Database Users

Creating an image of my system state

I have two universals and would like to clone the second one with the first one. Kind of like ghost that creates an identical image.
I don't want to go through the tedious process of having to install everything from scratch.
Also, using a backup program is a bad option, they just restore files/registry and stuff. They don't restore the system state (i.e. if file deletions are to be made they won't do it, they will just restore files not on destination machine or replace existing with newer version)
but they will not like delete stuff that I don't want. For example I have a special arrangment of program groups. Using a backup program and then restoring it will leave the initial windows program groups and stuff, and would just append to it my new groups rather then delete all groups.
I tried XDA_Tools but it's probably only working with old models because it didn't work with my universal, couldn't read or write any image.
Anyone's got a solution I could use for cloning a device state to another one ?

I've used spb backup for this, and dont really understand the problem you have with backup programs.

6680abhi said:
I've used spb backup for this, and dont really understand the problem you have with backup programs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup programs do not restore to system state and are far from giving an identical replicated, like you have ghost on PC.
For example, you backup your PPC deleting many rubbish and your program groups look all different, you got rid of many redundant jpg files and rearranged your program groups the way you like it.
Now, you take this backup and restore it on a nother brand new machine, what you will get is a setup of what that machine looks brand new and IN ADDITION you will get also all the program groups and stuff that were restored from the backup. So you end up with much garbage that exists after a hard reset. An image of a machine is byte wise, not file wise and so it gives an identical copy of the machine, that why Norton Ghost was invented for the PC as well as many other programs.
I am looking for such a solution that would allow me to deploy the SAME system on more than one universal.

SPB Backup does exactly what you are looking for on my Exec.
If I hard reset and restore a FULL backup made with SPB (about 11Mb usually),my Exec is identical to before the reset.
Even stuff that I have deleted from the Rom is gone.
I would definately give it a try.

liverman666 said:
SPB Backup does exactly what you are looking for on my Exec.
If I hard reset and restore a FULL backup made with SPB (about 11Mb usually),my Exec is identical to before the reset.
Even stuff that I have deleted from the Rom is gone.
I would definately give it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll try that.

Use SKTOols 3.0, Spb Backup 1.5 or Sprite Backup 5.1. Read / search my blog on all thes ethree programs - I've elaborated on and compared them all.

best backup solutions please

ok so all take the chance i know this has been posted a lot on this forum but to be honest the information i obtained from all the threads is not sufficient enough to solve the problem which is IS IT POSSIBLE TO CARRY OUT A FULL BACKUP AND RESTORE ON THE HD USING THE VARIOUS BACKUP SOFTWARE THAT WE HAVE SUCH AS SPB BACKUP, SPRITE ETC.. surely there must be a solution out there somewhere to carry out a full backup and restore because now that we have everything moving over at the hd rom development forum with new roms everyday surely a complete backup and restore of the entire system of the HD is now more important than ever because there is now a lot of software for us to use on our HD so please dont flame me for bringing this up again but its just a desparete attempt to get help. perhaps this way, the programers can then help to make some software that makes it possible to make a full backup and restore on the HD, or even maybe starting a poll or something with people stating what software they have successively used to perform a complete backup and restore thank you again guys and to be gratefull for this great website that makes it possible to provide us with a better device i will make my donation on 27/01/09 thank you xda, lots of love from UK

I think your . button is jammed LOL

I've been wondering the same thing, really. I'm pretty new to these devices. How do people cope with new ROMs coming out all the time as far as installed software? Is there a way to install everything you want including all the dang activation keys, then make a backup that will re-install everything once you update the ROM?

Not sure whether there is an easy answer. I don't think you can save all the various settings - but that does not take long. Place as many as your apps on the storage card a possible. Make sure you keep the original installation cab files on the storage card.
The difficult one (for me) is the bookmarks in Opera. I now keep the URLs on an email on my Pc and resend it after a hard reset. They each have to be opened and saved as bookmarks but at least no typing.
If there is an easier way I would be keen to hear as well.

I use Sprite Backup 6.5 for full restores after ROM Updates, and Level 1 (Personal data and programs) updates have never failed. Tested quite a few non-official ROMs from this forum, never had a problem. Never tried restore after a hardreset, never did one.

i think the best backup-restore program is Spb backup restore. I have used Sprite but it always fails me when it comes to restore.

RaymondScrott said:
Not sure whether there is an easy answer. I don't think you can save all the various settings - but that does not take long. Place as many as your apps on the storage card a possible. Make sure you keep the original installation cab files on the storage card.
The difficult one (for me) is the bookmarks in Opera. I now keep the URLs on an email on my Pc and resend it after a hard reset. They each have to be opened and saved as bookmarks but at least no typing.
If there is an easier way I would be keen to hear as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I notice that each time i flash with a new ROM .. I have to re-install all the programs from my storage card again .. though most of the apps i have installed it on the Storage card ...

Lucas0511 said:
I use Sprite Backup 6.5 for full restores after ROM Updates, and Level 1 (Personal data and programs) updates have never failed. Tested quite a few non-official ROMs from this forum, never had a problem. Never tried restore after a hardreset, never did one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone know what's the different between the 3 levels ?
Let's say I have my ROM and programs running perfectly but I wanna try out new cab files .. I will do a back-up and if anything happens I restore with level 3 ??

My vote is Sprite Backup. Have used it from many years and each update improves on the last. It is stable, functional and easy to use.

backup?? i can't think of a title for this one.

Hi all,
I have a question... i use a few htc devices and love changing and trying different roms, different configs, etc... but whenever i get a good config i like, i would love to have a copy of the phone as-is.. i mean, that if one day i want to load that config back, i could just install like a rom with all the settings and config set just the way i want...
am i clear??? i think i lost myself there
anyways, i suppose creating some sort of rom from the phone set up, i could perhaps just flash it just back... i'm not sure which way to go....
any help or pointing in the right direction would be greatly appreciated
by the way, xda rules. no doubt about it.

What you need is called Backup software ,my friend
There are plenty of them: SPB Backup,Sprite Backup, SKTools...
Personally i had problems with SPB and adopted Sprite. You can do a full backup of your device which saves all data and settings; then you'll be able to restore at any time the whole saved configuration as you traveled back in time
Note: backup files (stored in SD) are self-extracting, that means that restore can begin immediately after a hard-reset by just tapping the backup file: no need to install the backup app first!
P.s.: For a "partial" backup that saves only data related to phone and agenda (contacts,appointments,mail,SMS etc..) there's a free app called PIM Backup.

sualc said:
What you need is called Backup software ,my friend
There are plenty of them: SPB Backup,Sprite Backup, SKTools...
Personally i had problems with SPB and adopted Sprite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Sprite as standard on my T-Mobile Compact V, and I have just used it. I am familiar with disk imaging on PCs, but I am not sure how mobile pdas work. Is this equivalent to a disk image? Somehow, I feel it is not. For example, I doubt if I could restore onto a new phone - or could I?

In my experience, with Sprite Backup I am able to completely restore a previous situation even after a hard reset. This works as long as you don't change ROM: it is absolutely not advisable to restore a backup in a different phone/ROM from which it was created.
Backup for Mobiles works exactly like Backup for PC, you have the same facility in your desktop Windows: you can make a full backup, format your hardisk and have back the whole config with All files by restoring the backup file, it's as simple as that
As a personal example: I have 2 completely different WM operating systems, depending on the SIM i decide to put in...when needed,I can easily switch between one and another within 10 minutes without needing a PC, and that's cool

sualc said:
This works as long as you don't change ROM: it is absolutely not advisable to restore a backup in a different phone/ROM from which it was created
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this differs from drive images, which may include all the operating system. The ROM is not part of the backup, right? And for there to be such a backup that includes the ROM, one would have to install it with a remote operating system, right?

I confirm that ROM is not included in the backup, that's why it's not recommended to restore on a different ROM and why i wouldn't compare it to a diskimage too. But the backup is able to restore the configuration of that specific rom (e.g. if a-gps was disabled when backup was made, then you'll restore an a-gps disabled config)

Backup my HD2 for official ROM upgrade

So i've searched the forum for how to backup my phone as i want to install the official 1.6 rom which i got from the HTC site yesterday.
Now, after reading tons of threads i must say i'm still confused. I'm surprised there is not a simple stickied guide for noobs on how to simply backup your phone, upgrade and restore.
I was good at this malarky on symbian but this is like starting over gain, i'm clueless. I know the apps SPB, Sprite & pimbackup as well as microsoft my phone are all options for backing up but i need to get this staright in my nooby nut before i start it. So...
What i want:
1). a programme that will back up my contacts and most importantly my SETTINGS, no one seems to mention backing up the settings
2). then, should i hard reset before the upgrade? hard reset after? both? not at all?
3). I'm not bothered about registry tweaks i can redo the ones i want and i've got all my cabs on my pc ready to re-install.
Sorry if i'm being thick but i want to get this right, i don't want to lose all my settings and have to go through the entire phone to make it mine again..
If the above 3 questions can be simply answered i would be eternaly grateful

The reason backup.restire isn't really mentioned much is that restoring settings after can be a little hit and miss. I hear spb backup can restore settings after a new rom, but also there are several threads where people say the phone fails to boot after the restore and they must hard reset.
The reason is that flashing a new rom is like completely wiping and reinstalling your pc operating system. Its a whole new system, so if you restore for example some registry settings, there is no guarantee that something in the new rom isn't changed from the old one.
Personally, i just re do everything manually. (Flashed a new rom not 30 minutes ago actually, and all i have left to set up is the email accounts. Takes no more than 20 minutes all in to get ot back to how i had it before)
You should hard reset after you flash a new rom. No point doing it before. Do teh flash, let it set itself up, then hard reset, let it set itself up again, start using.
You have cabs and reg tweaks saved, (as do i) so i'd say bite the bullet and do the settings manually.

Hell Jonbaker,
Appreciate you have taken some time to search which is what a lot of new users DON'T do so lets help you out here.
I suggest you do this:
Go to the SPB Mobile website, download a trial version of SPB Backup. When you run it the software backs up the following:
- PIM Data including text messages
- Email
- Documents and files
- System files and settings.
Once you have done this, ie made the backup onto a dedicated sub directory on the SD card on your device, do the following: as a further backup, make a copy of the SPB backup file and transfer it to your PC. This way if anything goes wrong you have 2 copies of this valuable file in 2 different locations.
Next upgrade your ROM from the HTC site, which seems to be your preferred option.
Once the ROM is installed and the phone boots back up ok AND you are happy that there are no problems with the ROM then do the following:
- Use file explorer to navigate to the sub directory on your SD card where you kept the original SPB backup file from before.
- Tap on the file and it will eventually load up. Note that it is a self executable file but it sometimes takes a little while to load up
- This bit is important: once the file is loaded up, walk carefully through the screens until you see the options for Full Restore or Customized Restore
- Choose Cutomized Restore. If you don't you WILL screw up your new installation
- At the next screen you will see that ALL the options are already ticked. Untick System Data . This bit is very important. Leave all other options ticked
- Walk through the rest of the screens then let the software do its thing
- Once done the device will reboot itself and all your data, PIM, emails, etc will have been restored.
Job Done.
By the way, you will have to restore your software packages manually but at least your PIM data is already restored automatically. Afraid there is no other way out if you are changing ROMS.
If you get stuck come back and we can see what we can do. If you take your time and think logically you will be fine.
Cheers
WB
PS: Whatever you do, DO NOT DELETE the SPB Backup file as you may need it again at a later date. Also get into the habit of making regular automated backups which this software allows you to do.
I backup every day, 7 days a week, for peace of mind.
WB

samsamuel said:
You have cabs and reg tweaks saved, (as do i) so i'd say bite the bullet and do the settings manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmmm, pain in the arse, i've had this phone a week and i've spent hours and hours learning it and getting it how i want it and now i learn of the new rom and i got to start from scratch again.
After coming from the N96 where an over the air upgrade could be done and not losing a single file or setting without backing up, this is taking a huge step back for me. However, that was the only advantage i could tell you that the n96 has over this phone!
I might try the spb backup, if it fails on my settings i can hard reset no loss yeah?
Thanks for the info again mate, very helpful member

wacky.banana said:
Hell Jonbaker,
Appreciate you have taken some time to search which is what a lot of new users DON'T do so lets help you out here.
I suggest you do this:
Go to the SPB Mobile website, download a trial version of SPB Backup. When you run it the software backs up the following:
- PIM Data including text messages
- Email
- Documents and files
- System files and settings.
Once you have done this, ie made the backup onto a dedicated sub directory on the SD card on your device, do the following: as a further backup, make a copy of the SPB backup file and transfer it to your PC. This way if anything goes wrong you have 2 copies of this valuable file in 2 different locations.
Next upgrade your ROM from the HTC site, which seems to be your preferred option.
Once the ROM is installed and the phone boots back up ok AND you are happy that there are no problems with the ROM then do the following:
- Use file explorer to navigate to the sub directory on your SD card where you kept the original SPB backup file from before.
- Tap on the file and it will eventually load up. Note that it is a self executable file but it sometimes takes a little while to load up
- This bit is important: once the file is loaded up, walk carefully through the screens until you see the options for Full Restore or Customized Restore
- Choose Cutomized Restore. If you don't you WILL screw up your new installation
- At the next screen you will see that ALL the options are already ticked. Untick System Data . This bit is very important. Leave all other options ticked
- Walk through the rest of the screens then let the software do its thing
- Once done the device will reboot itself and all your data, PIM, emails, etc will have been restored.
Job Done.
By the way, you will have to restore your software packages manually but at least your PIM data is already restored automatically. Afraid there is no other way out if you are changing ROMS.
If you get stuck come back and we can see what we can do. If you take your time and think logically you will be fine.
Cheers
WB
PS: Whatever you do, DO NOT DELETE the SPB Backup file as you may need it again at a later date. Also get into the habit of making regular automated backups which this software allows you to do.
I backup every day, 7 days a week, for peace of mind.
WB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent advice, i will try this, i appreciatte you taking the time to write all that out in detail. I shall follow the steps you gave and report back with how i got on
one last thing, at what point should i hard reset? i'm guessing straight after i'm happy the rom has been installed correctly. Then restore?

wacky.banana said:
... - This bit is important: once the file is loaded up, walk carefully through the screens until you see the options for Full Restore or Customized Restore
- Choose Cutomized Restore. If you don't you WILL screw up your new installation
- At the next screen you will see that ALL the options are already ticked. Untick System Data . This bit is very important. Leave all other options ticked
...
By the way, you will have to restore your software packages manually but at least your PIM data is already restored automatically. Afraid there is no other way out if you are changing ROMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great post WB.
However... your statement i quoted above is not 100% correct. Its sort of dependant upon what ROM you are upgrading to and whether a system restore using SPB Backup will cause problems or not. The only way to tell is to actually try it out!
For info here... i have used SPB Backup for years. Recently though i used SPB Backup to backup my entire system,... applications, registry etc (not PIM data as i use MS Exchange to simply sync).
I then upgraded my ROM from 1.43 stock to 1.66 stock and restored using my backup file.... everything was back... all of my apps and registry tweaks were present and working with no hiccups AT ALL. The restored system was complete and included system integrated stuff like SPB Mobile Shell, S2u2 and even my manila home screen edits and tweaks.
It was then a simple matter of synching with exchange to get my contacts back.
When you run the restore on your newly flashed device... definately do a custom restore and if you are doing system data also, SPB Backup should prompt you with the fact that it has recognised your ROM has changed. You should then run the restore in ROM upgrade mode.

hmmm, system data.. would that mean registry tweaks and installed apps? does that also include settings or is that covered else where in the restore?

jonbaker76 said:
hmmm, system data.. would that mean registry tweaks and installed apps? does that also include settings or is that covered else where in the restore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
system data is indeed ALL of your apps and registry tweaks.
WB's post will only backup and restore your PIM data.
What i am saying is that you can indeed backup and restore EVERYTHING!
If i were you i would do two backups... one for just your PIM data,... and the other one for PIM AND system data.
Then when you do a full restore with ALL of your apps, settings, registry tweaks (system data) and get any issues... at least you have your PIM data backed up seperately.

@ Audio Oblivion,
I know where you are coming from; however I wanted to ensure that the OP had a 100% safe route back to a new working system hence me posting the intructions the way I did.
No offence to the OP but I gather at the moment that the simpler things are for him the better the end result!
To the OP, take my route (honest, I'm not precious about it) and you will be fine.
WB

ok cool, i have 2 last questions:
1). where do i install spb, i take it on the storage card as it would get removed from the phone memory.
2). What backup setting takes care of the actual phone SETTINGS is that in PIM or system data?
oh and this: one last thing, at what point should i hard reset? i'm guessing straight after i'm happy the rom has been installed correctly. Then restore?

wacky.banana said:
@ Audio Oblivion,
I know where you are coming from; however I wanted to ensure that the OP had a 100% safe route back to a new working system hence me posting the intructions the way I did.
No offence to the OP but I gather at the moment that the simpler things are for him the better the end result!
To the OP, take my route (honest, I'm not precious about it) and you will be fine.
WB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep... im sure he appreciates it and you are 100% correct your method is safe.
Im just expanding his horizons a little ...

I've flashed about 20 times, and each time SPB restored reliably. Worst case scenario if it doesn't work: reinstall everything by hand. Shouldn't take too long.
Suggestion: keep a folder on your SD card of all cabs you'd want reinstalled. Handy regardless of outcome.

ok cool, i have 3 last questions:
1). where do i install spb, i take it on the storage card as it would get removed from the phone memory.
2). What backup setting takes care of the actual phone SETTINGS is that in PIM or system data?
3). At what point should i hard reset? i'm guessing straight after i'm happy the rom has been installed correctly. Then restore?
I'm ready to roll, just need to know the above , many thanks

UncleBeer said:
I've flashed about 20 times, and each time SPB restored reliably. Worst case scenario if it doesn't work: reinstall everything by hand. Shouldn't take too long.
Suggestion: keep a folder on your SD card of all cabs you'd want reinstalled. Handy regardless of outcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 rules for anyone with a winmo device:
1. Keep a folder with all of your cabs, reg entries, tweak files etc on your sd card.
2. Backup PIM data (i use MS exchange.. you can use PIM Backup, SPB Backup... whatever...)
3. When you have all of your core apps installed and the phone is completely setup... Do a system data backup (i use SPB Backup).
You can now wipe your device and restore completely within minutes at any given time.

jonbaker76 said:
ok cool, i have 3 last questions:
1). where do i install spb, i take it on the storage card as it would get removed from the phone memory.
2). What backup setting takes care of the actual phone SETTINGS is that in PIM or system data?
3). At what point should i hard reset? i'm guessing straight after i'm happy the rom has been installed correctly. Then restore?
I'm ready to roll, just need to know the above , many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) card. Pretty sure you don't have a choice.
2) as I said, I do a complete backup and a complete restore, so in my case, the question is moot.
3) right after the new ROM boots completely.

jonbaker76 said:
ok cool, i have 3 last questions:
1). where do i install spb, i take it on the storage card as it would get removed from the phone memory.
2). What backup setting takes care of the actual phone SETTINGS is that in PIM or system data?
3). At what point should i hard reset? i'm guessing straight after i'm happy the rom has been installed correctly. Then restore?
I'm ready to roll, just need to know the above , many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Install SPB Backup wherever you like... i install all of my apps on SD unless there is a specific reason to install them on device memory (functionality issues etc). The Backup file that SPB creates is a self extracting exe file so you dont need to actually install SPB backup to run it.
2. Depends exactly which settings you are referring to but if you want what i think then the answer is system data.
3. After the rom has installed correctly and you have run through the initial device setup. Hard reset the device and run through device setup once more.

Just to clarify here:
PIM data is contacts, emails, texts and their associated accounts.
System data is EVERYTHING ELSE!

Just thought i might mention in this backup thread that there are certain apps that dont need re-installing on fresh device builds (after rom flash or wipe) if they have already been installed to removal media such as SD cards.
SPB Backup is one of them, Tom Tom is another... there are loads actually... most of my apps dont need re-installing.
The basic rule is... if you can install it to your SD card.... after a rom flash/wipe try to run it straight from the program files folder on your sd card without running the install first. If it works... simply copy a shortcut for it into the windows start menu.

Yeah the settings i'm referring to Audio Oblivion are like ringtones, backlight options etc, so that is system data.
I'm good to go now, big thanks to all that have helped me in this thread
I'm sure other WM noobs will find this thread useful if found

Let us know how you get on. Think logically and DON'T panic.
Worse comes to the worse you can always repeat your steps provided you keep hold of that SPB Backup file like your life depended on it.
WB

Backing up my HD2

Hey all,
I know this is a newbie-ish question but i want to update my HD2 with a new rom and im aware i need to back everything up, my questions are:
1.whats the best program to back up
2. what will backing up actually back up? And what will i loose? i.e contacts/messages/apps etc..
3. any other tips on backing up will be much appreciated.
4. anyone just wanna do it for me 
Thanks in advance.

i Suggest you SPB BackUp; it allows you to backup Everything on your phone, (contacts,messages, registry, etc.. and also the apps (but i'm not sure o.o)
It's not free, but let you a try for a period.
http://spb.com/products/backup/?en
EDIT: if your contacts are connected with their Facebook profile, you lose this relations when restore the agenda o.o'

djchubbs said:
Hey all,
I know this is a newbie-ish question but i want to update my HD2 with a new rom and im aware i need to back everything up, my questions are:
1.whats the best program to back up
2. what will backing up actually back up? And what will i loose? i.e contacts/messages/apps etc..
3. any other tips on backing up will be much appreciated.
4. anyone just wanna do it for me 
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backing up and restoring anything other than PIM details across a different ROM flash its asking for trouble and its not recommended.
Use Myphone and all sync info will be to hand when needed.
Reinstall as many of your apps as possible to phone mem this will keep the phone running as sweet as possible.

Or 'PIM Backup' from DotFred
I use this one

pa49 said:
Backing up and restoring anything other than PIM details across a different ROM flash its asking for trouble and its not recommended.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
restoring a complete system (ALL data) is fine even after flashing a different rom. When using SPB backup you just have to make sure that you run the restore in "ROM upgrade mode". SPB Backup prompts you to do this automatically when it detects that the rom running isnt the same as the one the backup was created with.

Audio Oblivion said:
restoring a complete system (ALL data) is fine even after flashing a different rom. When using SPB backup you just have to make sure that you run the restore in "ROM upgrade mode". SPB Backup prompts you to do this automatically when it detects that the rom running isnt the same as the one the backup was created with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to disagree, but, Ive seen too many problems happen by doing this. Never seen any by not doing it!!!!!!!!
However, it's all advice and can be taken or not as the reader sees fit.

thanks for the advice guys, one thing, when installing spb backup does it make a difference where i install it? ie device or storage card?

pa49 said:
Sorry to disagree, but, Ive seen too many problems happen by doing this. Never seen any by not doing it!!!!!!!!
However, it's all advice and can be taken or not as the reader sees fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right to state that you should use caution but i personally have never had an issue when using rom upgrade mode.
I use it all the time! (On all my devices)

djchubbs said:
thanks for the advice guys, one thing, when installing spb backup does it make a difference where i install it? ie device or storage card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesnt make much difference... i always install all of my apps onto the storage card as it saves re-installing them after a hard reset or if you have a new device.
The only items i install to main memory are the ones that are integral to the system ie/ task managers, manila mods etc

I think the best way for a complete backup is sashimi application and its plugin makisu
sashimi is not very simple but, once you've configured it how you want, you can be sure you'll have the same apps, same tweaks, same registry improvements, same email settings, same wifi settings and so on.
So you can change rom whenever you want, without waste time to re-configure and re-install and so on.
sashimi can do also a backup of your personal informations, but for these I recommend PPC-PIMBackup (the easyest and simply the best for these kind of stuff)
There is also a dedicated forum
Give it a try, I use it with satisfaction
greetings