Database Users

Hide/Prevent changes to the phone?

Hi
I am an administrator of a couple of phones that "ordinary" people uses. Some of these people just can't leave settings alone, installes his own application and then comes down and complain about the phone not working. I've had it.
Is there any way to lock down the hermes so that he just can read settings, transfer his activesync info and change that but not changing ANYTHING that is system related??
any product free or charged doesn't really matter, just curios to know if any software like that exists.

This looks like it might do what you're after:
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/kioskengine/?en

My best advice would be to install a backup application such as SPB Backup, complte your desired settings and then take a backup. Later when the person returns with junked device, hard-reset and restore the previously taken backup! That should be easy right?

Carty said:
My best advice would be to install a backup application such as SPB Backup, complte your desired settings and then take a backup. Later when the person returns with junked device, hard-reset and restore the previously taken backup! That should be easy right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have actually tried that, but it doesn't quite do it. It doesn't always restore everything and so on...it is almost more work restoring than reinstall everything again!
The kiosk application might be what I am looking for

An idea for a useful bit of software...

with the rise in rooting and flashing to android devices to latest rom releases, I thought how handy would it be to have a program on my computer to arrange my apps/widgets without touching the device.
This would be great with a fresh device to get up and running, just how you like things.
Maybe even be able to save a layout or install apps from within the software?
a bit like itunes' application management where you can see all the pages and move,install or rearrange apps to your aesthetic pleasure.
Could such a program be created or is it too difficult?

not a good idea then?

I am no developer but i would definately like this kind of software for my pc. I have a ipod touch and i usually install the apps from the apps store from itunes 'cause it's a very comfortable way of surfing the market.
That said there is something thet might be what you're looking for; i havn't been able to use it much as i only istalled it yesterday but seems to work well:
it's called "app brain", and it's not a program you install on your pc but a webpage, you have to create an account and from the webpage you can put apps into your account (don't tknow if there are all the ones from the market, havn't investigated yet). Then (with the app istalled on your phone obviously) you just go into the app, sync your account and the apps in your account can be installed, deleted etc, etc and you don't even need to plug the phone into the pc (unlike my ipod touch).
So once you've set up your account it'll do the same as itunes app installer but without having to install anything on your pc and without having to plug your phone in (or even have your pc on by that matter!!!!)
Ps; not entirely sure bout this but i believe you can also use app brain to transfer photos and stuff to your desire!!

Thanks for the reply dude!
Sorry but I already use appbrain and although its very useful for keeping all your apps in one place, its not really the sort of thing I need.
It's more to do with controlling your device from your pc/mac. Ie. Moving widgets around, arranging apps, maybe even sending texts or changing backgrounds.
It's just an idea but I think it would be really useful, especially after wiping and flashing Roms!
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

know what you mean. coming from winmo i had all my apps, reg keys, mods, etc installed via a product called sashimi (think that's how you spell it!). After a flash id run the app on my phone and within about 10 minutes everything was done, the only thing left was to sync my data.

crankshaft said:
know what you mean. coming from winmo i had all my apps, reg keys, mods, etc installed via a product called sashimi (think that's how you spell it!). After a flash id run the app on my phone and within about 10 minutes everything was done, the only thing left was to sync my data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here,
I'm coming from winmo and I'm very happy with sashimi: flashing a custom rom and configuring the device without touching it takes 10 minutes. afterwards everything is perfect configured.
I'll get my new android device within the next couple of days and so I need such a great piece of software like Sashimi.
is there something like sashime out there in the android/linux world?

Use adw launcher, it has option to backup your current desktop theme and settings.
Alternatively use either adw launcher or launcher pro together with titanium to backup the data held by these launchers. A titanium restore will give you back your setup.
Easy eh

bgumble said:
same here,
I'm coming from winmo and I'm very happy with sashimi: flashing a custom rom and configuring the device without touching it takes 10 minutes. afterwards everything is perfect configured.
I'll get my new android device within the next couple of days and so I need such a great piece of software like Sashimi.
is there something like sashime out there in the android/linux world?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup.
Tis awesome sauce.

bgumble said:
same here,
I'm coming from winmo and I'm very happy with sashimi: flashing a custom rom and configuring the device without touching it takes 10 minutes. afterwards everything is perfect configured.
I'll get my new android device within the next couple of days and so I need such a great piece of software like Sashimi.
is there something like sashime out there in the android/linux world?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh man oh man ... I miss the old good Sashimi apps.
It made those flashing days so smooth. ...
I also come from WM, and very new to Android world.
Uses Apps_brain (login with your google acct) .. syn and re-install all your previous sw.

le3ky said:
Use adw launcher, it has option to backup your current desktop theme and settings.
Alternatively use either adw launcher or launcher pro together with titanium to backup the data held by these launchers. A titanium restore will give you back your setup.
Easy eh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ratchetnclank said:
Titanium Backup.
Tis awesome sauce.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanx guys, I'll give adw launcher and titanium backup a try

le3ky said:
Use adw launcher, it has option to backup your current desktop theme and settings.
Alternatively use either adw launcher or launcher pro together with titanium to backup the data held by these launchers. A titanium restore will give you back your setup.
Easy eh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hell yeah, the best and most used option

Is there a guide on how to use titanium backup?

I tried it once and it looks like there is a whole lot of apps to reinstall when the process is done and you have to click ok to install them all. Can't it just restore everything you backed up without user intervention?
If I backup user apps does that back up the data for them also. Like save games and high scores.
What is in the system data? Something like SMS messages should backup with the SMS user app that was installed right?
Is system data more like what you had your volume set at? OR does it included your google, facebook logins and such?
Thanks. I searched the forum and found nothing on Titanium in any thread titles.

I have read MANY threads, hunderds of pages.. I have rooted my phone... (the hard way, Thanks Toast) and I still really dont "GET IT.."
I would love a white board on the components of the who process.. including titanium backup..
Meaning a writeup, showing each part of the system, and a paragraph on what it does..
Us Droidnoobs would really like to understand how this works from a high level... (or maybe I just belong on a short yellow bus...lol)
I just dont get what is required for each part, and what it affects..
NandUnlock: What does this do for us?
Engineering SPL: What is this?
Clockwork: ( i loved the movie.. but don't get how it pertains to the phone)
But seriously.. I dont know what is is, so how can I pick from the 2 avaiable?
Recovery: What parts of things dose this include? What is its function?
Nandroid back up: Do i need this and Titanium BK? Which will do what?
I want to figout how to back up my EVO and install new roms, and then re populate all my settings and data.. i use exchange, so i don't care about emails and contacts, but i have other email (pop) accts, that i want the accounts and preferences retained..
I have to root my bosses phone later today, and was wondering if i can do it with out it being activated? I was gonna get it rooted, and then activate it on Monday when I see him..

de ja vu
Check out their website for more information about TB.

yznhmr said:
I have read MANY threads, hunderds of pages.. I have rooted my phone... (the hard way, Thanks Toast) and I still really dont "GET IT.."
I would love a white board on the components of the who process.. including titanium backup..
Meaning a writeup, showing each part of the system, and a paragraph on what it does..
Us Droidnoobs would really like to understand how this works from a high level... (or maybe I just belong on a short yellow bus...lol)
I just dont get what is required for each part, and what it affects..
NandUnlock: What does this do for us?
Engineering SPL: What is this?
Clockwork: ( i loved the movie.. but don't get how it pertains to the phone)
But seriously.. I dont know what is is, so how can I pick from the 2 avaiable?
Recovery: What parts of things dose this include? What is its function?
Nandroid back up: Do i need this and Titanium BK? Which will do what?
I want to figout how to back up my EVO and install new roms, and then re populate all my settings and data.. i use exchange, so i don't care about emails and contacts, but i have other email (pop) accts, that i want the accounts and preferences retained..
I have to root my bosses phone later today, and was wondering if i can do it with out it being activated? I was gonna get it rooted, and then activate it on Monday when I see him..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to sound like an ass... but aren't you taking some of the fun away about learning new tech when you expect someone to spoon feed you info? I know for me part of the cool thong when I started learning android was digging for the informatiin that is already on the web... and then putting that info to work in my latest endeavour. Made me feel good.
Guessvwhat I'm saying is that you are asking a lot for someone to give you a comprehensive write up of everything and you not be wiping to find out at least some of it on your own. I know these forums are here for help and collaboration... but you have to chip some of your own brainwork and gusto into the bucket as well.
That being said... if someone does it for you, Congrats and I hope it helps you understand.... and Kane some day you'll at least return the favor.
Sent using Tapatalk on my HTC Evo running CyanogenMod6 Android 2.2

I apologize for the typos above.... at work and kind of busy lol.
Sent using Tapatalk on my HTC Evo running CyanogenMod6 Android 2.2

the donation version of titanium backup backs up way faster and doesnt click free restores. well worth the 4 bucks imo.
here is the official support site for tb
http://forum.legendroid.com/titanium-backup-official-support/
anyhow, if you dont know what something is, you can long click on it and select explore and it will show you what is there (if anything) for that category.
once you have backed up everything you want when you want to restore, tap backup/restore tab, hit menu, then filters, select filter by status "backed up", click apply, click menu, click batch then which ever restore option you want.
may seem a bit daunting but it really cannot be to easy with as much as this program can do. it is my number 1 must have app for sure.
ps, if you want something simpler but not as capable of backing up everything check out mybackup pro

Oridus said:
Not to sound like an ass... but aren't you taking some of the fun away about learning new tech when you expect someone to spoon feed you info? I know for me part of the cool thong when I started learning android was digging for the informatiin that is already on the web... and then putting that info to work in my latest endeavour. Made me feel good.
Guessvwhat I'm saying is that you are asking a lot for someone to give you a comprehensive write up of everything and you not be wiping to find out at least some of it on your own. I know these forums are here for help and collaboration... but you have to chip some of your own brainwork and gusto into the bucket as well.
That being said... if someone does it for you, Congrats and I hope it helps you understand.... and Kane some day you'll at least return the favor.
Sent using Tapatalk on my HTC Evo running CyanogenMod6 Android 2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gee for all that typing you could have helped me.. But thanks for your 2c. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.. no matter how much of an ass they may appear to be..

DomSim said:
the donation version of titanium backup backs up way faster and doesnt click free restores. well worth the 4 bucks imo.
here is the official support site for tb
http://forum.legendroid.com/titanium-backup-official-support/
anyhow, if you dont know what something is, you can long click on it and select explore and it will show you what is there (if anything) for that category.
once you have backed up everything you want when you want to restore, tap backup/restore tab, hit menu, then filters, select filter by status "backed up", click apply, click menu, click batch then which ever restore option you want.
may seem a bit daunting but it really cannot be to easy with as much as this program can do. it is my number 1 must have app for sure.
ps, if you want something simpler but not as capable of backing up everything check out mybackup pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sincerely thank you.. , I have had several people that have been helpful.. its all about sharing information.. want to know about Saltwater reef tanks.. just ask me..lol you can read till your head turns blue , and still not understand it.. i am more visual.. i like to ask questions and learn, not torment myself by reading every line of text, and still wonder where's the beef..
check out my other sickness www.yzreef.com

I totally feel you on this. When I first started messing with mine i was a little lost and understanding what I was doing and why would have helped
Loading.........

Cannot Start Sprite Backup!

I am a paid registered user of the best backup program for WM, Sprite Backup.
I installed the latest version on my HD2. It installed fine.
But every time I try to run it, I get an error message--" a problem has occurred with sprite backup.exe"
Happens every time, even right after rebooting, with nothing else running.
(One time I made the mistake of clicking the "Send" button to report the mistake to Microsoft, and there was a never-ending hourglass, finally had to reboot. )
Has anyone here used Sprite Backup with the HD2?

Consider yourself lucky and use this chance to seek other backup applications. After using this program, and having it tell me my Daily backups were done properly, I tried a restore and found it could not read it's own data file, and the remote backups never took place.
So I am basically fuxored...
Thank you Sprite Mobile.
My email to tech support has gone unanswered, nor do I expect them to answer me. I pretty much just want a refund.

nestersan said:
Consider yourself lucky and use this chance to seek other backup applications. After using this program, and having it tell me my Daily backups were done properly, I tried a restore and found it could not read it's own data file, and the remote backups never took place.
So I am basically fuxored...
Thank you Sprite Mobile.
My email to tech support has gone unanswered, nor do I expect them to answer me. I pretty much just want a refund.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree completely. I purchased Sprite Backup a couple of months ago, having read reviews that praised it. Was already using Microsoft MyPhone to backup some stuff, but wanted a more complete solution (eg., ability to backup installed applications).
Backed up religiously (to PC and to phone's storage card), no errors reported while doing so. Tried three weeks ago to restore a backup file, received message saying something like "device doesn't recognize certificates". No phone number available to call Sprite, so I sent email to their "24/7 HelpDesk." That was my first rude awakening, because it took them five days to reply. We then went back and forth for a week. No resolution, was told in a final email that I should try reinstalling the program and that, other than that, there was nothing they would or could do. I'm investigating SPB Backup and other options -- whoever I choose next will be in the U.S., and they will at least have a phone number so I can talk to human! But you can bet that everyone I know with a Windows mobile phone is now aware that Sprite isn't a viable option.....

Asquared said:
I agree completely. I purchased Sprite Backup a couple of months ago, having read reviews that praised it. Was already using Microsoft MyPhone to backup some stuff, but wanted a more complete solution (eg., ability to backup installed applications).
Backed up religiously (to PC and to phone's storage card), no errors reported while doing so. Tried three weeks ago to restore a backup file, received message saying something like "device doesn't recognize certificates". No phone number available to call Sprite, so I sent email to their "24/7 HelpDesk." That was my first rude awakening, because it took them five days to reply. We then went back and forth for a week. No resolution, was told in a final email that I should try reinstalling the program and that, other than that, there was nothing they would or could do. I'm investigating SPB Backup and other options -- whoever I choose next will be in the U.S., and they will at least have a phone number so I can talk to human! But you can bet that everyone I know with a Windows mobile phone is now aware that Sprite isn't a viable option.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I agree with you.
I have used Sprite with several other WinMo phones, with no problems. I have only had a problem with the HD2.
I'm surprised you were even able to backup. I could not start the app at all. The only way I was finally able to backup, was to close the Sense UI, and reboot (without Sense). Haven't tried restoring yet on the HD2.
HD2 seems to have a lot of compatibility problems. Today I installed Sk Tools as well, newest version, which I have also paid for. Like Sprite, it installed fine, but will not start up correctly at all!

me said:
I'm not sure I agree with you.
I have used Sprite with several other WinMo phones, with no problems. I have only had a problem with the HD2.
I'm surprised you were even able to backup. I could not start the app at all. The only way I was finally able to backup, was to close the Sense UI, and reboot (without Sense). Haven't tried restoring yet on the HD2.
HD2 seems to have a lot of compatibility problems. Today I installed Sk Tools as well, newest version, which I have also paid for. Like Sprite, it installed fine, but will not start up correctly at all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear your point, and I can't argue that the HD2 can be a compatibility-problem magnet. What I did after first experiencing my problem (and during that period where I was waiting for Sprite to respond to my first email to their HelpDesk) was Google the web for a solution to the certificate problem. During that search, I saw a bunch of complaints of the same problem for quite a number of other phones (some HTC, some not), and a consistent theme was that Sprite Support was essentially ignoring them. That fact is what bothers me most.
Also, if I were you, the only way I'd trust that backup that you finally got to work is by successfully restoring it on your device. I typically maintained at least two separate (one for Mondays, one for Fridays) backup files, which the program always characterized as "Backup completely successfully!". However, none of these would Restore.

Asquared said:
I'm investigating SPB Backup and other options -- whoever I choose next will be in the U.S., and they will at least have a phone number so I can talk to human!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to point out to you, that SPB software compan is not located in the US, but in Russia. (I don't know why, but much mobile software seems to originate in Russia. I think SK software (as in SK Tools) and Resco are also in Russia, others as well.)
Quite unfortunately, reaching a human being in the US (or anywhere) on the telephone, who is actually familiar with a product, and can actually help you, is an extreme rarity these days for any product, hard or soft. "Tech support" for most companies has become a pitiful joke.
----------
By the way, an update on my OP.
I reported that I was not able to start Sprite Backup on the HD, after having successfully installed it.
After removing Sense, and booting into plain Windows Mobile, I was able to start it and do a backup.
Since then, I have reinstalled Sense, and since then, Sprite could do a backup with Sense running as well.
However, nervous from reading reports here that Restore didn't work, although I didn't need a restore, I decided I'd better try restoring. (For if Restore wouldn't work, the backups would be useless.)
So, right after doing a full backup of everything (excluding the storage card, of course), to the storage card, I did a restore of that backup. I didn't do it by starting the Sprite application, but by clicking directly on the .exe file created by the backup. It took a while to start up, and I was getting nervous, after having read the reports here.
But then it did start up, and now the restore is completed, and looks like it went fine.
So, I'll keep using the app.
(I once used the SPB backup app though, years ago. Also a good app, and not as expensive. Not as many options though.)

Glad that things worked out for you. Thanks for the update.

I've never had problems with sprite backup. Ok, I think once, it wouldn't restore. But for the most part it has worked. I have never had problems restoring either.
If I had to go back and order again I would probably use spb backup since so many others recommend it, but I've been using sprite for about 2 years.

You can always try Lookout mobile. Its a security/anti-malware program that also offers data backup. Had it since a week or two after I got my HD2, everythings been great. But on stock ROM it may freeze. Did the first time I installed so I didnt try again until I got a new ROM. Been perfect ever since.

New to Android just making the switch, Advice on Rooting & Roms

Hey Guys i just ordered my Fascinate today. i am coming from windows mobile (imagio), i have a custom rom on it that i change about every 2 weeks so i am experienced with roms on WM, but have no clue on Android. So i have a few questions i hope you guys can answer and also any other advice and information would help. First things first i want to get rid of the verizon crap.. LOL
1. i think i have to root it first, what is a good way to go about this.
2. is there a way to backup all the factory stuff so if i have warrenty issues i can put it back to stock?
3. I would like some info on the "roms" i would like to have the google search and get rid of bing.
4 What is a good backup program to backup texts, pictures, phone call history etc when upgrading different roms.
5. is there a program to do wifi tethering with paying VZ.
6. Any other cool or helpful apps would be great.
thanks for all your input and help as its a little learning curve moving to Android, if anyone needs help with WM let me know i have that down...
Hope this is a good phone, may point i like is the screen looks nice.

soloblazer said:
Hey Guys i just ordered my Fascinate today. i am coming from windows mobile (imagio), i have a custom rom on it that i change about every 2 weeks so i am experienced with roms on WM, but have no clue on Android. So i have a few questions i hope you guys can answer and also any other advice and information would help. First things first i want to get rid of the verizon crap.. LOL
1. i think i have to root it first, what is a good way to go about this.
2. is there a way to backup all the factory stuff so if i have warrenty issues i can put it back to stock?
3. I would like some info on the "roms" i would like to have the google search and get rid of bing.
4 What is a good backup program to backup texts, pictures, phone call history etc when upgrading different roms.
5. is there a program to do wifi tethering with paying VZ.
6. Any other cool or helpful apps would be great.
thanks for all your input and help as its a little learning curve moving to Android, if anyone needs help with WM let me know i have that down...
Hope this is a good phone, may point i like is the screen looks nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always nice to have people choosing the Fascinate! Welcome!
1. Z4root is the best way to go in rooting as it does a permenant root automatically for you. Search for it on the XDA forums.
2. Look up Odin. Its used to return your phone to bone stock if you ever have trouble.
3.The Blackhole rom by sonofskywalker is a Bingless rom that let's you choose what to start off with aside from the essential apps. But its a DJ05 rom, so look up on upgarding from your current D101 to Dj05 before installing blackhole.
4. Titanium Backup is THE backup app, although you must be rooted first to use. It allows backup of apps and settings.
5. Look up Wifi Tether on the market, needs root, but its free.
6. Stay away from Voodoo unless your absolutely positive you can handle it. There are a lot of cool apps on Xda, just search.
Rockin' DJ05, Minimal Icognito, being just plain Stupidfast

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=855900 Check here and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=869990 here and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=841589 this one should help too!

soloblazer said:
Hey Guys i just ordered my Fascinate today. i am coming from windows mobile (imagio), i have a custom rom on it that i change about every 2 weeks so i am experienced with roms on WM, but have no clue on Android. So i have a few questions i hope you guys can answer and also any other advice and information would help. First things first i want to get rid of the verizon crap.. LOL
1. i think i have to root it first, what is a good way to go about this.
2. is there a way to backup all the factory stuff so if i have warrenty issues i can put it back to stock?
3. I would like some info on the "roms" i would like to have the google search and get rid of bing.
4 What is a good backup program to backup texts, pictures, phone call history etc when upgrading different roms.
5. is there a program to do wifi tethering with paying VZ.
6. Any other cool or helpful apps would be great.
thanks for all your input and help as its a little learning curve moving to Android, if anyone needs help with WM let me know i have that down...
Hope this is a good phone, may point i like is the screen looks nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=798064
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782204
3. You can search the forums but most people run blackhole by sonofskywalker or jt's super clean.
4. Titanium backup works great you can download it from market.
5. http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/detail?name=wireless_tether_2_0_5-pre9.apk
6. Rom manager is very helpful with downloading and flashing roms, setcpu is great to over/underclock, root explorer is good for managing system files...
That's pretty much the rundown we do have a lagfix available read and understand it fully before ever attempting to flash it, it works well but if you don't follow the directions it can be nasty to you. Welcome to android and happy flashing any questions we are all happy to help
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App