So, this is it. Which is the best way or ways to have a good backup of our EFS partition, and its files.
PD: Of course I'm root (LG K10 - k420)
CrashOverride93 said:
So, this is it. Which is the best way or ways to have a good backup of our EFS partition, and its files.
PD: Of course I'm root (LG K10 - k420)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are many ways, i guess even twrp can take a backup of you EFS partition
but also apps can do this, just search in google play.
there is a also a way to do this with any terminal emulator
here are the steps for it
intsall an app called storage partitions
than open and go to partition info and search for EFS
in my case it is mmcblk0p3
than open terminal emulator and type su first
than type
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p3 of=/sdcard/efs.img bs=4096
look in internal sdccard now to see whther you have 3got iot or ot
Thankyou for your reply, but I can't find the "storage parititon" app you mentioned above. By the other hand I found an app called 'Partition Backup & Restore' that seems to be a good app for the EFS/IMEI backuping. But as I never tried it before I don't know if making the backup by this procedure will be a good way.
And another thing, "mmcblk0p3" could be different for every phone. How can I check where's exactly stored the EFS/IMEI information to be able to backup the right block memory?
Related
Hi everyone. I've just rooted my galaxy s 2, running on gingerbread XWKE8. I'm planning to install a new rom.have heard about various rom available.
1. Is villain 2.0 rom okay? The main purpose for installing a custom rom for me is to save battery as I'm outdoor most of the time. as of now my gingerbread is working well except for this battery issue. Is it worth changing the rom?
2.Was reading about titanium backup
I've done back up of my custom apps + system data on phone' s external sd card. I don't have paid version of titanium. Can't buy it either. (no credit card).anyway, shall i be get nandroid backup too, just in case? when i install new rom n use TB for restore, since it*
Has system data as well, won't it overwrite the old data on the new rom? it sounds un believable coz it thwarts the whole purpose of installing a new rom. So will there be an option of ticking individual files to restore as per my choice? (no pro version of . titanium). If so, how do i know which one to be restored?
3. If clockworkmode has a back up option why do we need a titanium backup? cos it gives a nandroid type backup?
4. Can clockworkmode be used to upgrade to a new firmware (custom our stock) or odin should be used as in rooting with a little modification (depending on if firmware has one file or 3 files)?
Please enlighten.
Thank you very much
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
1) See for yourself if it's worth it.
2) Yes do a nandroid and check this before changing rom.
3) Nandroid is a exact copy of your current set-up, restoring it would undo the custom rom flash.Titanium backs up your apps so you can restore them after changing rom.
4) Depends on how the files are provided. Both should be possible.
For a credit card alternative I use this.
Hi.thanks a lot for replying. How do I get nandroid backup? Do I've to use rom manager in order to do nandroid backup? Cos when I search for nandroid in market, it doesn't return any nandroid app as such.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
No boot in to recovery, go to backup and restore and backup.
TheGhost1233 said:
3) Nandroid is a exact copy of your current set-up, restoring it would undo the custom rom flash.Titanium backs up your apps so you can restore them after changing rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I happen to dislike or have problems with a custom rom, I just restore the backup of my rooted stock rom and all is back to the way it was (all, data/boot/apps/settings ...)? I think it will be, but I just want to be sure.
Hi.thanks again. I've read that recovery mode back up or titanium backup doesn't backup efs folder . One needs adb our terminal emulater or root explorer to do so.is there any link that explains efs folder backup using terminal emulater step by step?
Regards
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
dav pahwa said:
Hi.thanks again. I've read that recovery mode back up or titanium backup doesn't backup efs folder . One needs adb our terminal emulater or root explorer to do so.is there any link that explains efs folder backup using terminal emulater step by step?
Regards
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EFS post in Dev section probably .
jje
I already linked to the right thread, in the thread there are different commands. All you have to do is pick a method, create the efs folder, copy the command to the terminal emulator and hit enter.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
VillianRom is nice I've been using VR since release and tried many roms en route and keep coming back to VR for some reason!
Best to do a nandroid via CWM Recovery so if any of your new installs have problems you can always wipe and go back to a working config.
I only use TB to backup app data, I don't like backing up system data as when moving from one rom to another if you restore you may encounter issues so always best to start from scratch to save any hassles.
Default [REF] Backup /efs folder. IMPORTANT.
This guide is based on a guide by Candanga on the i9000 forums, and some commands from supercurio
Please hit thanks on their posts and show them some love for the write up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve compiled a quick guide to instruct how to make a copy of the /efs folder. I’ve found in many threads suggestions about backing up this folder but the methods itself are very general. Most of the times they suggest to “root and copy the folder” with Root Explorer or similar, but usually it’s not that easy or it just doesn't work for everyone.
This guide ASUMES you have read this Excellent Guide by Darkstrikerfirst:
H E R E <-- Make sure to read the ADB Guide.
I recommend doing this with a Mobile just taken out of the box or with any Official ROM of its Service Provider. If you have already Flashed your phone with another ROM but its working fine, then you can use that /efs also.
Why the /efs folder?
This is a very sensitive system folder that contains Phone-specific information such as the IMEI (encrypted in the nv_data.bin), wireless devices MAC addresses, product code (also in the nv_data.bin), and much more. Often users trying to change product codes or trying to unlock the mobile will end up corrupting data in this location.
Why back it up?
Well, let’s resume it saying that backing-up this little folder will keep you away from Samsung service centres.
***WARNING: I take no responsibility to any damage caused by the methods cited and/or written here. Their sole purpose is to back-up data and not to alter in any way the integrity of the original files of the mobile***
What you will need:
* Rooted SGS II to get permissions as a SU (Super User) and perform the backup
* I would suggest learning a little about the terminal commands used (in case you are not familiar with them), as it’s better to know what you are doing rather than typing strings like a little chimp without knowing what they are; if you are a little lazy, then you have a good chance bricking your mobile. <- Busybox Commands(or Google them)
* Terminal Emulator by Jack Palevich (available from the market) <-Terminal Emulator or use ADB which is included in the SDK Development Tools
The standard prompt of terminal (adb) is a $ sign. Once you enter “SU” it will become a # Sign.
***NOTE: Make sure to keep an eye on the screen of your SGS II during this process, because it may request SU permissions [currently doesn't on CF-root]; else, you will get an error (just if it’s the first time). In Terminal Emulator you will need to reset the app after granting permissions cause it usually freezes***
*Remember: to use ADB you need to enable USB DEBUGGING under Applications/Development in your SGS II.
Here are 3 methods, I recommend that you do both Clean and RAW.
Basic, unix permissions lost :
Code:
su
busybox cp -a /efs /sdcard/efs/
Clean :
Code:
su
busybox tar zcvf /sdcard/efs/efs-backup.tar.gz /efs
After this, you will end up with the file efs-backup.tar.gz in your INTERNAL SDCARD in sdcard/efs/, which is a “tarball” or a ZIP of the /efs folder. That file is your backup. You can expand it with Winrar.
You can also back up the mmcblk0p1 (where /efs is stored) under /dev/block which can greatly support in recovering your IMEI in case of a screw-up:
RAW :
Code:
su
cat /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 > /sdcard/efs/efs_dev-block-mmcblk0p1.img
Same thing, the target is the INTERNAL SDCARD in sdcard/efs/, so go ahead and copy the file.
Hi theghost & thanks for replying. Yes, i had read that link . But being a starter in androids, i had some doubts n thought if someone else knows a more simplified thread. Eventually i followed the same thread only.
As the author said, there r two methods - clean & raw n he advises to use both. when u used raw , in the end comes- no such file directory exists. When i checked my files->sdcard , i could see efs folder n some files inside it (which wasn`t happening even with astro file manger) I copied the efs folder N pasted it into Externalsd folder (default Ext. sd card folder ?)
R my efs folder files safe now ?
Is there any other precaution to be taken , any files to be saved before i embark on installing New villain rom 2.0 as per instructions given here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1081368 .
Strangely efs folder saving point isn`t mentioned here , even though its so important. (But then may be its very basic) Is there any other basic that i should know ?
Thanks a lot again.
with regards.
Create the efs folder with astro, then use the raw method and copy the .img to your pc.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
How n where to create ef folder using astro? When i click on app
The home page shows
(folder icon)/mnt
(Home icon)(search icon) etc.
Folder-ifs
Asec
Obb
Sdcard
Secure
Usb
On this home page I should crate folder-efs ?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
No in sdcard
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
But sdcard already has efs folder with some files in it . This was created when I used the emulator. But the RAW step had failed as I told u earlier.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
nikzDHD said:
VillianRom is nice I've been using VR since release and tried many roms en route and keep coming back to VR for some reason!
Best to do a nandroid via CWM Recovery so if any of your new installs have problems you can always wipe and go back to a working config.
I only use TB to backup app data, I don't like backing up system data as when moving from one rom to another if you restore you may encounter issues so always best to start from scratch to save any hassles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate. I'm backing up only custom apps, not custom apps.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Mist that you already had the efs folder. If you already have something there your probably good. If you still want the raw method to work make sure you type su first and hit enter and than exactly copy the cat command (ChromeToPhone is great for this) it should work.
Didn't work out mate .
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I'm comfortable with it. Thanks for yo support mate
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Hi Peeps
Been looking into the quickest way into getting back to my fave rooted stock after a quick rom flash. I'm definetly a rom "hopper" and one thing stopping me from really going mad is the "faffing" about getting back to my my working scenario after I decided I was bored of a rom or it went and broke or something putting me off it.
I experimented with CWM backup and restore and was astonished at the "complete" restore it did.
I I backed up my rooted KH3 stock with CWM then wiped the system before trying a new batista70. It was broken again for me so I wiped and tested the restore.
The WHOLE previous system was there, my data, kernels, root, EVERYTHING.
Nothing to set up!
Is this too good to be true have I missed anything.
Can I now try roms to my hearts content and if I want revert back to that Kh3 back up ( or of course have a few backups of different roms and restore as desired )
Thanks
Back up EFS as a standby .
jje
when you backup with CWM does it also backup ur gallery??
JJEgan said:
Back up EFS as a standby .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ooh umm whats that and how do I it? thanks!
edit#
just had a quick look and its the imei and harware info section that can get corrupted, I saw some one say you can zip it up with root explorer and do that.
I have made a tar and a zip just in case, what situation would I be in if I needed to restore it and at what point ? thanks?
edit#
ok now have a backup as per
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068193&highlight=efs+backup+restore
here is what you need to know in a nutshell
########EFS BACK UP##########
What you will need:
Rooted SGS II to get permissions as a SU (Super User) and perform the backup
I would suggest learning a little about the terminal commands used (in case you are not familiar with them), as it’s better to know what you are doing rather than typing strings like a little chimp without knowing what they are; if you are a little lazy, then you have a good chance bricking your mobile. <- Busybox Commands(or Google them)
Terminal Emulator by Jack Palevich (available from the market) <-Terminal Emulator or use ADB which is included in the SDK Development Tools
2 Back Up Methods
CLEAN :
su
busybox tar zcvf /sdcard/efs/efs-backup.tar.gz /efs
RAW :
Code:
su
cat /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 > /sdcard/efs/efs_dev-block-mmcblk0p1.img
#######EFS RESTORE CLEAN########
Here's how to restore using the Clean Method
su
busybox tar zxvf /sdcard/efs/efs-backup.tar.gz -C /
########EFS RESTORE RAW##########
Either
Code:
dd if=/sdcard/efs/efs_dev-block-mmcblk0p1.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 bs=4096
Or
Code:
cat /sdcard/efs/efs_dev-block-mmcblk0p1.img > /dev/block/mmcblk0p1
#########KTOOL.APK###############
Easiest Way really app that does it all for you....one click backup..one click restore
http://f.lui.li/get_99_f13d.html
install app....open.....
backup Efs to /sdcard/efs.img (default loc)
restore efs.img (if you moved this to a secure place (dropbox)..copy back to
/sdcard/ (as per backup)
From I gather this should be done before you start messing and flashing
with your shiny new droid.....
I saw a thread on the international S2 forum regarding the importance of backing up the /efs folder on the phone so you don't lose the phones imei. I was wondering if this is still a necessity on our phone as well? And if so is there a different process to do it than what they used? They used terminal commands to back it up using terminal Emulator or ADB.
This is the thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068193
Its very important..ask me..i lost my IMEI and dint have a back up of the efs folder..had to go to the store and get a new phone under warranty.
Please make a backup of it.
After 2 months, someone just had EFS corruption last week - so yes, now I think it's a good idea to back it up.
IMO it would be a good idea to image the partition too...
Entropy512 said:
IMO it would be a good idea to image the partition too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you verify the partition? Is 0p3 the right one, or is it 0p1? I coundn't find a definitive answer by searching.
For some reason I thought it was p3, but I was wrong. It's p1:
Code:
/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 on /efs type ext4 (rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,barrier=1,journal_checksum,data=ordered)
To back it up, get ADB working, and run the following using ADB while the phone is in CWM recovery and /sdcard is mounted (It often is not when you first enter CWM, mount it in the Mounts and Storage menu if it is not) (If you do this when the phone is running, you may back it up as it is getting written to, which could result in a bogus backup)
Code:
adb shell dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 of=/sdcard/efs_backup.img
Thanks for the verification entropy!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Entropy512 said:
Code:
/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 on /efs type ext4 (rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,barrier=1,journal_checksum,data=ordered)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know much about linux commands. Is this how you verified the partition?
Also, am I correct in assuming that if the partition is backed up, it would not be necessary to back up the efs directory using a file explorer? Or is there a reason to have both?
You can also run the command from entropy in terminal emulator on your phone. Do su first to get root and enter the dd command to do your backup.
Sent from my SGH-I777
creepyncrawly said:
I don't know much about linux commands. Is this how you verified the partition?
Also, am I correct in assuming that if the partition is backed up, it would not be necessary to back up the efs directory using a file explorer? Or is there a reason to have both?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I verified it by executing the following command and looking at the output:
Code:
mount
It may be easier to restore a folder backup - not sure. A partition backup is the best way to guarantee you got EVERYTHING in that partition, byte-for-byte.
That's crazy. Cause I don't understand how you learn stuff like that but thanks(aka I'm gonna go do this since I mess with my phone alot.) I followed amk28's troubles. What's the difference between efs backup pro and this mehod? They both backup images
Entropy512 said:
For some reason I thought it was p3, but I was wrong. It's p1:
Code:
/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 on /efs type ext4 (rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,barrier=1,journal_checksum,data=ordered)
To back it up, get ADB working, and run the following using ADB while the phone is in CWM recovery and /sdcard is mounted (It often is not when you first enter CWM, mount it in the Mounts and Storage menu if it is not) (If you do this when the phone is running, you may back it up as it is getting written to, which could result in a bogus backup)
Code:
adb shell dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 of=/sdcard/efs_backup.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Dear Friends,
Need help please. I have installed another custom rom that was not meant for I9300 and now the EFS is corrupted. I tried installing orignal rom using ODIN but geting boot loop and the phone is not booting. On going into recovery i can see an error efs/ corupted or something like that. I have the backup of my EFS folder in tar.gz format however dont know how to install the same and recover my phone as not able to boot to android.
Please help me if someone can work it out. My phone has just 3 days of warranty left and it does not shows rooted anywhere except the count of installation is about 32 and rom says official and kernel says custom.
Please if someone can help me restore my phone back in working condition i shall always remain thankfull.
Regards,
Mush
mush2004 said:
Dear Friends,
Need help please. I have installed another custom rom that was not meant for I9300 and now the EFS is corrupted. I tried installing orignal rom using ODIN but geting boot loop and the phone is not booting. On going into recovery i can see an error efs/ corupted or something like that. I have the backup of my EFS folder in tar.gz format however dont know how to install the same and recover my phone as not able to boot to android.
Please help me if someone can work it out. My phone has just 3 days of warranty left and it does not shows rooted anywhere except the count of installation is about 32 and rom says official and kernel says custom.
Please if someone can help me restore my phone back in working condition i shall always remain thankfull.
Regards,
Mush
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is essential that you have a backup of the EFS partition and a way to place it back - the first two ways that I would think about are:
a) use a good recovery - like Philz recovery, that has commands to restore EFS
b) if the format of the backup is not exactly right you might be able to boot in recovery and use ADB commands.
xclub_101 said:
It is essential that you have a backup of the EFS partition and a way to place it back - the first two ways that I would think about are:
a) use a good recovery - like Philz recovery, that has commands to restore EFS
b) if the format of the backup is not exactly right you might be able to boot in recovery and use ADB commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Code:
su
umount /efs
dd if=/sdcard/efs.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 bs=4096
reboot
Ver3go said:
Code:
su
umount /efs
dd if=/sdcard/efs.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 bs=4096
reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am new to adb commands. Will phylz recovery help me enter the commands? if yes then i shall be replying with the sd card efs tar file name. Will then you be able to guide me with the commands based on the tar file?
Thanks all of you in advance.
Mush
mush2004 said:
I am new to adb commands. Will phylz recovery help me enter the commands? if yes then i shall be replying with the sd card efs tar file name. Will then you be able to guide me with the commands based on the tar file?
Thanks all of you in advance.
Mush
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No for ADB you boot into recovery, connect your computer via USB and run the ADB commands from either Linux Terminal or Windows Command Prompt.
The tool here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703488
May help if you're new to adb.
Otherwise it's a case of downloading and installing the drivers for your phone and the Android SDK http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Thanks for all your replies.
Just wanted to confirm if i have the efs backup in sd card as under folder backup_efs and there are two files in tar.gz format will i be able to use the phylz recovery to use this replace my efs folder? if yes then can you guide me the steps please.
Regards,
Mush
mush2004 said:
Thanks for all your replies.
Just wanted to confirm if i have the efs backup in sd card as under folder backup_efs and there are two files in tar.gz format will i be able to use the phylz recovery to use this replace my efs folder? if yes then can you guide me the steps please.
Regards,
Mush
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not remember right now what creates an backup_efs folder but it really does not matter that much - the tar.gz is a "file archive" and .img is usually a partition image. Each could have minor advantages - the .img also contains the entire filesystem of the partition (and will work easier if the filesystem is bonked) but a tar.gz backup is more versatile when you have bad sectors or a changed partition.
Under an advanced recovery like Philz you would just navigate some menus and try to restore the EFS - see the info in those specific threads.
Under ADB you need to have stuff (drivers and some programs) installed in your PC, you connect the phone on USB and you run ADB commands from the command line.
I know there are loads of software which is hit and miss, and with the recent issue of some peeps having efs borked here is the easy way of backing up your partition.
You will need:
Root
Terminal Emulator (free from play)
Open terminal emulator and enter the following:
Code:
su
then press enter (accept su prompt if shown)
then type
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 of=/sdcard/efs.img bs=4096
EFS.img should now be copied to your internal phone memory so best to copy to your pc
I have tested and it copies fine, using linux internals i have compared the files inside the img against those in efs via root explorer and all are present. I have not tried restoring as well ill wait until the disaster happens before tempting fait
To Restore
Copy the efs.img file to phone memory root not in a folder
Open Terminal Emulator
Enter
Code:
su
Then enter the following
Code:
dd if=/sdcard/efs.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 bs=4096
Reboot once done
AS ALWAYS
You do this at your own risk , dont blame me if the world blows up
Thanks a lot, very useful.:good:
But could you provide the procedure to restore .... just in case of ........
Very good, there should be an app for this.
Tilagoon said:
Thanks a lot, very useful.:good:
But could you provide the procedure to restore .... just in case of ........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i will add restore later today
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I did it with EFS Pro:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308546
treare said:
I did it with EFS Pro:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308546
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did a restore as well?
Kangburra said:
You did a restore as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahem... no
I did it on other phones but i only restore when needed
There's my more easy way,just use rooted explorer to copy the efs folder to your SD,and copy back when U needed.
Did someone have efs backup file for i9205? I really need it. I change IMEI number after restore it.. please..:crying::crying: