Database Users

General Q regarding Titanium use.

Backing up and restoring on very similar ROMs seems to include three parts: 1. System data, 2. Applications, and 3. App data.
Let's bring up an example going from stock 2.1 ROM to one of Eugene's Vibrant* or Hybrid ROMs or even one of the Bionix(?) ROMs. What is the consensus of moving stuff over to the new ROM? Restore all three parts; only Applications and App data; or only Applications?
I'm sort of confused as to what to bring over to the new ROM. Thanks.

I think this is what I do in the same order as given below
- Install ROM manager and take a nandroid backup (for system) of the stock ROM
- Install Titanium backup(TB) and take backup of user data, user apps and some system data (like wifi settings)
- Take a backup of the internal SD card to computer (optional)
- Flash the new ROM via clockwork recovery
- Install TB from market and restore all user apps/data from backup
You should be good to go. I assume that the custom ROM you flash has all required system apps that you will need.

Pro Tip: Get Titanium Backup Donate version.. otherwise you're going to have a terrible time restoring apps with the non-donated version.

rakeshchn said:
I think this is what I do in the same order as given below
You should be good to go. I assume that the custom ROM you flash has all required system apps that you will need.
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Click to collapse
Right. I don't even think it's even possible to backup system apps, that's why I mentioned only system app data. So, even system data usually or always restores well to new ROMs?
zephiK said:
Pro Tip: Get Titanium Backup Donate version.. otherwise you're going to have a terrible time restoring apps with the non-donated version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is that?

zephiK said:
Pro Tip: Get Titanium Backup Donate version.. otherwise you're going to have a terrible time restoring apps with the non-donated version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how come? I thought it would be better.

Because the full version lets you restore/backup in a batch, so you don't have to *click* *click* *click* a hundred times.

I dont think its right that free version of TB wont allow batch restore. Only thing that will be missed from donate version is fast restore using hypershell. I have not personally used the app, so this is based on what I have read.

RadAway said:
Because the full version lets you restore/backup in a batch, so you don't have to *click* *click* *click* a hundred times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The free version lets you batch backup. Are you sure it doesn't let you batch restore?
I don't always complain, but when I do, I #BlameWes

vinnydakid said:
The free version lets you batch backup. Are you sure it doesn't let you batch restore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Just back up. No batch restore. I think there's some other advanced functions that the free one won't do as well, but it's been a LONG time since I used the free one.
A small caveat regarding Titanium. There are a small handful of apps that don't behave after being restored - one that comes to mind right away is Google Voice. If you find an app FCs after being restored, just uninstall and re-download from the Market.

I am sure it doesn't, I bought the donate version and only then was I able to batch restore. Also the restores then were able to restore some programs I couldn't restore before.

Alright, then I guess I'll be donating tonight!
I don't always complain, but when I do, I #BlameWes

[Q] Port backup from Hero to DesireHD?

Hi,
I currently own an HTC Hero, and will most likely be getting an HTC Desire HD.
Now, I have almost 150 apps on my Hero, and I really dread the hassle of re-installing and setting up everything to my liking. It has taken me almost a year to set this up the way I want it.
Would it be possible, using Titanium Backup, to make a backup of EVERYTHING possible on the Hero, and then switch the memorycard to the Desire HD and restore it there, maybe without the app settings? I am thinking that this could be a problem because of the different specs, but I do not know too much under-the-hood-stuff regarding Android.
I am hoping to not have to go through the market for that many downloads.
Any thoughts on this?
Kingkeld.

Market apps will automatically re-install when you sign in into your new phone. For the rest there is Titanium backup

I planned on doing the same, but doesn't Titanium require root?
I can't remember what it's like to not have root, the thought is scary

Try Android commander for the PC, Plug in your hero, goto application manager, select all the apps and click backup, then when you get your new phone selsct all the backed up apps and click install Hope it helps

christonabike said:
I planned on doing the same, but doesn't Titanium require root?
I can't remember what it's like to not have root, the thought is scary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does need root that is correct but I'm sure, as stated there are other ways to backup apps. I'm not sure about if you have your apps on ext partition though. I wager root wont take long and then comes recovery roms and then customs... mmm custom

Thank you for the replys. I can not sleep.
Now we just need a root confirmation. Yes, the thought of owning an unrooted phone is scary. Not sure what to think of it. I hope it will not last long.
All I ask is root. I can wait for the custom ROMs. There will be plenty to play with.

You just need to pick your apps from /data/data, copy them over with adb, and do a fix_permissions
See?
OR chmod by hand
;]

I used Titanium to migrate my app settings from Milestone to Nexus One, but they're on similar versions of Android and both are HDPI devices.
I can tell you that Market apps don't always reinstall automatically if you're going from one phone to another. In any case I suggest a fresh market install of your most important apps, and then restore their data by Titanium if necessary. If this causes a crash, wipe their data again. Less important apps, could just try restoring them directly. Run Titanium's Market Doctor when that's done.
I also suggest using apps like BookmarkSB, SMS Backup Restore, Call Log Backup Restore, etc to transfer those records. May work better than trying to Titanium restore data across different OS versions, and doesn't require root. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

[Guide] The quickest way to switch ROMs using xRecovery (Backup/Restore)

Here is a small step by step guide explaining how to quickly switch ROMs on the xperia x10, for people that don't know how to.
As far as I know, this is the closest thing to a dual-boot, as dual-boot isn't possible atm, but it is very easy and quick to do
1) Boot xRecovery
2) Go to backup/restore
3) Choose Backup and wait for the backup to complete
4) On your SD Card, locate to xrecovery/backup and rename your backup to something you will remember, making sure not to have any spaces in the name, as this will show a mismatch error.
5) Now you can wipe the phone and install whichever other ROM you want.
Setup your new ROM with all your contacts, apps, etc.
6) When you want to go back to your original ROM that you had in the first place, follow steps 1 to 4 above to backup your new ROM
7) Then wipe your phone in xrecovery again, and go to backup/restore, choose restore, and choose the folder you backed up earlier
8) Now your phone will be back to the way it was before you wiped it in the first place.
9)now you can use these 2 backups, and easily switch between the two, by restoring a ROM when you need to
That is what I do and its very quick, and easy to do

Thanks, i dont find it that fast, back up takes like 10 min, not sure about restore.
Good guide
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

This isn't dual booting at all

robbyf66 said:
Thanks, i dont find it that fast, back up takes like 10 min, not sure about restore.
Good guide
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it does take 5 - 10 mins, but that's fast to me lol (i'm a very patient guy lol)

Brent87 said:
This isn't dual booting at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why I put this is the closest thing to dual-boot
I have changed the topic title, to save confusement

dual boot lol. Thats jus backing up then restoring!

cuddles100 said:
dual boot lol. Thats jus backing up then restoring!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why it says "THE CLOSEST THING TO DUAL-BOOT" It doesn't say it is dual boot!

Now it makes sense, good guide

could you move the back up file on your sd card to your computer if you need more space on your sd card and then move it back when you want to switch or would this create too many problems with xrecovery

miniGT said:
could you move the back up file on your sd card to your computer if you need more space on your sd card and then move it back when you want to switch or would this create too many problems with xrecovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you can transfer the folder of your backup to your computer, and transfer it back again when you need it

Hi,
Maybe a good idea to explain the re-naming of backups abit further as xrecovery is wel known to produce md5 mismatch errors when there is spacing between the letters.
Good idea too-well done.

This is great news, I've been reluctant on trying new roms but when restoring is this easy I will finally give them a try!

when you do a backup, does it backup everything? contacts, apps and apps' data? (things stored in phone memory, not SD card)
and the same, does it restore everything?

Jesus if you didn't know this stuff you shouldn't even be using xrecovery or flashing ROMs.. pointless noob thread IMO

fiscidtox said:
Jesus if you didn't know this stuff you shouldn't even be using xrecovery or flashing ROMs.. pointless noob thread IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a good idea mate as if it stops one person spamming a thread with a question about xecovery then its worth the effort in my eyes, better to help than not to help.

fdomartineza said:
when you do a backup, does it backup everything? contacts, apps and apps' data? (things stored in phone memory, not SD card)
and the same, does it restore everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it backs up everything on the phone memory, so that when you restore it, it is exactly the way it was before you backed it up

fiscidtox said:
Jesus if you didn't know this stuff you shouldn't even be using xrecovery or flashing ROMs.. pointless noob thread IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I made this post was because not everyone knew they could do this, and they wanted to try other ROMs but thought they'd have to start from scratch after they'd tried another ROM

agreed! good post man! thanks.

so do you have to wipe? or can you just restore the other ROM?
thanks

Good guide for a n00b like me.
so.. if I can just switch between roms using xrecovery backups, suppose theres really no need for Flashtool and apps such as Titanium?
or do people still use Flashtool because certain custom roms can only be flashed using Flashtool or to modify their basebands...etc?

Nandroid backup with Tenfars CWM

Ok so I understand the general idea of CWM and love that I can do updates (rom and OS) and backup my entire system with it. I do not however understand a few things. If I for example backup my entire system while I am on 1.57 and then flash back to 1.26 or upgrade to 1.83, will I be able to restore my backup? Or will it restore my backup and throw me back to 1.57?
I really like wiping the entire sd card and starting from scratch ever so often with a clean install. I had many problems on the iPhone when doing fresh installs then restoring settings. It seemed that along with the settings would come anything bad or not functioning correctly. I am just worried that if I keep updating and flashing and loading different roms all the time, that my main partition will start to get loaded with unwanted junk and my filesystem will become "unclean".
What I would like to do, and I don't know if its possible, is to do a nandroid backup right now on 1.57, update to 1.83 and wipe everything so I have a clean install of 1.83, then restore my nandroid backup of all my exact settings and apps as if nothing ever happened. I am thinking that its not possible and the only way to do what I want is to flash to 1.27, wipe everything, update to 1.57, update to 1.83, then manually install every app again and set all my settings. <------Long, tedious, and stupid.
I also do not want to use TB because of some complaints I have recently been reading.
Sent from my Atrix using XDA App

I don't think this will do what you want. I have never had to use one of my nandroid backups, but my understanding is that they don't just back up settings they back up the entire install. So if you do a nandroid on 1.5.7 then update, then recover using your nandroid backup you will literally be back on 1.5.7 where you started.

what complaints have you heard about TB? I swear by that app, and it has never caused me problems and is one hell of a lot simpler a process than what you're suggesting. also I don't think that's how nandroid backup works. it makes an image so if u restore, you will go right back to the firmware you had when you backed up.
TB will save both your apps and your user settings. try it before you write it off.

plasticglock said:
I don't think this will do what you want. I have never had to use one of my nandroid backups, but my understanding is that they don't just back up settings they back up the entire install. So if you do a nandroid on 1.5.7 then update, then recover using your nandroid backup you will literally be back on 1.5.7 where you started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought.
Sent from my Atrix using XDA App

I can vouch for TB being awesome. If all your concerned about is User apps, TB will back up all of that PLUS the settings for each app. You also get the choice to save the backup on your sd card, ext sd card, OR DropBox (recommend using it on WiFi). I currently have backups on all 3 hahaha

dLo GSR said:
what complaints have you heard about TB? I swear by that app, and it has never caused me problems and is one hell of a lot simpler a process than what you're suggesting. also I don't think that's how nandroid backup works. it makes an image so if u restore, you will go right back to the firmware you had when you backed up.
TB will save both your apps and your user settings. try it before you write it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I don't remember where I read the info but on one of these forums there was a whole thread where people were complaining of force closes on apps that were backed up and restored using titanium backup.
Sent from my Atrix using XDA App

seh6183 said:
Unfortunately I don't remember where I read the info but on one of these forums there was a whole thread where people were complaining of force closes on apps that were backed up and restored using titanium backup.
Sent from my Atrix using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interesting. well i don't know if that would be really TB related because TB doesn't modify the program files in any way. maybe it has to do with freezing certain processes to get rid of bloatware.
for what it's worth, i've done full batch backups and restores onto fresh SBF flashes, and i haven't ever run into any problems.

dLo GSR said:
interesting. well i don't know if that would be really TB related because TB doesn't modify the program files in any way. maybe it has to do with freezing certain processes to get rid of bloatware.
for what it's worth, i've done full batch backups and restores onto fresh SBF flashes, and i haven't ever run into any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ever?
If I do a full backup with TB what EXACTLY will it restore after I flash the stock sbf? All apps and settings for the apps? Will it save my game progress or system settings for the phone?
I was told that the market should restore all downloaded apps when you log into the phone for the first time. I've also been told that blur saves the system settings and restores them. I haven't found either of these to be for me.
Sent from my Atrix using XDA App

seh6183 said:
Unfortunately I don't remember where I read the info but on one of these forums there was a whole thread where people were complaining of force closes on apps that were backed up and restored using titanium backup.
Sent from my Atrix using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is because people are doing what you've proposed. TB backs up programs and settings. But if you do a drastic change and then try to restore programs with settings for the old framework, it can cause really unexpected challenges which result in the Force Close error messages.
CWM takes a snapshot of EVERYTHING so you definitely wouldn't want to do a backup and try applying it to a different SBF flash. It wouldn't even boot most likely.
When backing things up in TB I just back up the app and NOT the settings. I'm also sure that when I do a batch restore of apps (and NOT their settings) that I don't introduce apps which aren't compatible with the new ROM I'm running.
We don't really have many options for the Atrix at the moment, so not lots of people should be encountering challenges like this. Both programs do exactly what they should. People just don't understand them. Hopefully this helps to clarify things because it can be a big frustration when you think you've backed things up but are really left either stranded without a backup, or you've applied a backup which completely obliterated your phone lol

bongd said:
This is because people are doing what you've proposed. TB backs up programs and settings. But if you do a drastic change and then try to restore programs with settings for the old framework, it can cause really unexpected challenges which result in the Force Close error messages.
CWM takes a snapshot of EVERYTHING so you definitely wouldn't want to do a backup and try applying it to a different SBF flash. It wouldn't even boot most likely.
When backing things up in TB I just back up the app and NOT the settings. I'm also sure that when I do a batch restore of apps (and NOT their settings) that I don't introduce apps which aren't compatible with the new ROM I'm running.
We don't really have many options for the Atrix at the moment, so not lots of people should be encountering challenges like this. Both programs do exactly what they should. People just don't understand them. Hopefully this helps to clarify things because it can be a big frustration when you think you've backed things up but are really left either stranded without a backup, or you've applied a backup which completely obliterated your phone lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love that last sentence and want it in my sig LOL
what's your explanation for just backing up the apps and not the settings?
Sent from my Atrix using XDA App

Just a word of caution: Be extra careful where you store your backups. With how the atrix names phone sdcard and actual sdcard-ext is confusing to apps not updated recognize this. I've lost everything twice now because full backups go missing. Use the cloud or another computer to store them to be safe.
Has anyone restored a nandroid backup...with what results...does that just do the firmware, or do you get apps/data too? I still would like something similar to spb backup for WM...it took EVERYTHING into 1 self extracting, self installing file...I never lost anything with my years on WM and spb backup.
-sent from Atrix-

seh6183 said:
Ever?
If I do a full backup with TB what EXACTLY will it restore after I flash the stock sbf? All apps and settings for the apps? Will it save my game progress or system settings for the phone?
I was told that the market should restore all downloaded apps when you log into the phone for the first time. I've also been told that blur saves the system settings and restores them. I haven't found either of these to be for me.
Sent from my Atrix using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, i haven't ever. which i should have just said "have never" had any problems.
have you used TiBu before? you have options. you can batch restore app only, app + data, or data only, and when you do each you can select which apps to exclude/include. so if you want your savegames, your settings, etc, then you can restore the app data.
you can also batch backup/restore system settings separately, which I do not recommend if you are going to a new firmware as it may mess up settings since they will be from different versions.
if you do a whole batch restore of EVERYTHING without paying attention to what might be incompatible in a few firmware, of course you will run into problems. but a nandroid backup will not solve that either because you will just be re-imaging your phone with exactly what you started with in the first place.

dLo GSR said:
a nandroid backup will not solve that either because you will just be re-imaging your phone with exactly what you started with in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that just an image of the firmware and nothing else...or do your settings and apps installed to internal phone memory get backed up along with it.

full backup
JVogler said:
Is that just an image of the firmware and nothing else...or do your settings and apps installed to internal phone memory get backed up along with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I THINK I am understanding that Nandroid will take a picture of the phone - apps and ROM - and backup and restore the entire phone - which is EXACTLY what i am looking for.
If I am correct i assume there are directions somewhere here on how and where to do a full backup and also how to restore just in case.....
thanks for any info

[Q] Best Out... ?

I bought a Desire Z about two weeks before the 1.72.405.2 OTA update came along, and I allowed it to update (Yeah I know, this was after all my first Android device).
Anyway, lately my phones been running slowly and apps force closing, so I've decided to downgrade it and root it (psneuter method), and try some different ROM's.
What I was wondering is, what would be the best way without root, to backup as much of my data as possible, apps, sms, files, and also if possible a backup that I can use in case I scew it up, so I can get it back to the way it is now.
I have a copy of:-
RUU_Vision_HTC_WWE_1.34.405.5_Radio_12.28b.60.140e_26.03.02.26_M_release_155556_signed
which I believe is the stock ROM for this device, but as far as I know if it goes wrong I'll be unable to flash this as the update won't allow me to flash an earlier version..
Would I be able to mount and then backup the whole phone using adb or any other method.
I've been reading about it for a while now, and while I have lots of bits of information, I've been unable to find a good solution.
Thanks,
...John...

j0hn0n1 said:
I bought a Desire Z about two weeks before the 1.72.405.2 OTA update came along, and I allowed it to update (Yeah I know, this was after all my first Android device).
What I was wondering is, what would be the best way without root, to backup as much of my data as possible, apps, sms, files, and also if possible a backup that I can use in case I scew it up, so I can get it back to the way it is now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without root, a good app to backup your other apps is astro file manager, its available free from the market, you just have to hit menu, tools and it'll back up all the apps on your sd card, in terms of files, just make sure their all on your sd card and they'll be fine
Not sure how to back up SmS but i know their are apps out their, a point you may have forgotten is to make sure you back up your contacts as they all get wiped and I made this mistake, the easiest way to do that is to make sure your contacts sync up with your google account so after rooting, you can just sync them back,
Hope i helped!

Use google to remember what apps you've downloaded from market. Once associated, when you flash a new rom, google will automatically redownload all your associated apps. For sms, i suggest you download GoSMS and use their internal backup feature. It will save to sd and be visible to your stock sms app as well on restore.
Sent from my AOSP Virtuous Desire Z using XDA App

Ya but too many times google starts restoring apps that I uninstalled months ago. Great idea but bad implementation imo.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

Sorry I haven't replied, was in work all day yesterday.
I have Astro File Manager, but I hadn't even considered it, thanks. I have my contacts sync'd with Google, so it seems that as long as I backup my files and sms everything else should be done automatically anyway.
Go SMS seems worth getting anyway, as the bog standard Android messages app is seriously dull. I'll give it a try.
I had wondered about Google Market restoring apps, but I thought it would only reinstall apps that were installed at the last sync.
If you install an app and it screws up your phone, and do a factory reset then Google will just reinstall the app that caused all the problems in the first place.
Definitely a good idea, but needs more work.
Anyway, thanks for all the info, I'll give it try tonight, when I get back from work.
...John...

I find SMS Backup & Restore to be the best app for this purpose and I wouldn't recommend the backup feature from the market, as you said it is likely to give problems.
Without root though, the backup choices are somewhat limited for apps and such.

I've been using Super Manager by gpc. It works pretty good, plus offers a ton of other features that can be used with or without root.

I've backed up what I could, although it's typical that as soon as it's all gone I realised things that I should have wrote down (I had been using the wallet/pocket app and although I backed up all my apps, I'm guesing it won't have backed up any of the passwords, logins, bank details, etc).
Anyway, I've downgraded and successfully rooted my phone (through gfree), I have CID: 11111111 and S-Off, but I haven't installed and ROM's yet as I read somewhere that you are supposed to wipe everything between ROM's, am I wiping the Davlik cache or doing a factory reset (I mean won't the factory reset just reset my stock ROM back to it's original condition).
I'm also wondering about finding custom ROMs, on my dell streak I had installed ROM Manager and could get a list of any that were available.
I first installed ROM Manager and used it to flash recovery, but this time I've installed CWM first, so would it be safe to install ROM Manager now, will it want to flash a recovery over the one I have already.
Or is it not advisable to use ROM Manager, as I have previously heard of a few problems it may cause.
Thanks ...John...

Rom manager shouldn't give any problems, but for custom roms it's best to take a look at the development forum. If you don't like that you can still use the list in rommanager, it might be just me who prefers downloading roms to my pc first.
But before you install any of them I recommend you make a nandroid backup from recovery just to be safe.

I think the issues were that some people, not all, found problems flashing some of the gingerbread roms via Rom manager. Better to save the Rom to SD and then flash it via CWM.

Right I've done a nandroid backup, and I've saved one to another mSD card which I can keep somewhere just in case (probably a bit over cautious, but...).
I thought that by saving apps to an sd card, they would run from the sd when I restarted my phone, even the ones that I had moved previously with the application manager in settings are not seen.
Still reinstalling the ones I want isn't really that bad.
Seriously, somebody needs to sort out the Markets app backups feature, when I was setting up the phone at first, I specifically chose to not automatically sync with Google and that I would do it manually when needed. Then I went in to the market to get a file manager and the download failed, it was only when I looked at what was going on I realised it was already downloading and reinstalling 96 apps. I looked around for a 'cancel all' option and there isn't any, so I had to cancel them all one by one and then uninstall the ones that had managed to install.
A simple checklist to select the apps you want would be great, oh, and a cancel all button would be a bonus.
Anyway, things are not as much fun when they're too easy.
Thanks ...John...