Database Users

Backup question

Hi!
I was a winmo user (samsung omnia) and I flashed the damn thing regularly, I mean like every week. So I had to reinstall everything from scratch. I don't want to be caught in that loop again, so I am asking you if it is possible to backup all my programs, data and settings and then just apply them after the flash.
Thank you very much, proud Legend user!

Backup contacts : hmm, you don't really have to do this, if you save your contacts on Google account, everytime you login to Google account on your phone, Contact list will be auto appear in People, even avatar pictures.
Apps : Use Astro File Manager to backup all apps in your phone, then flash another ROM, go to market to install Astro again, then backup apps from SD card.
Settings : hmm, I'm not sure you should do this, because everyrom is different, restore settings on this ROM to another ROM may damage your android. But you can always try Titanium Backup on Market.

Thanks! I am still wondering if I should flash because froyo is knocking on our doors.

slovenec88 said:
Thanks! I am still wondering if I should flash because froyo is knocking on our doors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah froyo is really close, right after the desire the EVO 4G got its OTA.
So I'm expecting the update within 14days I would say a week but that might be to optimistic.
source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/evo-4g-starts-getting-android-2-2-update-over-the-air/

You can def.ly try Titanium Backup to get all your Apps + data backed up. You can also try My back up pro to back up your SMS and MMS along with your call log, Alarm and other application. With my back up pro you can back up to the SD card or online....

Titanium Backup requires root. You can also use MyBackup pro. You can use been root (with more features) or not been root (only backups apps, but not settings, what is not so good)
You can also use ROM Manager (free in the Market) to backup you full ROM and configuration: it will backup everything on SD Card (except your SD card and you can quickly recover old ROMs with full confuration and apps.

So le me get this straight, with rom manager I will be able to back up the entire Rom... cause if something goes wrong and can not update a newer rom, I can always go and choose my previous rom for the recovery screen....

Caifan09 said:
So le me get this straight, with rom manager I will be able to back up the entire Rom... cause if something goes wrong and can not update a newer rom, I can always go and choose my previous rom for the recovery screen....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and everything will be exactly as in the moment you did de ROM backup. It is like a full hard disk image in a PC.
But, consider this:
With ROM Manager, you can have as many backups as you want and you can recover any one of them. BUT, you need to be able to boot your Legend to be able to launch ROM Manager (because ROM Manager is an application)
So, if you meet problems starting up a new ROM, you will need to load any rooted working ROM to be able to start up and launch ROM Manager (need to be rooted to be able to run ROM Manager).
As far as I know, if you use a ROM with A2SD feature, apps will be stored in the EXT3 partition of the SD card, and those apps WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN BACKUP. So, if apps stored in the EXT3 partition changed, you will need to recover those apps with Titatium Backup.
There is another way to do a full backup called NANDROID, but I do not like it so much:
power off Legend, push "Back" bottom and Power On, select BOOTLOADER, select RECOVERY, connect USB cable to your PC, run "recovery-windows.bat" from your PC (from the same directory you used to root your Legend) and you will be able to select NANDROID BACKUP.
With NADONDROID BACKUP you can do also a full ROM backup, but you can store and recover only ONE backup/last backup. In addition, you need a PC to be able to run it. So, that is not very nice.

ok i see... thanks for the info....

[Q] How do I backup from JJ and install Swedish Spring?

I have the latest version of JJ installed on the phone, but want to upgrade to Swedish Spring. I've downloaded Titanium Backup (free version).
Is it simply a matter of selecting the apps I want to save data for? Most important are numbers and SMS - what do need to look for in the app list? I understand that everything will be saved on the SD card.
When the backup is done I guess I simply copy across the fw for Swedish Spring to the SD card root, reboot, enter xrecovery and install. Then I root etc, but I don't have to reinstall xrecovery and Busybox again right?
Finally, I reinstall Titanium and restore - do I need to download the app off Market first, or will Titanium reinstall that as well?
Many thanks!

Using a Gmail account all contacts will be held on your account and when flash they get synced
SMSBackup+ on the market is best solution for sms as has auto backup to Gmail
Re: Software backup via Titanium
Don't reapply system/settings backups with Titanium on different ROMs as will cause issues.
Hope that helps.

[Q] Backing up app saves/preferences?

I'm updating RoyalGinger 1.6 to 2.0, usually I just wipe and start fresh, but recently I've been playing alot of games and tweaking settings on my phone and would like to back-up my savs/preferences, as well as my alarm clock settings. Is there a way to backup these up so when I flash the newest roms, I don't have to start over? Thank you in advance.

Titanium backup

Titanium is awesome, but I find MyBackup Pro easier to use.

Titanium Backup - keep in mind TB doesn't back itself up so keep an apk on your SD to obtain and install after flash
Sent from my Droid using XDA Premium App

+1 for Titanium Backup..
The app has the ability to create a zip file with the app on it. Make one and sign it using zip signer off of the market. This way you can flash the Titanium Backup zip file after flashing your rom making it possible to restore without adding your google account. This way the market doesnt try redownloading all of your apps.

+1 for MyBackup Pro being easier to use. And +1 for keeping a copy on your SDcard, it's kinda pointless when market just redownloads all your apps anyways...

I use Titanium back up pro just because it's stupid EASY to use. Set a automatic back up @ xx:yy time every day. It automatically backs up. When you want to restore menu > batch > restore missing app & data.
stupid easy.
as far as people, who use Titanium backup, wanting to back up applications into a .apk. Super Manager and Absolute System Tools both do this. And both are free.

someone posted also about backing up your apn settings, with some free market app called apn backup or whatever, since some people had trouble remembering what to plug in to the RG2.0 settings there.
im also looking at moving from 1.6 to 2 just like you, but i wish i knew more about this market automatically redownloading all your apps thing. what i did was use mybackup to backup my stock 2.2.1 sms and email settings (plus some apps and data) , and then was able to restore all my sms texts, which was good.
i found that the apps i restored werent then set to update via the market. maybe i should have backed up the market app with data, with mybackuppro to maintain the link between apps and the market?

[Q] Want to root, have some questions

I am looking to Root my Droid X to use the MIUI ROM. No prior rooting experience, but I have come across many helpful blogs, forums, and videos to make this process easier. However, I am at a point where I am seeing conflicting information. A youtube video by DroidModd3rX says MIUI needs to be installed from Stock Froyo, among other options. I am running Android 2.2.1, which IS stock Froyo, right? RootzWiki says it need .340 Froyo. What is that? Isn't it 2.3.340 - as in Gingerbread? Is it necessary to still deodex the Droid X for themes?
I don't want to root with z4root on 2.2.1 when I need to get an update to gingerbread 2.3.340, or upgrade to gingerbread and have to go back to 2.2.1 when it wasn't necessary.
Also, what is the best way to backup/save all of my current files (pre-rooting)?

The .340 is referring to the sbf file to get you back on froyo. Miui is still based off the froyo kernal so if your on froyo, use z4root to root your device, then install d2 bootstrap and boot in recover and follow directions to install miui.
If your on any gingerbread build you will need to sbf back to froyo. Hope that helps.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

If you're on 2.2.1 then you are on the correct version that you need to flash MIUI.
2.3.340 refers to the systems blur version, Gingerbread's being 4.5.602.
So all you need to do is:
1. Root with Z4root
2. Install ClockworkMod Recovery
3. Install MIUI and Google Apps
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Before you do that though, you asked for a backup option...
Google syncs your contacts.
If you don't have/want that option on (It's under account settings)
You can go to your contacts application > settings >export contacts to SD.
(Import after you flash the rom.)
Bam.
Contacts backed up.
Edit: Also, if you have your facebook contacts synced with the blur facebook application...
You won't find that option in MIUI (or most roms).
Simply download the official facebook application from the market and in the options menu select "sync contacts : sync all."
You may have a few contacts that are split (i.e. two "Alice Cooper" entries.) This is because you had one actually stored on your phone and one was synced with facebook. Simply open one of them and edit it. Click the "join" option and find the duplicate contact.
Applications can be backed up with Titanium Backup.
I highly suggest the pro version, but free works fine.
Open Titanium and Click Options>batch
Backup user apps.
To restore, find Titanium Backup on the market after flashing the rom.
Open it up and options>batch restore user apps.
(If you have the free version, you'll have to manually click "install" on EVERY application. It's like a 15 minute process if you have a lot of applications...but the pro version does this all automatically.)
The good thing about TB is it also backs up your App Data, like your progress in games and such.
One thing I recommend: If you use an overclock application...either don't install it with TB and use the market instead or install it without the application data.
If you use an overclock setting that isn't stable in the new rom, you're going to have some problems booting up. Manually change the values to something stable again once you have everything running.
There is also a bookmark backup application available for free on the market...
Use that for your browser bookmarks if you use them.
Also, remember to boot into clockwork recovery and make a nandroid backup before you flash your rom. (labeled simply: backup)
This is all from memory...but I'm pretty certain I have the exact setting names remembered. If not, you WILL know what I'm talking about when you open the apps.
After all that, ya...
Just follow the instructions for your rom.

[Guide] Back up your data before moving to a new rom

Back up your data before moving to a new rom​
This guide is for rooted phones, and all work on my galaxy s2 but should work with most phones.
So you have decided to go for a new rom, but are worried about loosing all your apps, game saves, data, contacts, sms etc.. Well here is my little guide to restoring most of it. (Why only most, well moving to a new rom means that some apps and data are not compatible). We are going to break it down into apps to use and then the process.
Install App Extractor after you have flashed your new rom
Just a note all software that uses access the root of your phone can come with problems, although i have not experienced them my self it can still happen.
Apps
1. Rom Manager
Must have app for any root user. Make backups, flash ROMs, and own your device.
ROM Manager is THE MUST HAVE APP for any Android root user. (Over 3 million downloads and counting!)
(You can back up your rom through recover boot)
2. Titanium Backup root
Titanium Backup is the most powerful backup tool on Android, and then some.
You can backup, restore, freeze (with Pro) your apps + data + Market links. This includes all protected apps & system apps, plus external data on your SD card. You can do 0-click batch & scheduled backups. Backups will operate without closing any apps (with Pro). You can move any app (or app data) to/from the SD card. You can browse any app's data and even query the Market to see detailed information about the app.
3. App Extractor
AppExtractor is a tool which will allow you to restore individual applications, data, SMS, and MMS messages from your ROM Manager backups.
AppExtractor is compatible with ClockworkMod Recovery 5 backups as well as backups created by previous versions of ClockworkMod Recovery.
The process
1. Ok the process. First you will need to backup your whole rom, so go into Rom Manager and click on backup current rom, once it have backed up your rom you phone will reboot. ( Backing up your rom means you can revert back to it if you are not happy with your new rom)
a. You can also do a full rom backup straight from recovery mode (safer), to do this boot into recovery mode (hold - power,home and volume up). Then use the volume buttons to scroll to backup and restore (press power button to select), then click backup, it should start a full back up of your rom for you (2-3 mins to back up), once it has finished click reboot system now. Done - Thanks to MistahBungle for prompting this edit
2. once you have done that go into Titanium Backup and click menu and go into Batch. Then click on Run for Backup all user apps (dont back up system data we will soft that out later), then click run batch operation.
3. You can now flash your new rom, i am not going to tell you how to that.
4. Once your new rom is up and running then it is time to receive all that data, apps, setting, contacts etc.
5. First go to the android market and download Titanium backup and App recovery again
6. now open Titanium Backup and go back into Batch scroll down to restore and click run on restore missing apps with data. ( not all the apps will download as some won't be compatible). There you go most of your apps are now restored with their original data
7. Now go to App Extractor and open that, you will see the choice to restore things like, apps, sms and mms, contacts, wifi etc. Just click which ever you want to restore and then select the correct back up (the one you made with rom manager). You can only restore 5 items a day, and yet again not all you setting and data can be restored because of the different rom types.
8. Enjoy your new rom
If anyone thinks i have missed anything ir has more they would like to add then let me know.
Backing up EFS folder
Ok so backing up your efs folder, i am not expert in this area but everyone should know that this file is very important and rooting and flashing roms could cause it to become corrupt. So the fix trying to keep it as simple as possible like the rest of the guide, you need to download Ktook by Hellcatdroid here is a little somthing from Google Play - Tool for a few functions after rooting. Kernel dump/flash, EFS backup/restore...
/!\ Requires Root /!\
/!\ Works on the >Galaxy S2< and >Galaxy Note< *ONLY* /!\
(i) the "lock pattern bug" is currently being investigated and worked on!
kTool is a small tool originally bundled with Hellcat's Root-Kernel for the Galaxy S2.
It offers a few functions usefull after rooting the device:
- Dump current kernel to /sdcard/zImage
- Flash kernel from /sdcard/zImage
- Backup the phone's EFS (sensitive storage are holding the IMEI and other vital data) as a raw .IMG dump and a .tar archive
- Restoring EFS from the raw .IMG or the .tar backup
- Format EFS (create fresh filesystem for cases where you want to restore seperate files or a .tar backup, but the filesystem is stuck/locked in read-only due to corruption)
- Reboot (normal, directely to recovery or directely to downlaod mode)
If you encounter any problems or issues, or if you have any questions or suggestions, visit the release thread on XDA
Some people don't like this app and some like myself love it, as it says above it will only work on Galaxy S2< and >Galaxy Note, but if you check out the thread it might work for other devices.
Other apps
Backdrop Root - BackDrop Root allows you to backup and restore your applications, data, SMS / MMS messages, Wifi settings, Bluetooth pairings, and more to and from from Dropbox.
Backdrop Root provides a simple and intuitive interface for managing your backups.
The free version of BackDrop Root will let you backup and restore 5 applications / data backups at a time.
Thanks - albsat
Nandroid Browser - Nandroid Browser has a really simple purpose: Extract and use single files from your nandroid backups.
* Browse your nandroid backups
* Save files anywhere
* Send files
* Open Files
Rom Toolbox - ROM Toolbox is the MUST HAVE app for any rooted user. Easily email single apps and files from your nandroid backups or send them to your dropbox or wherever...
ROM Toolbox combines all the great root apps all tied up into one monster app with a beautiful and user-friendly interface. It also adds many more unseen features!
This app requires root permission. For fast and friendly support please email us at [email protected]. We will be glad to help answer your questions and troubleshoot with you.
Some of the extra features in the pro version:
☆ Backup/restore data
☆ Batch operations enabled
☆ Remove ads
☆ Preview boot animations
☆ Customize your status bar by installing battery, 4g/3g/1x, wifi, gps, signal icons.
☆ Advanced app freezer
☆ Remove ads
☆ Unlock Root Browser features
☆ Much More....

1. Rom Manager
Must have app for any root user. Make backups, flash ROMs, and own your device.
ROM Manager is THE MUST HAVE APP for any Android root user. (Over 3 million downloads and counting!)
An app that is known to give problems on CWM rooted SGS2 .
jje

I have used rom manager for many things and never had any problems with it, maybe I am lucky but not heard anything about anyone have problems with it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

s.d.oconnor said:
I have used rom manager for many things and never had any problems with it, maybe I am lucky but not heard anything about anyone have problems with it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search the forum then is all i can say multiple help posts where rom manger has been the root of problems .
jje

JJEgan said:
Search the forum then is all i can say multiple help posts where rom manger has been the root of problems .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surely any software that exploites the root of your phone could have problems, although i will make a chasnge to the post adding that you can back up your rom from boot and that all software that uses root access can come with problems.

Everything was going great until I got to the last step, restoring sms(the only thing I cared about) with app extractor. It turned the sreen black and then it went on again, but it didn't do anything else, the sms still were not restored =(

if you ask me titanium back up does the job for it all, and if you want to make sure you get all of your apps back, just backup the apps listed in the data folder in the root of your phone.
And when your on CWM recovery might be better of using CWM manager.

JJEgan said:
An app that is known to give problems on CWM rooted SGS2 .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^
+ lots this. Rom Manager *will* cause you problems if you continue to use it/have it installed with CWM. It will either break CW or cause you bootloops.
Use one or the other.
You may get away with it for a while, but when you least expect it (maybe that time you don't do a Nandroid of your last good config when you should have), it will bite you on the arse.
Edit to add - OP, I like the idea of what you're doing. Great to see a n00b having a bash But if you've rooted your phone with CFRoot or are running a kernel with CW, you're much better off using it to do your Nandroid backup than potentially causing problems with Rom Manager, which is popular because it's *easy* (apparently, I never found anything difficult about using CW). If anyone doesn't like/is too lazy to boot directly into recovery to do backups, use the CWM app. Same diff as Rom Manager without all the dramas. Other than this, good job

Great idea. I love these kind of posts no matter what others say. Knowledge sharing makes people, a better one.
My tips, but here you don't save data and use CWM and Backdrop Root aps only:
1) Do a Nandroid back from CWM.
2) Export Contacts as a VCF file. There is a new program recently Backdrop Root that backup sms, contacts, mms, bluetooth, etc in Dropbox. Try it. There is also a nice program called SuperBackup which does a similar thing.
3) Save your Apps through a File Manager as apk and save in external sd, computer or Dropbox.
4) Forget data... Many people use Titanium but I need to buy it.
5) Install new Rom, restore sms+contacts, install apps from beginning.
Apps extractor in conjunction with Nandroidback would had been the best solution, but unfortunately I didn't get a lot of success with this app.

MistahBungle said:
^^
+ lots this. Rom Manager *will* cause you problems if you continue to use it/have it installed with CWM. It will either break CW or cause you bootloops.
Use one or the other.
You may get away with it for a while, but when you least expect it (maybe that time you don't do a Nandroid of your last good config when you should have), it will bite you on the arse.
Edit to add - OP, I like the idea of what you're doing. Great to see a n00b having a bash But if you've rooted your phone with CFRoot or are running a kernel with CW, you're much better off using it to do your Nandroid backup than potentially causing problems with Rom Manager, which is popular because it's *easy* (apparently, I never found anything difficult about using CW). If anyone doesn't like/is too lazy to boot directly into recovery to do backups, use the CWM app. Same diff as Rom Manager without all the dramas. Other than this, good job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks i have made some changes based on your recomedation

You are restricted to 5 bits of data a day on app recovery, it could also be a compatible issue.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Step 7 says "App recovery", do you mean "App extractor"? Sorry just want to confirm.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Yes I do,
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Wiki: Android ROM Update
Wiki: Android ROM Update
How to restore your apps, data and settings after Android ROM Update using Titanium Backup (TB).
forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Android_ROM_Update
Cheers
Tom

Sorry but can I ask why that has been put their
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Thanks for this guide, it's great.
Kaiser Z

Happy to help
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

s.d.oconnor said:
Sorry but can I ask why that has been put their
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
s.d.oconnor said:
Could you made this a sticky as you dont have anything like it yet - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1502526
Guide on how to back up and restore your data before moving to a new rom
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said that you don't have anything like your guide on how to back up and restore. The wiki is just that so I shared it.
Cheers
Tom
Sent from my HTC HD2 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the guide. Does it work on ics? I've heard titanium backup have some issues with it
Enviado desde mi GT-I9100 usando Tapatalk

Angel.CT said:
Thanks for the guide. Does it work on ics? I've heard titanium backup have some issues with it
Enviado desde mi GT-I9100 usando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work with ICS, it's only a matter of time before the apps catch up with it and they should run a smooth as they do on GB