Database Users

Newbie needs help/info

I have a T-Mo G2 and want to keep my Froyo image to reinstall later if I cannot get theGingerbread to work right. I want to make an image file that will restore the phone to exactly how it is now. I have tried all kinds of stuff, but am not able to make the "img" file so that I ca do a restore when booting...
Can someone point me to what I need to install to do this, and if possible some directions on what/how to create the "img" or restore file ?
I would be most appreciative, as I had to reverse everything from the OTA of Gingerbread, since too many apps didn't work, ESPECIALLY the GPS!
My current Froyo is a temp-root system.
Thank you all!
Aloha. .

I would do full root via the wiki, and then install 4EXT (the full one that's like $2) - it will keep your old stuff straight

Ditto on previous reply
Root your G2
Backup all your apps with using Titanium backup
Get Clockwork mod ROM manger or 4ext ( I prefer 4ext) and backup your stock rom. You can download new ROM CM7 for first ROM.
If you don't like the ROM you can restore your stock ROM with CWM or 4ext at anytime.

I have a theory that Ti Backup or any backing up of apps is a bad plan. I know you can do it no problem, and that it is a great time saver, but I have a strong feeling that this ultimately results in an unstable phone with mysterious force closes etc.
Even though it's a real pain, I think you are always better off reinstalling your apps from scratch after changing to a new ROM and wiping caches.

WTF? said:
I have a theory that Ti Backup or any backing up of apps is a bad plan. I know you can do it no problem, and that it is a great time saver, but I have a strong feeling that this ultimately results in an unstable phone with mysterious force closes etc.
Even though it's a real pain, I think you are always better off reinstalling your apps from scratch after changing to a new ROM and wiping caches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I have had zero problems with TB personally.
2. Without it your app data is gone.
3. Triple wipe, takes a few extra minutes and makes a world of a difference.
4. Do not restore system data!
5. Check md5 sums BEFORE doing anything!!!!
6. Make sure you have a recent nandroid backup and you'll be fine either way.
7. triple wipe before flashing anything including nandroids. Preferably with different wipes aka factory reset, superwipe+ ext4, then recovery wipe!
Just my 2 cents, it's saved my a$$ more then a few times...

[Q] Do you lose your data when flashing a new rom?

ok guys, i have had my ****ty 3rd gen ipod touch for a while now, and this christmas i know I'm getting a nexus 7. now i consider myself fairly good with technology. but the only realm i havnt explored is android and that starts with the nexus 7. I am planing on rooting, but keeping the stock rom. I know i can't do ota updates with root. So the only way if i wanted to update my nexus 7, would be by flashing the next stock rom via twrp. the question is will it keep ALL MY DATA (apps, media, and settings)???? if not how can i keep it?
thank you and thanks in advanced.

if the update changes the version of Android, like from 4.0 to 4.1, then a wipe is recommended. if its only a small update, like minor ROM update, and the android version stays the same (eg. cyanogenmod nightlies) then there is no need to wipe. You get to CHOOSE (and you will hear this word a lot in the world of android) to wipe your data or not with a custom recovery. just dont blame it when your apps keeps crashing after an major update.

how does keeping your data work with ota updates then, wouldn't it be just as dangerous? also i would format? then restore my data with titanium backup?(right?)

If you just unlock/root, but do not install a custom recovery, you should have no issues receiving ota's. It's the addition of a custom recovery that prevents the ota from installing. Though you may lose root, so an app like ota root save is a good idea.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Can someone give a straight answer?
Do you lose data if you flash ROM?
For example flash the exact same ROM twice? Would data, like SMS get deleted?

sirNemanjapro said:
Can someone give a straight answer?
Do you lose data if you flash ROM?
For example flash the exact same ROM twice? Would data, like SMS get deleted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight answer is... no...
If you're flashing 'like-for-like'... that is to say UPGRADING a given ROM, then generally, you just 'dirty-flash' over the top.
If your're changing ROM completely, then a full SYSTEM WIPE is probably recommended.
Rgrds,
Ged.

Usually if you already did the unlock and recovery process (usually a one time thing in the beginning), then you mainly just have to understand the 3 main partitions you're dealing with on rom flashing from recovery.
/system = this is where the system/OS files live, and where for the most part the roms install to
/data = this is where the usual user data lives, since the /system rarely changes, stuff like settings, downloaded applications, etc is stored here. Rom installs rarely ever wipe this, and normally it does not need to be wiped if you're upgrading from one rom to the next (such as going from SlimBean 6.0 to 6.2, same type of rom just an upgrade). If of course they are different roms a /data and /system (and cache/dalvik-cache) wipe is recommended before flashing the rom.
/data/media (if I got that right) = sort of the "media" area of the device where you will store most of your stuff like downloads, music, pictures, etc. In recovery, wiping /data will usually not touch this, it's just like the /sdcard partition on older phones.
When trying out a new rom, it is always best to backup via recovery, the backups are stored in that media area I spoke of, and it's also advised to copy them onto a computer when you get a chance. The Nexus 7 and TWRP Recovery supports USB-OTG so you could plug up a thumbdrive and save the backup there directly. If you run into problems, you can always go into recovery, wipe everything and restore from a backup.
---------- Post added at 02:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 AM ----------
By the way forgot to mention, even if you're just flashing an upgrade, it's still idea to wipe the cache/dalvik-cache (it won't affect your data, but new binaries should be reloaded by erasing the cache so they can be re-built).

Thanks guys. My phone was stuck in boot loop and I had to flash the stock ROM again and again and again until I got it working.
I lost several messages, that is what I expected.
However, before I torched and burned the phone with ROMs, I backed up the device (or whatever I was backing up, I dont know) with CWM backup.
Is there a way I can get those SMS messages out of this backup?

sirNemanjapro said:
Thanks guys. My phone was stuck in boot loop and I had to flash the stock ROM again and again and again until I got it working.
I lost several messages, that is what I expected.
However, before I torched and burned the phone with ROMs, I backed up the device (or whatever I was backing up, I dont know) with CWM backup.
Is there a way I can get those SMS messages out of this backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the PRO (paid-for) version of Titanium, there is a way you can extract stuff from Nandroid backups... but I don't have a 'Tilapia' Nexus 7 to test. (with regard to your SMS problem).
Just running it (Extract from Nandroid backup in Titanium PRO) on my 'Grouper' Nexus 7, and I can see all my apps (and associated data) in my last Nandroid available for individual extraction and restore.
Rgrds,
Ged.

It was a stock ROM, nothing out of the ordinary. I mean, there was a different kernel, I've put root kernel. So, if there is option to get it from stock system, that would be nice.

sirNemanjapro said:
It was a stock ROM, nothing out of the ordinary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And?... your point is?
Please elaborate.
Rgrds,
Ged.

[Q] Best way to change roms?

I've been running PA for a while now, and I was wondering what the best method for swapping Roms is. (What to wipe) and how to do so without losing what is stored on my internal sd card, our currently installed apps.
(As a side question, what are some good roms with pie?)
Nexus 7

Factory reset, which will wipe data (but leaves /data/media intact) and cache. Although generally not necessary, I'd also format /system. Many devs will have their updater script format it as part of the flash, but I have seen a handful that have not. Your apps will be wiped when doing a clean flash- that's just the way it is. You should not be dirty flashing (wiping just cache and dalvik) between roms as it will lead to problems. You can use apps such as Titanium Backup or Rom Toolbox to backup and restore your user apps. Do not restore system apps or data.
Your side question is a quick and easy way to get this thread locked. Go to the dev forum for your device, whether it's tilapia or grouper, and do some reading and test drive a rom or two that piques your interest. There is no substitute for research and forming your own informed opinions.

you should also nandroid backup before you flash anything, that way you have a safe point to restore to if something goes wrong, or you don't like the new rom.
if it's a rom upgrade (not rom switch), you can flash directly over the top at your own risk if the changes are relatively minor and the dev says full wipe not needed. you won't lose any data and it saves having to set everything up again. i've personally never had a problem when flashing an upgrade straight over the top. I always do a nandroid backup beforehand though just in case :good:
and yeh..find a rom you like, not what someone else says is best for them...

If you're flashing 'like-for-like', ie, flashing a ROM upgrade, you can generally 'dirty flash' it over the top - UNLESS THE DEVELOPER STATES OTHERWISE.
The developer of the ROM I use always states 'no wipes needed' when he releases a new version...
-----------
If you're changing ROMs completely, then a factory reset is necessary, otherwise you're likely to have all manner of problems...
So backup your apps using Titanium beforehand...
-----------
You can optionally format /system... but be careful... make definitely sure you have on internal storage, either...
a) A flashable ROM .zip
...or...
b) a NANDROID backup
...or you'll find you have a tablet with no OS... just a custom recovery and the bootloader... although not irresolvable, such a situation is a pain in the arse to fix!
-----------
Above all... before you do anything - MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP - I cannot emphasise this enough. It takes less than 5 minutes. And it is your lifeline back to a functioning Nexus, should anything go wrong.
Good luck...
Rgrds,
Ged.

Still no way to backup multi user data/apps?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

If anyone Soft-Bricks their Nexus 7

If you did Soft-Brick your new Nexus 7 2013 and you cannot access your Nexus 7 from your computer or a Factory Reset does not help please follow this guide. :crying:
(This is way different than the 0 Internal Storage bug. Go here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2380913 )
Step 1: Download and install Wugs toolkit from here: http://www.wugfresh.com/nrt/
Step 2: Let it download the files it needs and choose what device your have EXACTLY what you have.
Step 3: Install the universal drivers by finding the Initial Setup part which is the big bar at the top. Go to the Step 2 tab and install the Universal Drivers and then let that install. It installs ADB so you can access ADB even in recovery if you could not before.
Step 4: Launch the Advanced Utilities in the bottom left and you will need a new ROM. Go here to get one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2411
gApps: http://goo.im/gapps
Step 5: Once you have those two things go to Flash Zips at the top right and tell it that the file is on the computer. Go to add files and add the ROM then GAPPS and enable to the left that it is a ROM but disable the nandroid backup because you really don't need it at the moment. Also have Wipe Dalvik, Cache, and Data on at the bottom.
Step 6: Confirm it and let it flash. Done! It will take about 5 minutes. Go eat or do something while waiting. It might take less but if you want to be on the safe side just let it run until your device powers on. :victory:
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT YOU DO WRONG.
If you have any questions or comments please leave some.:good:

So, use a toolkit to install a ROM. How is this some magical fix?

khaytsus said:
So, use a toolkit to install a ROM. How is this some magical fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never meant for it to be a "magical" fix. It is just a fix for a soft-bricked Nexus which had a rogue ROM and a Factory Reset would not fix nor was ADB working. Maybe someone has this happen and if you have a Backup from lets say Titanium Backup you kind of don't want to Format Data. So if you could just appreciate if I made a tutorial for the less fortunate in Android I am sorry. Skip the thread next time please

WeRSpecialPeople said:
Also have Wipe Dalvik, Cache, and Data on at the bottom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You say here to wipe data.
WeRSpecialPeople said:
Maybe someone has this happen and if you have a Backup from lets say Titanium Backup you kind of don't want to Format Data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And here not to format data. Though wipe and format are not the same, the end result to the user is still that the data is gone. So I'm not sure whether you mean for the data gone or not.
WeRSpecialPeople said:
If you have any questions or comments please leave some.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Usually, the better option is to find the most similar ROM to the one that the data partition was populated with, so there will be a smaller likelihood of problems. For example, an older working nightly of the same ROM. Dirty flashing a random ROM is less likely to be problem-free.
2. Out of curiosity, why a toolkit, especially when flashing a ROM zip from recovery (not even ADB or fastboot) would work just as well?

bananagranola said:
You say here to wipe data.
And here not to format data. Though wipe and format are not the same, the end result to the user is still that the data is gone. So I'm not sure whether you mean for the data gone or not.
1. Usually, the better option is to find the most similar ROM to the one that the data partition was populated with, so there will be a smaller likelihood of problems. For example, an older working nightly of the same ROM. Dirty flashing a random ROM is less likely to be problem-free.
2. Out of curiosity, why a toolkit, especially when flashing a ROM zip from recovery (not even ADB or fastboot) would work just as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright Formatting Data wipes the whole device usually. Wiping the data gets rid of the users apps. Lets say you have a backup in storage/emulated/legacy. It will still be there after you wipe the data.
1. Yes but that is the users choice. I couldn't find a definite stock ROM to the device so I will just let them pick.
2. If you want me too I could make a tutorial using ADB if you really want me too. This was just a 5 minute tutorial on a toolkit and I understand that most people here do not like toolkits but it is a really easy way. Just tell me if you do want me to add ADB tutorial as well and I will. :silly:

WeRSpecialPeople said:
Alright Formatting Data wipes the whole device usually. Wiping the data gets rid of the users apps. Lets say you have a backup in storage/emulated/legacy. It will still be there after you wipe the data.
...
Just tell me if you do want me to add ADB tutorial as well and I will. :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think formatting data wipes the whole device...just the data partition. Same as wiping data. The kernel and ROM in the boot and system partitions respectively stay. Wiping data wipes all user data as well, not just apps. In either case, I don't think sdcard gets wiped.
Since I won't be using it, I personally don't mind what you do with the toolkit, but users need to be aware that it's not the most problem-free method.

bananagranola said:
I don't think formatting data wipes the whole device...just the data partition. Same as wiping data. The kernel and ROM in the boot and system partitions respectively stay. Wiping data wipes all user data as well, not just apps. In either case, I don't think sdcard gets wiped.
Since I won't be using it, I personally don't mind what you do with the toolkit, but users need to be aware that it's not the most problem-free method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sdcard is on /data so if you wipe data (including factory reset) the sdcard is 'formatted'.

khaytsus said:
Sdcard is on /data so if you wipe data (including factory reset) the sdcard is 'formatted'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it now...how odd. Has it always worked like that on every device? On my Galaxy Nexus, TWRP specifically ignores the sdcard mount point.
EDIT: okay, I think I understand the confusion. I meant that wiping data/factory resetting from recovery doesn't wipe sdcard. I know that doing so from Android does.

[Q] Different backups, superusers, and flashing kernels

Hi all,
I have learned a lot about Android customization in the last week since my Nexus 4 finally arrived at my door, and I have become reasonably comfortable with the processes of flashing ROMs/kernels, and backing up my phone to make sure I have something stable to return to if something happens to go wrong. However, I am still dealing with a few points of confusion that I was hoping someone could clarify for me:
1. I have CWM installed on my phone and I can use it to backup/restore images of my phone for safety. However, I have heard about other methods like Nandroid, Carbon/Helium, and Titanium Backup while browsing the forums, and have tried them only to become confused as to how they are different from using CWM backup. Could someone please explain this to me and clarify which is the best for keeping a backup of my phone stored on my computer?
2. I have noticed that when I "wipe date/factory reset" in CWM, not everything on my phone is wiped. There are still plenty of files left over from previous ROM installs when I browse my phone with Android File Transfer, and obviously the .zip files you need to flash new ROM's/kernels are left too. What exactly is deleted when do a CWM factory reset?
3. Is it necessary to wipe everything when installing a custom kernel? I have CyanogenMod 10.2 installed because it is quick and relatively bloat-free, but allows for enough customization that I can make the my phone feel the way I want it to. I want to give Matr1x/Hells-core a try, but I am tired of factory reseting everything when install a new kernel. Can I get away with just wiping Cache/Dalvik and flashing the new kernels? If not, what is the best way to avoid losing app data between ROM and kernel flashes?
4. What is the difference between the default Android superuser, CWM superuser, and SuperSU? They all seem like the same thing and it makes me nervous installing different ones.
Any information you guys can offer would be great. Thank you so much for your time !

Downloaded7 said:
Hi all,
I have learned a lot about Android customization in the last week since my Nexus 4 finally arrived at my door, and I have become reasonably comfortable with the processes of flashing ROMs/kernels, and backing up my phone to make sure I have something stable to return to if something happens to go wrong. However, I am still dealing with a few points of confusion that I was hoping someone could clarify for me:
1. I have CWM installed on my phone and I can use it to backup/restore images of my phone for safety. However, I have heard about other methods like Nandroid, Carbon/Helium, and Titanium Backup while browsing the forums, and have tried them only to become confused as to how they are different from using CWM backup. Could someone please explain this to me and clarify which is the best for keeping a backup of my phone stored on my computer?
A backup in CWM is the same as a nandroid backup. It basically take a "snapshot" of your ROM and restore it exactly as it was when backing up.
Titanium Backup is an app that backup your apps and app's data. It's recommend you only restore user's apps and data. Let Google restore any system app's data.
2. I have noticed that when I "wipe date/factory reset" in CWM, not everything on my phone is wiped. There are still plenty of files left over from previous ROM installs when I browse my phone with Android File Transfer, and obviously the .zip files you need to flash new ROM's/kernels are left too. What exactly is deleted when do a CWM factory reset?
Wiping data/factory reset only wipe the data. Wiping system will wipe your ROM (system partition) Of course you don't want to wipe all the files such as the ROM you're going to flash.
There's an option to format internal sd, that will wipe EVERYTHING so unless you know how to ADB push files or sideload a ROM, DO NOT touch that.
3. Is it necessary to wipe everything when installing a custom kernel? I have CyanogenMod 10.2 installed because it is quick and relatively bloat-free, but allows for enough customization that I can make the my phone feel the way I want it to. I want to give Matr1x/Hells-core a try, but I am tired of factory reseting everything when install a new kernel. Can I get away with just wiping Cache/Dalvik and flashing the new kernels? If not, what is the best way to avoid losing app data between ROM and kernel flashes?
No, just flash kernel. Some recommend wipe cache and dalvik cache after kernel flash before reboot.
4. What is the difference between the default Android superuser, CWM superuser, and SuperSU? They all seem like the same thing and it makes me nervous installing different ones.
Different app that does the same thing. Usually go with what is recommend by the ROM's dev. I ususally just leave what's included with the ROM.
Any information you guys can offer would be great. Thank you so much for your time !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope that answer some of your questions. I'm sure I left out some stuffs so hopefully someone else can add to it.:good: