooted, what I'm really wondering now is if I can restore the data portion of my nandroid backup after flashing the new rom or if that will result in a bunch of FC's?
Pure+ said:
I am rooted, what I'm really wondering now is if I can restore the data portion of my nandroid backup after flashing the new rom or if that will result in a bunch of FC's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Titanium Backup and it can grab apps from a nandroid backup and restore them. navigate for this feature through the options menu.
http://www.guidingtech.com/13501/restore-apps-nandroid-titanium-backup/
Yes, you can flash a clean Rom then restore your data file from a previous backup. the only problem with that is that whatever problems you may have had before, may be present still. Otherwise, it doesn't hurt anything. In fact, both CWM and TWRP allow advanced restore where you can select portions of your back up to restore..one a time. In my opinion, it allows you to see, if a backup fails to restore, where exactly it is having trouble, be it in system, boot, data..etc. I literally just did this, restoring a data backup onto a clean Rom, and so far no issues. I understand what you mean by not wanting to set everything back up. System settings, widgets and app placements. You had the perfect setup and it took you forever to get it that way. Titanium backup and Rom Toolbox don't always restore these things like they claim to do.
Edit: I am finding the hard way with this phone, that unlike my old LG Mytouch, when you flash a firmware upgrade, non OTA push I mean, it doesn't stick to system. It's saved to data. So if you flash a data file from a backup with an older version, your back to that version. With my old phone, we could swap Roms after an update all day, and the baseband and firmware updates would stick every time.

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