Rooting 2.3.3 - Does Flashing Erase All Data? - Xperia Play General

Basically, I'm running unrooted FW2.3.3 and was wondering if there was a method to root my device in which I can keep all my data/settings? Cheers

No. To get rooted on 2.3.3 your will have to flash 2.3.2 (which will wipe everything on your phone, sd card data wont be wiped) then root then do the ota update. Best you can do is try backing up apps/settings without root.
I think (not used myself) MyBackup pro will let you backup apps but the free version only lets you back up 2mb of data lol. So you will need the piad version.
App List Backup to help reinstalling of market apps.
MyPhoneExplorer Client use to backup text messages, call logs e.t.c
Or just see some of the free backup apps on the market https://market.android.com/search?q=backup&so=1&c=apps

Thank you! Backed everything up using your suggested programs - but there was an option to 'keep all user data' during flashing which didn't seem to lead to any issues for me, always good to be doubley sure though so thanks for your advice

crimsonnight said:
Thank you! Backed everything up using your suggested programs - but there was an option to 'keep all user data' during flashing which didn't seem to lead to any issues for me, always good to be doubley sure though so thanks for your advice
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Click to collapse
If you flash without ticking the wipe user data box you could get alot of system errors / force closes. Its best to wipe user data and do a clean install to avoid problems. I suppose its ok aslong as no problems appear, maybe?

Related

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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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

Want to upgrade ROM, best way to save apps?

SO I want to go from the stock 2.2 Android software to the "Virtuous Unity Sense"
My main reasoning for this is,
- I want HTC's gingerbread sense, but it's still not yet released with no word on when it will be.
- Why not upgrade to version 3 if I am going to run a custom rom
Now I have my phone setup EXACTLY how I like it, all the apps took a long time to find and configure, everything works flawlessly and does everything I want it to do.
I assume to upgrade to unity sense I will have to format the phone's memory, what is the best way to backup all the apps and their configurations without loosing any performance or causing problems for the apps?
Also if I one day wanted to load the official HTC 2.3 update is it possible to "un-do" everything and go back to official software?
cheers
The general concensus on backing up is titanium backup. If you are willing to pay for the premium version, it will also do multiple level backup of your apps + data and on restoration, offers a silent installer (ie no need to tap install and done for every app) and it also give suggestions on what to back up at the system level. Hope that helps
Sent from my Desire Z via XDA App
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it'll depend on what version of the HTC ROM you're using.
If it's 1.32, it shouldn't be an issue. root your phone, install titanium backup and let it work it's magic.
If you're using 1.74 (Froyo 2.2.1), in order to root your phone to flash a custom rom, you'll need to downgrade to 1.34 . This means you'll need to format it and flash the original HTC ROM, in which case all your apps would already be gone by the time you get root.
i use QTADB its a program for the computer(Linux/Windows/OSX) will back up to you sdcard it works well and easy to use best of all its free(or though if you use it a lot you should donate)
endlesstrail said:
If you're using 1.74 (Froyo 2.2.1)...
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I would assume he has the latest official 1.82 Froyo 2.2.1 ROM. At least this is what I have for many months now.
endlesstrail said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it'll depend on what version of the HTC ROM you're using.
If it's 1.32, it shouldn't be an issue. root your phone, install titanium backup and let it work it's magic.
If you're using 1.74 (Froyo 2.2.1), in order to root your phone to flash a custom rom, you'll need to downgrade to 1.34 . This means you'll need to format it and flash the original HTC ROM, in which case all your apps would already be gone by the time you get root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see what you're saying, but you should be fine either way, because even in the downgrade process you have to obtain temproot prior to downgrading. so you obtain temp root, download tibu, create your backups, then continue the downgrade process.
once you're done with everything, download tibu again and restore backups. voila.
Titanium Backup > My Backup?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
AreOh said:
Titanium Backup > My Backup?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, by miles
Never used My Backup. Ti backup was perfect for my use the first time i used it so i had no need to try other backups
Sent from my Desire Z via XDA App
I will throw another recommendation for Titanium Backup Pro. Worth the few $$ and its easy to use. Remember, don't backup the 'System Data' unless you plan to restore it to the SAME type of ROM (aka wipe and reinstall the same ROM to fix a problem). Just backup 'Apps + Data'. And restore them on the new ROM.
Thanks for the tips in this thread, just thinking about rooting my phone. I already worked with titanium backup (free version) on my hero and that worked very well. But it has to be rooted and like pmcqueen said I can make the titanium backup before downgrading and after temproot Did not think of that yet.
I've repeatedly had problems when switching ROMs and restoring an apps-only backup made using Titanium Backup Pro. For example, I was running CM7 and decided to try out Virtuous G-Lite to see if the battery life was any better. Shortly after I restored the apps (but NOT data or system data) I repeatedly got errors like "the application *** has stopped unexpectedly". For example, this time the app was Gallery - process.com.cooliris.media, but I've had the same problem with other apps.
Does anyone have a definitive, clean way of restoring apps after switching to a different ROM?
I always thought it was titanium backup also, and used it for a long time....I finally tried the app called mybackup pro and I'm standing firm that this is the best way to restore after switching roms with full wipe. Titanium is still good and has other great features but the mybackup is so good for full restores.
itm said:
I've repeatedly had problems when switching ROMs and restoring an apps-only backup made using Titanium Backup Pro. For example, I was running CM7 and decided to try out Virtuous G-Lite to see if the battery life was any better. Shortly after I restored the apps (but NOT data or system data) I repeatedly got errors like "the application *** has stopped unexpectedly". For example, this time the app was Gallery - process.com.cooliris.media, but I've had the same problem with other apps.
Does anyone have a definitive, clean way of restoring apps after switching to a different ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup is a definitive way. Your problem with the Gallery app (and similar apps) is that you're trying to restore an integrated ROM-level app to a new ROM. Don't restore apps like Gallery, Clock, etc. that already come with the new ROM, even if you restore without data. Its unnecessary, and can cause issues.
You also have to just keep in mind that not all apps play nice with every ROM. You're going to run into issues. and if you do, just restore to your nandroid backup that you made before restoring apps (you should always do this as a precaution) and deselect the app next time you restore.
veritasaequita said:
I always thought it was titanium backup also, and used it for a long time....I finally tried my the app called mybackup pro and I'm standing firm that this is the best way to restore after switching rooms with full wipe. Titanium is still good and has other great features but the mybackup is so good for full restores.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you had issues with Titanium Backup? I use Titanium Backup frequently and have never had a single issue. Even doing dozens of full restores, restoring apps+data, and even restoring system data when wiping and reinstalling CM7 nightlies, all with no problem.
martonikaj said:
Titanium Backup is a definitive way. Your problem with the Gallery app (and similar apps) is that you're trying to restore an integrated ROM-level app to a new ROM. Don't restore apps like Gallery, Clock, etc. that already come with the new ROM, even if you restore without data. Its unnecessary, and can cause issues.
You also have to just keep in mind that not all apps play nice with every ROM. You're going to run into issues. and if you do, just restore to your nandroid backup that you made before restoring apps (you should always do this as a precaution) and deselect the app next time you restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there an easy way of distinguishing between ROM-level apps and others? I have a list of about 150 apps so picking out individual apps can be a bit of a chore!
itm said:
Is there an easy way of distinguishing between ROM-level apps and others? I have a list of about 150 apps so picking out individual apps can be a bit of a chore!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, I have over 100 apps to restore on a batch restore. Just gotta think smart about it. If you didn't install it from the market, then it probably came with the ROM... And things like Gallery and Clock are already in the ROM, so don't replace those.
Also, you should be running a ROM manager 'fix permissions' after batch restoring apps to fix any little problems.
itm said:
Is there an easy way of distinguishing between ROM-level apps and others? I have a list of about 150 apps so picking out individual apps can be a bit of a chore!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apps that are stored in the "ROM" (i.e., in /system/app, which is normally mounted read-only) are shown in red in Titanium Backup. Apps that are installed by the user (i.e., in /data/app, which is mounted read-write) are shown in white. System settings are shown in green. You can use TB's filters to show only system apps or only user apps.
One major consideration is that Titanium Backup requires root. It will not run without root, even though some of the tasks it performs does not require root. MyBackup Pro will run without root, though it does not have all the features of TB. So if you are running a firmware release where you cannot even get temp root without first wiping the phone, you should use MyBackup Pro first. Or even if you can get temp root, you might feel safer having a backup first anyway.
Have you had issues with Titanium Backup? I use Titanium Backup frequently and have never had a single issue. Even doing dozens of full restores said:
no I havent had any issues at all with TB, and I used it for a long time. just recently I decided to try mybackup pro and was just wowwed by how much more streamlined the task was, even with options to restore call logs, text, contacts and so on. for me personally it just made for a much smoother restore especially with the well mapped gui. I do still keep TB installed as a alternate option though.
Click to expand...
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I used several times Titanium Backup but only for user app and always worked well (no crashes, ...)

[Q] hand holding needed for changing ROMs

I have not changed ROMs before. IMHO the procedure is simple enough. I am not worried about that step at all. The question is, What am I left with afterward.
What data, apps, etc. do I loose? Do I need to recover them from a back up? If so, what parts do I need to recover?
Also, from what I have read, if the ROMs are closely related, all the data and apps are preserved.
Can some one explain/comment on this?
I know this is a very nubbie question. I'm trying to minimize time consuming mistakes.
U should always wipe data with changing roms or u might end up with lots of fcs. While all the roms are similar and contain the same basic apps, some roms are gonna have different and new apps than others. I recomend backing up the apps that u have on ur current rom with TB and once u install a different rom, all u have to do is download TB from the market and install the apps u once backed up
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
So all the apps I downloaded from market will then need to be reinstalled.
Do I loose the phone logs, all texts, contacts (but linked to gmail)?
I am unclear what "data" is stored where. What counts are "data" in the backups. Is application data backed up with "data", or included w/ the "apps" backup?
I am backed up with TB. (both data and apps).
I have also backed w/ CWM.
I assume/hope my identity (phone#, etc.) is tied to something like a MAC address that will not be wiped.
your identity is not wiped, are you using a sprint phone?
You should backup 2 ways at least, a nandroid with CWM and maybe Titanium Backup. Then follow the instructions of the ROM you are installing. Most no longer require wipes. After you flash the ROM if something did not restore properly just shut down, boot into CWM. Go to backup and restore, go to advanced restore data from your last backup. All should be restored.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I am on Sprint.
I am a bit confused on the CWM recovery, never having actually used it to restore anything. When i go to the restore utility in CWM, I see each of the backups listed. Not sure if I get the option of what to restore.
I may or may not want to restore the old ROM depending on the outcome of the new ROM flash.
But since u gonna issues TB all u have to do is jst download it from the market and the reinstall the apps u want back. U see, instead of searching for them on the market, u can jst install them from TB. And u won't losse contacts or emails if u sync them with gmail
labumm said:
So all the apps I downloaded from market will then need to be reinstalled.
Do I loose the phone logs, all texts, contacts (but linked to gmail)?
I am unclear what "data" is stored where. What counts are "data" in the backups. Is application data backed up with "data", or included w/ the "apps" backup?
I am backed up with TB. (both data and apps).
I have also backed w/ CWM.
I assume/hope my identity (phone#, etc.) is tied to something like a MAC address that will not be wiped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is Captivating, Fascinating, Epic and also LEGENDARY!!
If you are changing ROMs on the same version of firmware, like Gingerbread to Gingerbread, you can backup right before flashing (and you should), then when you flash the new ROM it may or may not preserve your data which is apps, contacts, call logs...IF it fails to restore properly you can do a factory data reset in CWM which will clean any bad restore, then do an ADVANCED RESTORE DATA and pick the newest one. They are date coded. It will ask you to confirm before doing it. This will only restore 3rd party apps and data like call logs, wifi links, email accounts and stuff like that.
The deed is done. The SMS messages do not restore. I tried to pick and choose apps to restore. Then restored all data.
The phone is functional, however. That was my main concern.
Thanks to all who read and responded.
now CleanGB 18
Duh.
Needed to reboot for all restored settings to appear.
To refresh, from what version did you move into? WHat do you have now?
labumm said:
Duh.
Needed to reboot for all restored settings to appear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, was just about to tell you that. Glad you are up and running.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I am a tiny bit concerned that I have just restored a bunch of un-needed crap onto my phone, from the TB backup.
Anyone know what the colors and icons of the files in TB signify?
I was looking for help in the tiki, but I don't see a concise explanation.
http://matrixrewriter.com/wiki/tiki-index.php
I presume I would not accidently reinstall carrier IQ and other un-fixes unintentionally with TB by restoring apps and data.

How to back-up unrooted device?

Hey guys, I'm trying to root my Desire HD with AAHK.
The problem is, it says that I'll need to downgrade and downgrading will wipe my data.
Now I don't have a problem with downgrading, but I'd like to keep my data.
So I was wondering WHAT data will it wipe and how do I back-up?
I have titanium back-up installed but it needs root access, so that won't work.
I've copied all the files on my SD card to my laptop, to keep my images and stuff...
Is there a way to back-up other important files (if there are any?) before rooting?
Thanks in advance!
Laatst said:
Hey guys, I'm trying to root my Desire HD with AAHK.
The problem is, it says that I'll need to downgrade and downgrading will wipe my data.
Now I don't have a problem with downgrading, but I'd like to keep my data.
So I was wondering WHAT data will it wipe and how do I back-up?
I have titanium back-up installed but it needs root access, so that won't work.
I've copied all the files on my SD card to my laptop, to keep my images and stuff...
Is there a way to back-up other important files (if there are any?) before rooting?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consider purchasing Titanium Backup. It just started letting you backup app data WITHOUT root using ADB. See: http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...-adb-backups-without-root-other-improvements/. It will also very much come in handy once you are rooted.
bananagranola said:
Consider purchasing Titanium Backup. It just started letting you backup app data WITHOUT root using ADB. See: http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...-adb-backups-without-root-other-improvements/. It will also very much come in handy once you are rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only works for 4.0+
marsdta said:
Only works for 4.0+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooh, good to know. I hadn't tried it; I just saw the bit about ADB backup.
Files and documents are stored on your SD, just copy that out.
What you do lose are all your apps, app data, accounts, desktop layout, etc. If you use a custom launcher (go, adw), then chances are the app supports backup. It's like having a factory reset, or like when you first got your phone. Nothing on it. the SD card isn't effected though. There's a small chance rooting will corrupt your SD card. You can always format it to make it working again, but you loose all your data.
I use a program called Android Commander. Allowing inter alia copies of APK's. So, I have created a folder on my SD with programs and then use a clean reinstall of the rom, added applications. So just lose data and accounts.
App manager pro, download it from play store, and backup all your app's
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
Try to use MyBackup Pro or Safe Backup. But anyway, you should know, data loss while rooting is inevitably. For example, your settings for email accounts, desktop layout and other data, stored inside system memory will be lost. Using semi-backup application (without root) will save for you all important information (SMS, Calls log, Contacts and Applications). I think there's no problem with downgrading and losing system data. After rooting process and installing a custom rom you will be able to restore your settings by manual assignment - this is very easy

Different Backup Methods

I was hoping to learn the differences between certain backup methods. The most common i saw is via recovery (in my case twrp), via titanium backup and another via adb command even without root which i saw in one of the threads here in xda.
First, in terms of "backup coverage" how do they compare to one another? Secondly, which among the three would most put ur phone back the way it was before u wipe or factory reset it
I hope you could input your opinions on this and suggestions.
Thanks in advance!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
A backup through recovery is a called a nandroid. This backs up everything on your phone including your ROM, kernel, apps, settings, etc. This will allow you to restore back to the previous state of your phone after doing a full wipe.
Titanium backup only backs up your apps and app data. This is useful when you want to switch ROMs and restore your apps in the new ROM.
Usually when switching ROMs I first use titanium backup, then I create a nandroid backup, and finally I flash the ROM. If I like the ROM I use titanium to restore the apps that I previously backed up, and if I don't like the ROM I restore my nandroid
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda app-developers app
Doing a backup with twrp, cwm or thru adb (nandroid backups) are basically image files of your phone at any given moment in time. If you restore one of these backups your restoring your phone to exactly how it was at that moment in time. Titanium backup and Helium backup just backup cached data at that particular moment in time. Using these apps will only restore the data you specified when you did the backup and nothing else. Say you borked an install of a ROM, Titanium backup would be of no use in getting your phone working again as it only has data and not a system image. You would need the images backed up by twrp to get the phone working again then you could use the titanium backups to restore any newer data saved if say you used an old twrp backup.
whoah! thanks guys! I was supposed to quote you but since both of you really helped me understand it now, this thanks goes to the both of you.
I've hit the thanks button on both you guys.
Thank you very much for explaining this.
One last thing, when using a Titanium backup ( im using the pro version), how do i backup to make sure I cover all that needs to be backed up? There are a lot of options im not sure which to select and what to do. I hope you could enlighten me on this one as well.
Thanks again in advance!
vinz_bangiz said:
whoah! thanks guys! I was supposed to quote you but since both of you really helped me understand it now, this thanks goes to the both of you.
I've hit the thanks button on both you guys.
Thank you very much for explaining this.
One last thing, when using a Titanium backup ( im using the pro version), how do i backup to make sure I cover all that needs to be backed up? There are a lot of options im not sure which to select and what to do. I hope you could enlighten me on this one as well.
Thanks again in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the pro version u can run a batch backup of all apps.
To do this open the app, press the menu button in the top tight corner, and select Batch.
Then choose Backup all user apps. From there you can select/deselect apps. When you are done choosing the apps that you would like to backup, click on the green check mark in the top right corner to start the backup.
vinz_bangiz said:
whoah! thanks guys! I was supposed to quote you but since both of you really helped me understand it now, this thanks goes to the both of you.
I've hit the thanks button on both you guys.
Thank you very much for explaining this.
One last thing, when using a Titanium backup ( im using the pro version), how do i backup to make sure I cover all that needs to be backed up? There are a lot of options im not sure which to select and what to do. I hope you could enlighten me on this one as well.
Thanks again in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stopped using Titanium and switched to Helium a while back and can't really remember how Ti works exactly. I do know you should never restore system apps data just user apps data so I don't even bother backing up systems apps. I think with Ti I would just do an initial backup of all user data and apps and then periodically do a backup of newer user data and apps, or something to that effect in the menu. I do like Helium better as its interface is better, never could figure out how to backup or restore sms, call logs and the dictionary using Ti. Helium is much more straight forward and simpler (not as many options) and it does backups on a set schedule to my box account. I'm sure you can do all that with Ti too it was just not a very clean app.
thanks again for the replies..
@ chromium96
i think it is the same as clicking the box with check icon beside the menu, it brings me to the page the same as where you are leading me to but in just one click. Though im not so sure if it is really the same one.
I did a backup now but made a user app + system data.
kzoodroid mentioned not to backup system. Should I really not backup the system? Im quite confused with the terminologies of TI coz it says backup "user apps". Does this only refer to the apps and not the settings or data in my phone? does the backup "system data" refer to the settings and other data on my phone? if I choose only backup "user apps", would this only backup the apps and nothing else?
@ kzoodroid
could you explain further why I should never backup systems apps?
Lastly, is Helium really better than TI? or it depends on user preference?
Thanks again!
there are 2 kind of apps stored in your phone, system apps, only accesible with root privilege, and user apps,
system apps are phone, browser,wallpapers, etc, this are the basic apps to make your phone to work
user apps are all the stuff you, the user, install on your phone
the first one can be found, via file managers on /system/app
user app in /data or in sdcard for apps can use this option
the user app back-up, via Tb or others create a back-up of /data and apps you choose to install
restoring a system app via Tb is dangerous cause if you've switched rom the /system/app can be different, so restoring can cause trouble or misbehavior on your phone
/system/app back.up can be used only if you, before deleting a system app, want to have a copy to restore in future, but only if you still on the same rom
stremax said:
there are 2 kind of apps stored in your phone, system apps, only accesible with root privilege, and user apps,
system apps are phone, browser,wallpapers, etc, this are the basic apps to make your phone to work
user apps are all the stuff you, the user, install on your phone
the first one can be found, via file managers on /system/app
user app in /data or in sdcard for apps can use this option
the user app back-up, via Tb or others create a back-up of /data and apps you choose to install
restoring a system app via Tb is dangerous cause if you've switched rom the /system/app can be different, so restoring can cause trouble or misbehavior on your phone
/system/app back.up can be used only if you, before deleting a system app, want to have a copy to restore in future, but only if you still on the same rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! kinda getting an idea what you mean.. if I backup the system also, then i put a new rom and it may be different from my current roms system so it might mess it up. so just backup user app and restore this after installing new rom then it would be ok and back to how it was before i installed a new rom? Do i understand it right?
vinz_bangiz said:
Thanks for the reply! kinda getting an idea what you mean.. if I backup the system also, then i put a new rom and it may be different from my current roms system so it might mess it up. so just backup user app and restore this after installing new rom then it would be ok and back to how it was before i installed a new rom? Do i understand it right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right man,
only back-up user apps and data, if you like you can also back-up call log and messages, I usually do this, so when I flash a new rom I usually restore apps +apps data, messages and call log via Tb
vinz_bangiz said:
another via adb command even without root which i saw in one of the threads here in xda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the ADB backup doesn't work as well as the other methods. I found some apps didn't seem to get backed up, and at least one didn't work after restoring (though this could be because I used Titanium Backup to restore the app from the ADB backup file).

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