Database Users

How to Sprite/ SPB backups work with updated custom ROMs?

Have been playing around with Sprite and SPB Backup. They seem to do a good job of restoring the phone to the last backed up state. This is important for me, because my phone has been very moody and keeps hard resetting itself. Restoring from a backup brings back lot of my data and app installs. The thought of manually reinstalling everything make me shudder.
Now given the incredible rate at which chefs keep updating their ROMs, how do you keep updating to the latest, and then restore your settings and apps from a backup? I ran into strange errors when I updated from Topix 1.5 to 1.6 and tried to do a restore. The phone simply froze up. So that backup was useless and I had to redo all settings and reinstall all apps. My assumption is that system files would have changed when the ROM got updated, and the older ones from the backup were incompatible.
is there a better way of doing this? I would like to have the latest and greatest ROM, without having to reinstall apps or redo my email and facebook/ twitter settings. Update ROM, restore from backup, and you are done!
and sorry if this question is a repeat. i am a recent convert to windows mobile (thanks to hd2 - the hardware is too good to resist), and i am still finding my way around this wonderful forum.

Same question
I was searching xda-dev just to ask the same question...
Spb backup is great for backing up all contact data + all programs and their configs. It has saved me many times.
Now I want to do a rom upgrade (my first ;-) )...
Is there any shortcut to reinstall all programs and configurations with a Spb backup after doing a rom upgrade ?
May be restoring all except the windows directory ??
Thanks in advance.

It looks like you both need some advice!
it is a well known fact that you should ONLY use SPB/Sprite, if you are flashing EXACTLY the same rom.
However if you are flashing from ROM A -> ROM B you should NEVER use either of these programs as they can really damage your instalation.
you should use PIMBackup for this, it takes Contacts SMS/MMS etc,and you can assign custom files.
MoHed said:
I was searching xda-dev just to ask the same question...
Spb backup is great for backing up all contact data + all programs and their configs. It has saved me many times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So yes you can use it for this, BUT if you are suggesting this below:
MoHed said:
Now I want to do a rom upgrade (my first ;-) )...
Is there any shortcut to reinstall all programs and configurations with a Spb backup after doing a rom upgrade ?
May be restoring all except the windows directory ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is INSANITY!! you will destroy your install!! you should never back up program instalations because it is to messy, just flash and reinstall you apps!
or use SASHIMI, which is an auto installer!!
SS

Spb backup did the job for me
Use the spb backup in the rom upgrade mode
Untick the "override file"
and it "almost restore" back to everything I was in before the rom upgrade without the need to reinstall all the applications and imput all the data all over again.
However in the htc sense stock page I got to import my stock data from my backup as the above process failed to restore it. Save and except for this issue I am overall very happy with the obove method of getting a better performing rom without the need of reinstalling all the applications and imputting the data all over again.

A very promising approach
Thank you both for the prompt and enlightening replies.
I have looked into Sashimi; it looks like it is too complex a process to go through if you are going to update rom once or twice a year.
Using Spb backup as described by Leslie Lee looks VERY interesting. I am definitely going to try it.

MoHed said:
Thank you both for the prompt and enlightening replies.
I have looked into Sashimi; it looks like it is too complex a process to go through if you are going to update rom once or twice a year.
Using Spb backup as described by Leslie Lee looks VERY interesting. I am definitely going to try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PM me and ill explain sashimi!! (i have been using for 5 years abd i WILL NOT use a different app!! trust me it is that good!!)
I will show the way grasshopper!!
SS

How to backup installed apps and scenes between ROM flashes to restore them easily?

Hello, I'm new to the Android world, but I've learned through your great forums how to make my HTC Hero shine! I installed a custom ROM (actually, I'm trying Roufianos 1.1 clean) an eng SPL, a modded revovery and the latest radio.
Every time I flash a new ROM, I have to re-download and re-install all the apps from the market, and setup again the 7 home screens with my preferred widgets and programs.
Is there a way to backup these data and restore them with ease?
I made a few searches but found nothing (maybe I tried the wrong words)
Thanks in advance!

I use titanium backup for my applications.
For the scenes I don't know, maybe there is a folder in which they are stored you could do a search on that.

thank you so much, Titanium backup is really a great app, and it saves the scenes too!!!

crespo80 said:
thank you so much, Titanium backup is really a great app, and it saves the scenes too!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other way is to try flashing without a wipe.
If this works (and I mean if) all you have to do is turn your phone on
and Voila!

Rhamsterman said:
The other way is to try flashing without a wipe.
If this works (and I mean if) all you have to do is turn your phone on
and Voila!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this could be a simpler solution, given the fact that now I swap betwenn ROMs based on the same 2.1 official release! But I always prefer the clean one, wipe and strike!

crespo80 said:
Hello, I'm new to the Android world, but I've learned through your great forums how to make my HTC Hero shine! I installed a custom ROM (actually, I'm trying Roufianos 1.1 clean) an eng SPL, a modded revovery and the latest radio.
Every time I flash a new ROM, I have to re-download and re-install all the apps from the market, and setup again the 7 home screens with my preferred widgets and programs.
Is there a way to backup these data and restore them with ease?
I made a few searches but found nothing (maybe I tried the wrong words)
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried Titanium backup but had problems with it being a bit unreliable, and about a few things not working once I'd done the restore.
I then tried MyBackup (after flashing again) and it worked a treat.
Couple of things though:
- Doesn't back up APN settings or wifi settings (there are other ways to do that, do a search)
- A single SMS got corrupted (making me unable to open messages from that person). Deleting that message thread solved the problem.
It DOES backup apps and your HTC scenes (and various other settings). I used the 30-day time limited version which is free. I'd happily pay the $4.95 for it, though in this case I didn't need to.

[Q] switching between android roms

I did search. honestly. so im pretty sure that many people are annoyed when they see a new version of their current rom show, thus having to upgrade again loosing all their setting, apps, etc. personally, i've tried using titanium backup from mdeejay's rEVOlution 2.0 to 2.2 but it said that my apps could not be restored. so what would be the best way to painlessly switch android roms? sorry if a similar thread exists, but i'm pretty sure it doesn't..

1. this Thread should be in the "HD2 Android Q&A" Sub-Forum
2. There are many post's out there! Look into the build-threads!
(but i'm in a good mood) so...
3. ...here is my answer:
a) Data.img:
you can copy your old Data.img file into the new rom (Android-Folder) before
booting it. But use with caution, maybe the settings in the data.img are
incompatible with your new rom. (in that case - delete it and use the orig. data.img)
b) Titanium Backup:
- be sure that your Backup is the made with the same TB Version like the
one you trying to restore with.
(restoring from V 2.x.x to V 3.x.x does not work for me.)
- Use the Busy-Box offered by TB (Problems?-button) to prevent error's
- And be careful with restoring the settings! Maybe they are not compatible!
4. I suggest to rename the old rom folder to "Android_old" and
leaving it on the SD-Card for a while.
In case of problems you can rename your folders "Android">"Android_new"
and "Android_old">"Android". So you have the Option to play around with
Backup-settings and creating new one's.
Good luck!

first of all, thanks for the promt response. and secondly, i've already tried everything you've mentioned! when i used my old data.img, android booted normally. however, i had none of my apps, nor my settings. and i double checked my titanium version. it's the same as the one in the new rom. oh, and i started this thread because none of the given solutions would solve my silly little problem....

This sound's more like a problem with the revolution-build.
I don't had a problem like this with other Mdeejay-builds
(never testet revolution) and Mattc-builds
My data.img from a desire-build had worked in desire-hd-build.
But i'd switched back to the original Data.img to prevent possible failure.
Normally moving app's with TB works fine, settings are more
problematic.
But you have a very special problem.
Sorry, i cant't help .
I suggest to ask your question in revolution-thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=790374

You don't have to restore the app with tb, maybe try downloading the apps then restoring the data separately
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

You cant realy save anything but your apps. The builds can be different enough between versions that a clean install is the only way to guarantee that you have success. I keep Titanium back up apk on my card and the folder it makes as well. I dont loose my apps and only use it to back up and restore apps. You need to re-do all other settings as they can carry issues from one build to another. Some things will back up, others wont, its part of the trade off. When you change builds, most of the time its so different, its like changing phones, you just cant transfer everything.
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

[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...

[Q] Backup Windows Phone 7?

Hello,
I am using the awesome WP7 ROM by HD2O (build 8107) for months now, and it's working great. However, I wanted to try running Android on it, but the thought of not liking it and not being able to go back to my previous setup, including apps, games and personal stuff, is driving me nuts.
I already found the Backup application that uses Zune to backup settings and apps, but according to the creator it doesn't work with the HD2, so I'm stuck.
Last question: In case there's no backup tool available for the HD2, will I still be able to reuse my activation code I got from Microsoft (and maybe see my previous downloaded apps and games) after trying Android?
Thanks.

if you make full backup this back phone to date when you make backup (not date from calendar then apps and others)... also this process not recommended if you want flash new, newer or ROM from other author
recommended is to make backup of apps (one backup for one app)... you can use WPDM for that (read my ROM Install Tutorial from signature)
i flashed maybe more than 100 times WP7 ROM-s on my HD2 and always used same Live activation code...

Thank you for answering both questions. After couple of hours trying to backup my settings using WPDM, I think I'm not wanting to go through the hassle to backup my apps (I just got them for free anyway).
I guess it's best to reinstall Windows Phone and my apps completely in case I don't like Android.