After noticing that many members fear to change roms because they will lose their data i decided to make a guide about back up.
Backing up is a very important thing that will save you from so much trouble especially when you want to switch between roms. To make a long story sort it is a very useful tool for us xdacians
I will cover two factors. Firstly, back up of your entire rom with cwm recovery and second, back up of your apps.
Lets’s start with the rom back up.
Requirements
1. A rooted device.
2. Cwm recovery.
We will make a Nandroid back up. The great thing about a Nandroid backup is that it saves everything about the system on your device. That includes your system data and more importantly, user data. All the apps you have installed, the user data individually saved by these applications, your phone contacts, the accounts tied to the device - every detail will be retained.
A point to note here is that your SD Card data is not backed up. The Nandroid backup itself is created on your SD card. Make sure you have sufficient space.
Instructions
1. Reboot to cwm.
2. Select “back up and restore”.
3. Select “back up”.
4. Wait patiently until its finished.
5. Congrats you have successfully back up your rom.
6. For more safety you can transfer it to your computer. You can find the folder at sd card/clockworkmod/backup.
Now you can flash a different rom. If you don’t like it and you want to go back to your backed up rom here is how.
Instructions
1. Reboot to recovery.
2. Select “back up and restore”.
3. Select “restore”. (You can choose “advanced restore” then choose the back up for more options, I think the options are pretty self explained…)
4. Select your back up, it will have a name based on the date you made it.
5. Wait patiently until its finished.
6. Congrats you have successfully restored a back up.If you have bootloop after restoring a back up see post #2.
Ok, that was useful for when you install a rom and then you decide that the previous was better so you want to switch back but what if you want to keep the new one?
Don’t worry you can restore your apps there too, there is no need to install them all from the start.
Titanium backup is the solution.
Lets proceed with the back up of your apps.
Requirements
1. A rooted device.
2. Titanium backup.
This is a very helpful tool to back up your apps and the user data(game’s progress for example), which make the difference from just installing your desired apps from the start.
A quick way to make back ups with this app is the following.
Instructions
1. Open the app with root rights.
2. Hit the tab on the screen which tells “Backup/Restore”.
3. Now you see all your apps, including your system apps.
4. Tap on one and a window will pop out, hit the “backup!” , as you can see there are other useful options as well.
5. You can do this for every app you want to back up but it is time consuming, don’t worry if you have a large list of apps, hit the menu button of your phone, now select “batch”.
6. You see many options. For a full back up of your app run the option “Backup all user apps”.
7. Done!For a more detailed look on the app see this from the developer’s site.
So, now you have flash a new rom and you want your apps.
Instructions
1. Install titanium backup.
2. Open it.
3. Scrolling down the list of the “Backup/Restore” tab you can see all your back ups. You can either click on one and hit “restore” then ”App+Data” or you can go to “batch”, “Restore missing apps and data”.
4. Done!For the system apps its better to restore data only.
Note that titanium backup is the app I prefer, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other.
That’s it, you now have your apps from your previous roms. Enjoy your new rom.
Don’t forget to make backup often.
If you can’t restore a full Nandroid back up (and this happens many times) then here is a simple trick I do for it.
Instructions
1. Install the rom that is the same with your back up. (For example if you want to restore a gingerdx back up and you have bootloop when you restore the full back up, install the clean rom(gingerdx) as you installed it the first time and keep reading…)
2. Reboot to cwm.
3. (Optional) Full wipe. (Including factory reset and wipe dalvik cache)
4. “back up and restore”.
5. “Advanced Restore”.
6. Select the back up you want to restore.
7. Now hit “Restore data”, ”Restore cache”, “Restore sd-ext”
8. Do you remember how was it when you made the back up? Now it’s the same.
If you have md5 mismatch error when restoring a backup then see this thread by ihtfp69
ihtfp69 said:
I figured I would post this fix here in case anyone else ran into this problem. This is assuming you did not change the folder names and let Clockworkmod create them. I haven't had it happen until today, but it's not a nice message to see when you are trying to do a restore.
Code:
Checking MD5 sums...
MD5 mismatch!
To fix this problem use the code below. Substitute the final folder name for the backup you need to fix.
Code:
adb shell
# cd /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/2010-06-29.20.22.53
# rm nandroid.md5
# md5sum *img > nandroid.md5
When that finishes, re-run the restore and everything should be fine.
NOTE: As rpearl stated, there could be something really wrong with your nandroid, so use this tutorial as a learning experience and not a fix-all. In my case, everything was fine after restoring. However, that may not always be the case. Do this with caution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reading.:angel:
Thanks
Add few steps for fixing md5 mismatch error on restoring backups. :thumbup:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=714114
Sent from my E15i using xda app-developers app
cdeox8 said:
Add few steps for fixing md5 mismatch error on restoring backups. :thumbup:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=714114
Sent from my E15i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure
Edit: Done
If i do CWM recovery, will it recover rom as well? As i only want to restore my app data.
sumitsabhnani said:
If i do CWM recovery, will it recover rom as well? As i only want to restore my app data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can choose the "Advanced Restore" feature to select which ones are you gonna restore :good:
MassStarvation said:
you can choose the "Advanced Restore" feature to select which ones are you gonna restore :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot... it worked fine..
But can we backup data of individual apps? Like if i only want to restore data for whatsapp, can that be done using this or any other app?
sumitsabhnani said:
Thanks a lot... it worked fine..
But can we backup data of individual apps? Like if i only want to restore data for whatsapp, can that be done using this or any other app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use titanium backup
Sent from my X8
Yes, use titanium backup..:thumbup:
Thanks.. will try that then...
Very useful! Thanks
Back to 4.3
Hello. I had JB 4.3 on my xperia z and it was pretty good. I made a backup from recovery and flashed Kitkat, rooted again, but this kitkat is very unstable, it drains the battery too fast, can't open line, many process hang. I want to get back to 4.3, Q: making the restore from recovery would be just like before? as if i didn't flash anything? I also have the Titanium backup. Thanks.
xperia9 said:
Hello. I had JB 4.3 on my xperia z and it was pretty good. I made a backup from recovery and flashed Kitkat, rooted again, but this kitkat is very unstable, it drains the battery too fast, can't open line, many process hang. I want to get back to 4.3, Q: making the restore from recovery would be just like before? as if i didn't flash anything? I also have the Titanium backup. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have taken a full back up and if you do a full restore then it will be like it was when you got the back up, with your data as they were.
stamatis said:
If you have taken a full back up and if you do a full restore then it will be like it was when you got the back up, with your data as they were.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to stamatis, I kept kitkat waiting the upgrade to 4.4.3 that is supposed to solve the first problems, btw where is the thanks button?
xperia9 said:
Thanks to stamatis, I kept kitkat waiting the upgrade to 4.4.3 that is supposed to solve the first problems, btw where is the thanks button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, I hope that with the upgrade your problems will be solved.
As for the thanks button don't worry about it, but for your information, it is in the bottom left, under the poster's info, in every post except from the posts that you have made.
stamatis said:
After noticing that many members fear to change roms because they will lose their data i decided to make a guide about back up.
Backing up is a very important thing that will save you from so much trouble especially when you want to switch between roms. To make a long story sort it is a very useful tool for us xdacians
I will cover two factors. Firstly, back up of your entire rom with cwm recovery and second, back up of your apps.
Lets’s start with the rom back up.
Requirements
1. A rooted device.
2. Cwm recovery.
We will make a Nandroid back up. The great thing about a Nandroid backup is that it saves everything about the system on your device. That includes your system data and more importantly, user data. All the apps you have installed, the user data individually saved by these applications, your phone contacts, the accounts tied to the device - every detail will be retained.
A point to note here is that your SD Card data is not backed up. The Nandroid backup itself is created on your SD card. Make sure you have sufficient space.
Instructions
1. Reboot to cwm.
2. Select “back up and restore”.
3. Select “back up”.
4. Wait patiently until its finished.
5. Congrats you have successfully back up your rom.
6. For more safety you can transfer it to your computer. You can find the folder at sd card/clockworkmod/backup.
Now you can flash a different rom. If you don’t like it and you want to go back to your backed up rom here is how.
Instructions
1. Reboot to recovery.
2. Select “back up and restore”.
3. Select “restore”. (You can choose “advanced restore” then choose the back up for more options, I think the options are pretty self explained…)
4. Select your back up, it will have a name based on the date you made it.
5. Wait patiently until its finished.
6. Congrats you have successfully restored a back up.If you have bootloop after restoring a back up see post #2.
Ok, that was useful for when you install a rom and then you decide that the previous was better so you want to switch back but what if you want to keep the new one?
Don’t worry you can restore your apps there too, there is no need to install them all from the start.
Titanium backup is the solution.
Lets proceed with the back up of your apps.
Requirements
1. A rooted device.
2. Titanium backup.
This is a very helpful tool to back up your apps and the user data(game’s progress for example), which make the difference from just installing your desired apps from the start.
A quick way to make back ups with this app is the following.
Instructions
1. Open the app with root rights.
2. Hit the tab on the screen which tells “Backup/Restore”.
3. Now you see all your apps, including your system apps.
4. Tap on one and a window will pop out, hit the “backup!” , as you can see there are other useful options as well.
5. You can do this for every app you want to back up but it is time consuming, don’t worry if you have a large list of apps, hit the menu button of your phone, now select “batch”.
6. You see many options. For a full back up of your app run the option “Backup all user apps”.
7. Done!For a more detailed look on the app see this from the developer’s site.
So, now you have flash a new rom and you want your apps.
Instructions
1. Install titanium backup.
2. Open it.
3. Scrolling down the list of the “Backup/Restore” tab you can see all your back ups. You can either click on one and hit “restore” then ”App+Data” or you can go to “batch”, “Restore missing apps and data”.
4. Done!For the system apps its better to restore data only.
Note that titanium backup is the app I prefer, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other.
That’s it, you now have your apps from your previous roms. Enjoy your new rom.
Don’t forget to make backup often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi , I have a samsung note 3 smn900p kitkat 4.4.2 rooted with stock rom and has TWRP Recovery.
and my friend has also samsung note 3 smn900p kitkat 4.4.2 rooted with stock rom and has TWRP Recovery and his rom has another language because it is a custom rom.
and I want to make my mobile to have another language like my friend rom.
so someone told me that I can make a full backup of my friend mobile using TWRP and restore it to my mobile then I will have the same rom like his rom.
my question is I need someone that has try this method and confirm to us that this method is SAFE.
and tell us what should I choose in the TWRP recovery when I make a backup because there are many options that we can choose like system - modem - efs etc.
sobri46 said:
Hi , I have a samsung note 3 smn900p kitkat 4.4.2 rooted with stock rom and has TWRP Recovery.
and my friend has also samsung note 3 smn900p kitkat 4.4.2 rooted with stock rom and has TWRP Recovery and his rom has another language because it is a custom rom.
and I want to make my mobile to have another language like my friend rom.
so someone told me that I can make a full backup of my friend mobile using TWRP and restore it to my mobile then I will have the same rom like his rom.
my question is I need someone that has try this method and confirm to us that this method is SAFE.
and tell us what should I choose in the TWRP recovery when I make a backup because there are many options that we can choose like system - modem - efs etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't advice doing this at all.
Why don't you just flash the rom?
stamatis said:
I wouldn't advice doing this at all.
Why don't you just flash the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the problem is that this custom rom is not available for download for anyone.
the custom rom is odex rom like the stock but the different is that someone translate this rom manually.
so now I made a full backup of my friend mobile using TWRP, can I make a rom using this backup ?
sobri46 said:
the problem is that this custom rom is not available for download for anyone.
the custom rom is odex rom like the stock but the different is that someone translate this rom manually.
so now I made a full backup of my friend mobile using TWRP, can I make a rom using this backup ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I see...
If it is a stock-based rom then if you are on the same version as of the base, restoring only the system would do the job... I am assuming here that the developer integrated the language to the rom. If he used some other technique you might need to restore data as well. I don't know.
Btw, it might be a good idea to get a second opinion from your device's sub-forum (open a new thread on the Q&A section). There may be specifics that I'm not aware of and I may overlook as I don't own the device.
Related
I recently rooted my HTC Hero and had no issues with it. I was trying to nandroid backup it, but now I can't download any of the programs from the Market. I have a restore image, but I dont have any clue how to get it onto my phone. Help would be amazing, I hope I didn't brick my phone.
thejawa said:
I recently rooted my HTC Hero and had no issues with it. I was trying to nandroid backup it, but now I can't download any of the programs from the Market. I have a restore image, but I dont have any clue how to get it onto my phone. Help would be amazing, I hope I didn't brick my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You haven't bricked your phone. If you are positive you have a restore image or that you've done a nandroid back up. You should be able to boot into recovery and restore you back up by:
**You should either have your Nandroid back up still on your SD card or you saved it somewhere on your computer when you did your first Nandroid back up, if the latter -- copy the ENTIRE Nandroid folder onto your SD card and proceed with the following steps.
1. Turn your phone off
2. Press and hold home+power to boot into recovery
3. Choose Backup/Restore
4. Choose Restore backup
5. Choose the back up file (labeled Nandroid)
6. Confirm that you want to restore the backup by pressing the home button.
7. Wait a while
8. Reboot your phone
And report back if you have problems.
Looks like when I go into the recovery page, the only option I have is Clear Storage, nothing about restoring
thejawa said:
Looks like when I go into the recovery page, the only option I have is Clear Storage, nothing about restoring
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are positive that you flashed a recovery ROM correct? Do you remember doing steps 13-19 from the guide below? Also, what resource did you use to "root" your phone and did it ever mention anything about installing a custom recovery image, if so -- what version of the recovery image do you currently have?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=583291
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure that you are not holding down both the Power and Home keys. You only need to hold down Home and TAP power to make it come on. Once you feel the vibrate you can let go of the Home key.
Yes, Kcarpenter's right...I wouldn't want to be held liable for deleting your data, but then again...it'll teach you a lesson and you'll never forget to make a Nandroid back up.
try and fix your market problem first, I say. Does gTalk run on your phone? if not, try creating a brand new google account, rerunning the setup app, and log in with that one. Let us know how it goes.
edit:I've seen this happen to more than one person, and it's on google's end, not yours if this is the case.
I'm looking to upgrade my phone to a custom ROM, but I'm not sure which one is the best for my needs. This is what I am looking for:
Fyro Update
Increased Phone Speed
Increased Battery Support
Adblock for browser and apps
Also, how do I flash my ROM? I have the drivers to connect my phone to my computer, and that's about as far as I got. Secondly, will I lose my apps and their data? I already have my contacts and SMS backed up.
Thanks guys
jt
As a shameless plug - I whole-heartedly recommend SyndicateROM. It'll fulfill three of your four features already (including ad blocking in apps and the browser), and when the OFFICIAL, FINAL (ACS prides itself on stability and feature-completeness) Froyo release is out, it will be updated right away!
That's actually the one I was looking at. Is there instructions on how to flash your ROM? Will I lose my apps and their data?
After rooting you'll need Clockwork Recovery mod(CWM). Look for a Dev who has created a root with a CWM install (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770388).
1. Follow steps to root and install CWM.
2. Download a ROM and put it on your SDcard (Start with ones that have been around for a while and have been tested quite a bit. Avoid Froyo ones till you feel comfortable with CWM and Odin {if you ever use it}).
3. Reboot into CWM, BACKUP everything (this is key for your data to come back), wipe x3 (including cache)
4. Install ROM from SDcard(reboot, may take a few minutes to load for the first time)
5. Reboot into CWM, and advance restore (DATA only). reboot
6. Enjoy with all your data.
Hope this helps
Epic Experience + Phoenix is the best battery life I've had on any ROM.
Performance feels like stock, which is to say, this phone is really fast just as is and I don't think its screaming for better performance out of the box. Its not like it feels sluggish like the Evo does.
All these devs do great work! You can't go wrong with any of these roms. This belongs in the General Discussions section!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Streamline8 said:
After rooting you'll need Clockwork Recovery mod(CWM). Look for a Dev who has created a root with a CWM install (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770388).
1. Follow steps to root and install CWM.
2. Download a ROM and put it on your SDcard (Start with ones that have been around for a while and have been tested quite a bit. Avoid Froyo ones till you feel comfortable with CWM and Odin {if you ever use it}).
3. Reboot into CWM, BACKUP everything (this is key for your data to come back), wipe x3 (including cache)
4. Install ROM from SDcard(reboot, may take a few minutes to load for the first time)
5. Reboot into CWM, and advance restore (DATA only). reboot
6. Enjoy with all your data.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hoping you can help me a little further;
1) Done successfully
2) Done
3) How do I boot into CWM? I installed Titanium back up, and ROM manager - not sure if that's needed or not
Thanks guys
PS, sorry for posting in the wrong section
tuttjs said:
Hoping you can help me a little further;
1) Done successfully
2) Done
3) How do I boot into CWM? I installed Titanium back up, and ROM manager - not sure if that's needed or not
Thanks guys
PS, sorry for posting in the wrong section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
camera button, down volume and power on.
I suggest you try them all and figure out what you like or don't like. Also try out the ODIN program so when you accidentally bork your phone you will know how to fix it right away.
Got it. I assume this is backing up to my SD card. Do I not wipe my SD card?
Thanks, this should be the last question!
tuttjs said:
Got it. I assume this is backing up to my SD card. Do I not wipe my SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way you will wipe your SD card is if you partition it for A2SD support. The factory reset wipes all your data and might be a good idea if you are going from one rom/kernel to another. CWM backs up to your SD card. I have about 6 backups and can restore several different roms if I want. If you try all the roms out and make backups of all them it will be easy to go back to what you want.
A program called ROM Manager will make it easy to rename your backups.
I've had such great help in these forums (Nook specifically) I couldn't resist trying my luck in these (Droid X) forums as well.
So, I've searched for Clockworkmod threads but they are all (That I found or noticed) from back in August.
Plenty of info to be had on Titanium Backup.
So my question, is Titanium the backup/restore program of choice? I was hoping for an idiots guide to backup and restore (especially in the event of problems) but the guides are kind of sketchy on the restore part.
Titanium
Use titanium backup to backup and restore all your apps. Useful when trying out new roms, although without the paid version of titanium you will spend alot of time tapping through the installation screens as it goes through your apps. Titanium won't help you recover a broken system.
SBF
Use RSDLITE 4.9 with a .SBF file to perform what many call a "sbf". This is usually used to restore a phone back to stock, or to recover from a bad/corrupted operating system. If your phone is unbootable, this is your recovery option. SBF'ing your phone is not as scary as it sounds, just download the system restore file (.sbf), connect your phone via usb to your computer, and use RSDLITE 4.9 to flash the phone.
Nand backups / Clockwork recovery
Use clockworkmod to do a full backup of your phone. Think of it as a clone of your phone. Restore your phone by booting into clockwork recovery and instead of choosing "backup", use the "restore" command. It will then allow you to select one of the backups you have made with clockwork. Pretty easy stuff here.
jeftep said:
Nand backups / Clockwork recovery
Use clockworkmod to do a full backup of your phone. Think of it as a clone of your phone. Restore your phone by booting into clockwork recovery and instead of choosing "backup", use the "restore" command. It will then allow you to select one of the backups you have made with clockwork. Pretty easy stuff here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, this is exactly what I was after. My only problem remains that I do not see any guides on how to go about downloading/installing/operating this program. I'll keep searching now that I know more about what I'm searching for. Thanks!
Search the market for "rom manager", it's free. Load it and tap "flash clockworkmod recovery".
You can use this app to reboot into recovery or by holding down the home and volume down buttons while pushing the power on button.
You can also download the DX bootstrapper from koushik's site, just google "koush bootstrap". Also free.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Woah there buddy.
I'm going to clarify this process a bit for you before you mess something up, if you don't mind.
Root your phone.
The simplest method is to search for Z4Root here in the forums...it's a .apk that roots your phone for you.
Now...
I assume you want a sweeeeeeeet rom, ya?
We can do that...
MY personal recommendation would be this...
Make sure you have at least 2-3 gigs free on your SD...it won't need to STAY that way...but during this process, it will.
Open your contacts.
Click the options button.
Backup your contacts to your SD card.
Now download Titanium from the market...
The free version works fine for 99% of what you need.
The only problem is (as mentioned) you have to manually click the "install" button for all 500098098098 of your apps when you restore...as opposed to just one button and letting it work for a few minutes.
Open Titanium and backup all of your apps+data.
Do you want Liberty 2.0? I personally use it and LOOOOOOVE it...but you currently have to pay $5.99 for it...a free version should be released soon.
If you do...just download liberty toolbox donate from the market.
It will install the rom for you! The option is under the "Rom Manager" part...
Make sure you select both options when installing....The "Backup" and "clear data" ones.
If you don't want liberty...read below...if you've chosen to pay the $5.99...skip down to the ****** below.
Download either DX bootstrap or Rom Manager.
Rom manager actually installs Clockwork...where bootstrap is simply a method of booting into clockwork via an application.
Either work fine.
Find the ROM you'd like to install and download the .zip
Put the zip on the root of your SD card.
Boot into clockwork.
(With DX bootstrap you click "bootstrap" and when it finishes click "reboot recovery")
Backup. (Camera button selects options, volume moves up and down, and power moves back a page)
Now Wipe Data/Factory Reset
Now...Wipe Data/Factory Reset
And again.
And again.
I usually do that 3-4 times just for extra security.
Now install zip from SD card.
Pick the "Choose Zip from SD card" option.
Find your rom's .zip
Click Reboot.
******
CONGRATULATIONS!
You're running a custom ROM!
Now...if you're contacts don't automatically start restoring...
You can choose the backup that you made from the options menu in your contacts.
Now...restore all apps+data with Titanium.
And you're back to where you were before the rom.
All your contacts...all your apps...
You may need to go back into your settings menu and change those back to your exact specifications.
Now...
If you don't like your rom...
You can boot into recovery again...
And restore to where you were previously with one click.
At this point after deciding I like the rom (I don't keep much free space on my SD)
I usually move my nandroid backup from before the rom to my computer...and delete it from my SD card...and then do another backup of my current (rom'd) setup.
I keep a copy of the titanium backup on my PC as well...and delete it from my SD card...there is no reason to waste a gig of space that can easily be transferred back when needed.
My recommendation is to always have you're most recent nandroid backup on your SD card and a copy of your last few on your computer.
You can rename the backup folders for organization...but don't use any spaces or special characters.
If you're REALLY hurting for space...
You can delete the nandroid backup safely if you have a microSD reader on your computer...in the case that your phone doesn't work and need to transfer the backup back onto your SD card.
Happy modding!
Thanks for the info, all of which answered my question just right. I've been using Gingerbread rooted & deoxed since Friday and it is quite nice. The improved battery life is phenomenal!
I want to STRONGLY recommend that everyone who is new/does not know what they are doing actually go through the process of flashing the rom. I was inexperienced once and I hard bricked it (unfixable). No one needs to go through that and anyway that's what keeps our bootloaders locked.
INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT STEPS
If you do not wipe data/cache/dalvik cache/battery stats, you will bootloop. Repeatedly wiping is not at all necessary but its good for ocd.
If you do not mount system and data, your phone WILL NOT BOOT and you will have to sbf.
SBF'ing is not difficult but a pain in the ass. First of all you do not need version 4.9. I used 4.7 three days ago to flash the most recent system version. Make sure that you have the file for your bootloader version or again your phone WILL NOT BOOT.
That being said, I have found that all problems are almost always careless mistakes or at least mine have been
You will find that as long as you're careful and follow all instructions, you'll never have any problems
Ok. Great info. I have been reading through the stickies n then came across this.
I am currently running darkslide 4.2 with blur. Flashed using clockwork mod on DX rooted with z4. I know that's alot of acronyms but yall understand. I used the bootstrap to get to clockwork and load everything using astro file manager.
Here is the question.
Do I have to wipe my cache in clockwork or can I leave it? So far I have left it n its running fine but doesn't seem any faster and my battery runs down in about a day.
I also use Titanium to back up my stuff but do I ha e to back up everything manually or is the free version one touch good enough? I noticed there are alot of things not backed up in to do list. I will happily get the donate version if its recommended.
Thank you all for your time and effort to answer our beginner questions.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Glad to see you are making progress, jperro. It never hurts (in my experience) to wipe the cache.
The paid version of Titanium backup lets you perform batch operations without interacting with every single install screen. There are other features that make it good, but thats the main one that saves you time/frustration.
I only back up a few system apps/data like Contacts Storage and Wifi Hotspots Storage. If I'm restoring my phone, chances are I'm either trying a new rom and I don't really want to muck it up with any old data - so I don't back up all the system apps/data that Titanium Backup shows as "not backed up". Besides, I've got nand backups in case I'm flashing back to a previous setup, so restoring system data or apps via Titanium seems redundant.
Ahhh. Ok. Thanks jeftep for the info. Very useful and informative.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Hi Everyone, I had made some guides for Galaxy S3 on my blog and thought it would be enough. But after seeing the same questions being repeated again and again I felt I will post them here as well in a single thread.
If the mods find this useful they can put it up in the Stickies.
So here you go.
All about Android-Series
Samsung Galaxy S3 - GT-I9300
Part 1-
How to install a Custom ROM
This is a generic guide. Sometimes it may vary according to the ROM. So read the OP very carefully.
The main feature which distinguishes Android from all other operating system is the ability to tweak and customize the OS as per your liking.
If you are good at Linux commands and Java you can do this yourselves or you can install a Custom ROM prepared by other developers.
Before I start this, I would like to elaborate on what a Custom ROM or a ROM means. ROM in computer terms is Read Only Memory. It is specifically designed to be only accessible for reading and is not accessible to users for modifications. But in Android you can get access to this partition (if you are rooted)and make any changes you want to make.
For all practical purposes, a ROM is your Operating System or OS.
Now that it is out of the way, lets start.
Requirements:
For installing any custom ROM you will need to root your phone and have ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery installed.
A recovery is a partition on your internal memory which is used to install Software Upgrades or act as a last line of defense against a bricked device.
For Rooting and Installing CWM you will have to follow the procedures mentioned Below:
For rooting use Chainfire's CF AutoRoot. Your recovery will remain stock. Click.
Now you need to install a custom recovery. For that you have 2 options; either use ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery Click or Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) recovery Click.
Once you have that you can come back here.
Click to expand...
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to:
Okay now that you have CWM recovery and root.
Go here and search for a Custom ROM you like. Keep in mind that read the first post of the thread very carefully. It will have all the features of that ROM in detail. Download the ROM from that thread.
Once you have downloaded the ROM, follow these steps:
Put the ROM in the root directory of your Internal/External SDcard
Reboot into recovery: Press and Hold Power+Home+Volume Up buttons together and release it only when you see the recovery menu come up.
Now, Choose Wipe data.Factory Reset from here
Then, Wipe Cache and, goto Advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache
You are now ready to Flash your Custom Rom
Choose, Install From Sdcard option in the Main Menu of the Recovery
Choose the ROM which you had earlier put on your SDcard
It will ask you whether you want to install or not, navigate to "Yes" and choose it.
Voila, You ROM will be installed, now Reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your Custom ROM is ready to be used.
Enjoy the Android Goodness!!
backing up your Device and Data
All about Android-Series
Samsung Galaxy S3 - GT-I9300
Part 2 -
How to Backup your device
Now that we have gotten fairly good at flashing Custom ROM, the biggest challenge we face is to restore all the application and application data we had earlier on our phone before going flash happy. It is often a very cumbersome task to download all you apps again from the PlayStore and the irritation goes to another level if we are in the midst of playing a big game and had completed 20 levels out of 22.
Once we do a Factory Reset/Data Wipe from the recovery menu all our saved data is lost and hence the Games and Apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In this post I will update you on how to backup your device, your data and your apps effectively.
Backing up your device
To effectively backup your device before flashing any custom ROM, you will need to have ClockworkMod Recovery installed. If you don't have it or don't know what it is, read my guide in Part 1.
Once you have CWM installed, reboot into Recovery by pressing and holding Volume Up+Power+Home buttons together, release the buttons only when you see the Recovery Menu come on the screen.
Navigate to Backup and Recovery, Choose Backup from here.
This option will then backup all the system files, apps, app data and settings which you have on your device. There are two things which are not backed up here:
Your data on Internal/External Sdcard
Your Modem or Radio
Once the backup has completed, it will ask you to reboot the device. Reboot and you are backed up against any flashing misfortunes.
To Restore this backup just navigate again to backup and restore option in CWM recovery. Choose Restore option from here and Select the Backup you want to restore.
This is also known as Nandroid Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backing up your Applications and Application Data
Performing a Nandroid backup will not be useful if you want to try out a new ROM, as all the applications will be in the Nandroid backup and restore it you will have to restore the complete backup or Use Advance Restore from the options which is slightly cumbersome.
The best option here is to use Titanium Backup Application from the PlayStore. Get this app from here.
You will need to be rooted to use this application.
Now to backup your apps, fire up this application and grant it Superuser permissions.
It will show you all the apps which are not backed up. Choose the option of backing up all the apps with data.
It backs up all the apps and data on your internal sdcard.
Now after flashing a Custom ROM/New ROM you can restore all your applications to the same state by again going in TB and clicking restore all apps with data.
It is advisable that you don't restore System Apps and System Data if you have moved onto a different ROM, otherwise you will end up in Force Closes and unresponsive system.
Click to expand...
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Click to collapse
Backing your SMSes
Another important data which we don't want to loose are our SMSes. To backup the SMSes we will use another application knows as SMS Backup and Restore. Get it from the PlayStore from here.
Open up the Application and click Backup. It will ask you for a name, give the backup a name preferably with a date. Now, you also have an option to save this backup in your dropbox account along with the SDcard. For it you will have to download an additional add-on for this app from here.
Once you have to add-on installed, navigate to Preferences>Backup Settings and Configure your Dropbox account here. Check that the Upload to Dropbox option is ticked. You can also configure a schedule for it to do the backups automatically and at the same time uploading it to Dropbox.
Click to expand...
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Click to collapse
Backup Contacts
This is already done by Google and all your contacts get backed in your Google account automatically.
Just ensure that you have added a Google account in your phone and the sync option is turned On.
Sometimes it so happens that you store all your contacts in your phone instead of your Google account and many times people are not aware of this. In this case even if the phone is synced with Google the contacts are not backed up in the Google account. So as a precautionary measure always backup your contacts to your SDcard and move it to the PC before wiping. For it go to Contacts -> Settings -> Backup contacts to SDcard.
Alternatively, you can also backup your Contacts, Call Logs, Messages, WiFi APs using Titanium Backup Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backing Up Your EFS Partition
The EFS folder in the root directory of your phone contains the most sensitive data peculiar to your device. Sometimes it so happens that while flashing a Custom ROM, this folder gets messed up. So, It is imperative that you back this folder up. I will explain this procedure using kTool application.
Download the kTool App from Playstore.
Now open the app and grant Superuser permissions (you should be rooted to use this applications)
Choose the "Backup EFS to Sdcard/EFS.img" option
Verify the Backup by clicking Yes on the Popup
Run Check in the resulting Screen
If the output says 100%(0 bytes differ) then your backup has been performed successfully.(when you later check this backup again there might be a difference so don't worry it is meant to be that way)
Now, using any file explorer upload this to your storage account and PC for safe keeping you might need it later for restoration.
Your EFS folder is now backed up..rest in peace.
Click to expand...
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Click to collapse
I hope after following all these steps your are fairly protected against any misfortunes and can go and flash as many ROMs as you want.
Enjoy the Android Goodnes !!
Installing Latest Jelly Bean ROM
Using Odin:
Odin is the all purpose tool for Samsung devices which has completely replaced Kies on many PCs. It is light, fast, fluid and reliable.
You will need to first set up Odin in your PC (Hemidall in case of Mac users, don't ask me how to do it as I don't have a mac). Get Odin from here.
Once you have downloaded the zip file. Extract it somewhere you will remember.
Open the extracted folder and then open Odin3_v3.04.exe. It will ask you for administrator privileges, grant it.
Now download the latest ROM from:
www.samfirmware.com
Checkfus
XDA Page
Extract the tar from this zip to your PC.
Boot your phone into download mode, you can do this by pressing and holding Volume Down+Power+Home buttons together. Release the buttons when you see a robot with yellow triangle. Now press volume up button to enter into download mode.
Connect your phone to your PC. You will see Odin will recognize your phone and will show a message "Connected". The first box in the third row from the top will turn blue and say ID:COM7.
Now, the fun starts, click on PDA button and choose the tar file you had just extracted. Only Auto Reboot and F.Reset.Time options should be checked in the boxes above. If the Re-Partition box is checked Un-check it.
Click on Start, Odin will start installing your ROM. It will take some time so be patient. Once the installation is complete, your phone will reboot and you will have Jelly Bean on your phone.
Click to expand...
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Click to collapse
Using ClockworkMod Recovery:
To get CWM recovery on your phone check my earlier post.
Download the ROM from here or here.
Put the zip file on your SDcard. Reboot into CWM recovery by pressing and holding Volume Up+Power+Home buttons together.
Choose "Install from SDcard", Navigate to the zip file and choose "Yes" when asked for confirmation.
Once installed reboot your phone and enjoy the Jellybean goodness.
Click to expand...
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These Firmwares can be used by any International Galaxy S3 phones. You don't have to worry about which firmware you are currently at.
Enjoy the Android Goodness !!
Moving Back to Stock ROM
How to return back to Stock ROM: After you have played with Custom ROMs
In the Android world it is often said that "If you have not played with it, you have not used it". Most people who are familiar with the Android development play with Custom ROMs (Operating Systems). These are made by developers who know their way around the Android File system and programming language. The purpose is to get more out of each and every device.
Many android users use these custom roms to personalize their device to their liking. However, sometimes it so happens that you need to take the device back to the original state, the state it was in when you took it out of the box. The reasons for doing so may vary from:
Sending it for warranty repair
Starting afresh
Sorting out some bugs etc.
In this part I will guide you through the steps required for doing so.
Step 1: Download the Original Firmware (Complete OS, includes Boot image, Recovery image, sboot, partition information etc.).
The Original Firmware for your region may be downloaded from various sources:
samfirmware.com
Checkfus
XDA
In either of the above sources you will have to specify your OS name, Device Name, OS version and Region. After that you will be presented with a list of the latest firmwares. Download the firmware.
Step2: Reset the Binary Counter
If you have been into Custom Roms and have rooted your phone, most likely your binary counter is not 0.
You can check your binary counter by booting into Download Mode.
It can be done by pressing and holding Volume Down + Power + Home buttons together. You will get to screen which will ask you if you want to enter into download mode. Now press volume up button.
Here you will get all the information about your device status:
Odin Mode Product Name: GT-I9300
Custom Binary Download: a number
Current Binary: Samsung Official/Custom
System Status: Official/Custom
Our purpose is to change the "Custom Binary Download" to 0.
For this we will require a special application know as "Triangle Away" made by XDA Elite Recognized Developer Chainfire. You can buy this app from the Playstore or download it free from XDA Developers website.
Once installed, fire up the app and follow the instructions given there. Don't worry it should not damage your device.
After it has done the trick, check the download mode again to see whether the binary counter has changed to zero or not.
Step 3: Flash the Official Firmware
Now you will need to flash the official firmware you had downloaded in the first step.
Open, Odin application on your pc and connect your phone (For detailed instructions check out this blog post)
After you have flashed the firmware, you have now reverted your phone back to the status it was in when you had bought it.
Click to expand...
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please feel free to post your comments and questions.
Enjoy the Android Goodness!!
Trouble shooting [FAQs]
Trouble Shooting Guide
Q. I have used Odin to flash stock ROM, now my phone is stuck in Bootloops. What should I do?
A. You have 2 options:
Boot in to Stock Recovery. Press and hold Volume up + Power + Home buttons together. Factory reset from there. However, if you do this you will loose all your data on the internal Sdcard
Flash CWM Recovery from here. Boot into recovery using the same button combo and Wipe Data/Factory Reset from there. You will not loose your data on internal SDcard this way.
Q. Can I flash JellyBean leak over the Stock ICS ROM?
A. Yes, you can. Just wipe Data, Cache and Dalvik Cache if flashing using ClockworkMod Recovery.
Q. How do I flash a kernel?
A. A kernel is flashed in the same way as a Custom ROM. So place the zip file on your Sdcard. Boot into recovery. Wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache. Flash the kernel.zip file.
Q. Can I flash XXXX modem over XXXX ROM?
A. Yes, Modem generally works independent of the ROM. So, You can flash whichever modem works best for your carrier/region.
Q. I have flashed XXXX ROM and now my CSC is unknown?
A. Generally Speaking CSC does not make much of a difference. If you are really facing a problem which is related to CSC such as some specific apps not working, some language not there etc. Either:
Use
Type *#272*Device IMEI# at Phone dial pad.
Select the CSC that you want.
Click Install.
or Install CSC changer app from the Market and change the CSC
Both ways yopur device will be factory resetted.
Q. I have installed a new ROM, but I am getting a strange notification in my status bar?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
A. This icon means that your notifications are turned off. Drag your finger from the top of the screen down and you should see a bunch of buttons and the notification area, tap on the big button with the "i" so it turns green.
Q. What is the difference between a Theme and a ROM?
A. A ROM is a complete operating system whereas a Theme is a visual change made to some parts of a ROM.
Q. I have excessive battery drains?
A. More often than not it is your own fault. You have installed some app which is keeping your device awake. First of all before coming to any conclusions monitor your battery for atleast 2-3 charge discharge cycle. If you still feel the battery drain is high, install better battery stats from the market.
Now charge your mobile fully and let it discharge to 10%. Check the output of BBS and see which apps are causing the most wakelocks (i.e. keeping your device awake for the longest periods).
If it a non-system app, force stop/freeze the app and again monitor the battery drain for 1 complete cycle.
If the drain has improved, you have found the culprit, uninstall the offending app.
Additionaly, enable only those services out of
Location Services
GPS
WiFi
Sync etc
Which you use and disable those after you have used them.
Q. I have installed a new ROM, now my device does not see my photos/music?
A. This is a issue of the Media Scanner. The things which you should do in the decreasing order of priority are:
Reboot
Clear Cache/Data of the Gallery/Music Player app and Reboot
Clear Cache/Data of Media Storage and Reboot
Download Media Scanner app from Play Store and force rescan Media
Check in the media folders using a root enabled app for a .nomedia file, if found delete it
Re - Install the ROM after a full wipe.
Click to expand...
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Q. Where do I find XXXXXX?
A. Use the search option in the Thread Tools or Forum Tools. Use an many keywords as possible.
Q. I do not find the solution to my problem in this thread, should I start a new thread?
A. Strictly No, post your problem in this thread, more often than not you will find someone with an answer. Useless threads spam the forum which makes person looking for information do twice/thrice the work.
And Most important:
Always Thank the person who has helped you!!
Click to expand...
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Click to collapse
I will be updating these guide regularly. SO feel free to comment and point out if I have missed/misrepresented anything.
Also, Please comment if any particular guide needs to be added.
Ask a mod to move the guide to a sticky .
On second thoughts users who would benefit from this guide refuse to read Stickies \FAQS and Guides .
jje
Zoot1, you are an absolute legend! Well done, should hopefully stop some of the stupid questions.... or at least give us an easy answer, by directing people here.
Should defo be stickied.
I would suggest adding a bit about backing up EFS (I only say it cos I buggered mine a couple of weeks ago, and had a mild heart attack until I remembered I had backed it up!).
BTW, there is a spelling mistake in post 2 - How to backup YOU device.... should say YOUR device.
krs360 said:
Zoot1, you are an absolute legend! Well done, should hopefully stop some of the stupid questions.... or at least give us an easy answer, by directing people here.
Should defo be stickied.
I would suggest adding a bit about backing up EFS (I only say it cos I buggered mine a couple of weeks ago, and had a mild heart attack until I remembered I had backed it up!).
BTW, there is a spelling mistake in post 2 - How to backup YOU device.... should say YOUR device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edited the post thanks for pointing it out.
Added a guide on backing up EFS folder.
Don't know if I'm posting this in the right place (I hope I am).
Rooted my galaxy s3 using odin. CWM and su were installed. After booting up I got process.android.gapp has stopped working. Also playstore force closes and restarts when I try initiating downloads initially. Now it doesn't open at all. It just closes immediately it opens. What could be wrong? And what can I do?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
ciphoenix said:
Don't know if I'm posting this in the right place (I hope I am).
Rooted my galaxy s3 using odin. CWM and su were installed. After booting up I got process.android.gapp has stopped working. Also playstore force closes and restarts when I try initiating downloads initially. Now it doesn't open at all. It just closes immediately it opens. What could be wrong? And what can I do?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 1 would be to remove your google account..the clear data and cache from google framework services and play store...reboot...
If that does not work then ..backup your apps and data..boot into CWM recovery..wipe data and cache from there...hopefully this will resolve your issue..
Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner
Originally Posted by ciphoenix
Don't know if I'm posting this in the right place (I hope I am).
Rooted my galaxy s3 using odin. CWM and su were installed. After booting up I got process.android.gapp has stopped working. Also playstore force closes and restarts when I try initiating downloads initially. Now it doesn't open at all. It just closes immediately it opens. What could be wrong? And what can I do?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 1 would be to remove your google account..the clear data and cache from google framework services and play store...reboot...
If that does not work then ..backup your apps and data..boot into CWM recovery..wipe data and cache from there...hopefully this will resolve your issue..
Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. The first step did it. Can now download from the playstore.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
waiting time after flashing stock
how long does the samsung logo stay on (animating) after flashing back to stock.
i have just followed your instructions on going back to stock (I9300XXEMB5) but now my phone wont boot up. i waited half an hour for it then i pulled the battery. and tried again but still it gets nowhere
mahall1988 said:
how long does the samsung logo stay on (animating) after flashing back to stock.
i have just followed your instructions on going back to stock (I9300XXEMB5) but now my phone wont boot up. i waited half an hour for it then i pulled the battery. and tried again but still it gets nowhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into stock recovery.. Wipe data/factory reset from there and try again..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
zoot1 said:
Boot into stock recovery.. Wipe data/factory reset from there and try again..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your amazing thank you
very very inforrmative thank yo. jsut one more thing, what about images and vids etc? how do i back them up?
abukad said:
very very inforrmative thank yo. jsut one more thing, what about images and vids etc? how do i back them up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Images can be backed up on Dropbox.. Similarly for videos as well.. However it is better to move all your important data on the internal sdcard to a pc before formatting..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Thank you. Now I know!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Thot I had synced contacts to Google... turns out dey were all saved to phone.. so ended up losing all contacts... so restored my nandroid n exported contacts to SD card... think u shud mention that
Sent from my GT-I9300
Rets88 said:
Thot I had synced contacts to Google... turns out dey were all saved to phone.. so ended up losing all contacts... so restored my nandroid n exported contacts to SD card... think u shud mention that
Sent from my GT-I9300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I will add it to the guide..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
My apologies if this has been covered. I've successfully rooted and unlocked the bootloader. I've tried my best to do a lot of reading including going through item by item in the xda wiki glossary but I'm still a little confused/want clarification before I actually do anything with my phone.
My goals are:
1) To create a full .img backup of my current system so I can always go back to it if needed/worst case scenario
2) Create a list of all my installed apps. Backup a few select apps that contain data within them that does not get backed up in the cloud or appear in a copyable source anywhere when i browse the phone directories (an app called Pattrn specifically that stores favorited background images..)
3) wipe/clear the my current incarnation of kitkat and re-install it 'fresh' (possibly without the bloat?), then reload desired apps.
4) create a backup .img of this new instance.
-----------------
I'm generally pretty quick to learn technical content but I've honestly tried to fully grok the steps for the last two weeks and haven't gotten there/understand enough to be confident to do what I think I need to do.
can take this to PM if anyone has some patience to work with me. Gladly donate to any app you make or paypal a few bucks if you can help walk me through this..
My understanding is that I need to get TWRP or CWM installed in order to get a custom recovery (as opposed to a stock recovery process)---which will allow me to do step 3. But even getting TWRP going I'm confused..
Thanks
water- said:
My apologies if this has been covered. I've successfully rooted and unlocked the bootloader. I've tried my best to do a lot of reading including going through item by item in the xda wiki glossary but I'm still a little confused/want clarification before I actually do anything with my phone.
My understanding is that I need to get TWRP or CWM installed in order to get a custom recovery (as opposed to a stock recovery process)---which will allow me to do step 3. But even getting TWRP going I'm confused..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can't help with everything..but with custom recovery..the easiest way is download flashify from play store and flash recovery image with itfrom here http://androidhosting.org/Devs/Dhacker29/msm8960/ you have a Razr M on kitkat use this one http://androidhosting.org/Devs/Dhacker29/msm8960/TWRP2710-RAZR_M-KITKAT.img
copy it to sdcard or internal storage...open flashify and select recovery image then choose the downloaded file..flash it and restart
water- said:
My apologies if this has been covered. I've successfully rooted and unlocked the bootloader. I've tried my best to do a lot of reading including going through item by item in the xda wiki glossary but I'm still a little confused/want clarification before I actually do anything with my phone.
My goals are:
1) To create a full .img backup of my current system so I can always go back to it if needed/worst case scenario
2) Create a list of all my installed apps. Backup a few select apps that contain data within them that does not get backed up in the cloud or appear in a copyable source anywhere when i browse the phone directories (an app called Pattrn specifically that stores favorited background images..)
3) wipe/clear the my current incarnation of kitkat and re-install it 'fresh' (possibly without the bloat?), then reload desired apps.
4) create a backup .img of this new instance.
-----------------
I'm generally pretty quick to learn technical content but I've honestly tried to fully grok the steps for the last two weeks and haven't gotten there/understand enough to be confident to do what I think I need to do.
can take this to PM if anyone has some patience to work with me. Gladly donate to any app you make or paypal a few bucks if you can help walk me through this..
My understanding is that I need to get TWRP or CWM installed in order to get a custom recovery (as opposed to a stock recovery process)---which will allow me to do step 3. But even getting TWRP going I'm confused..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, with TWRP, there is an option to back up your current system, data, and boot image.
So, let's say you make a backup your stock kitkat rom, you can wipe that, install a compatible rom. And if that fails or you do not like it, you can boot back into TWRP and restore the backup you made with the restore option.
I'm not too sure what you are asking about your apps, but with titanium backup, you can backup any app + their current data. For example, lets say you backup your favorite browser and it has everything just the way you want it, you can back it up with titanium backup, flash your rom, and restore it with titanium backup.
Not sure if that was what you were asking with #2, but if you have another question, ask away. I'm on a road trip so I have plenty of time.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
crazy4android said:
can't help with everything..but with custom recovery..the easiest way is download flashify from play store and flash recovery image with itfrom here [link] you have a Razr M on kitkat use this one.. [link]
copy it to sdcard or internal storage...open flashify and select recovery image then choose the downloaded file..flash it and restart
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your fast response, I appreciate it. I can do this--can you just clarify for me to define specifically what 'custom recovery' means?
I might be over-thinking it but I'm still trying to actually understand what custom recovery means-I assume it is in contrast to the current recovery which is still whatever shipped with the phone from verizon/motorola? So the above .img is a kitkat-base recovery (possibly without verizon bloat?)
Thanks
poppers162 said:
Well, with TWRP, there is an option to back up your current system, data, and boot image.
So, let's say you make a backup your stock kitkat rom, you can wipe that, install a compatible rom. And if that fails or you do not like it, you can boot back into TWRP and restore the backup you made with the restore option.
I'm not too sure what you are asking about your apps, but with titanium backup, you can backup any app + their current data. For example, lets say you backup your favorite browser and it has everything just the way you want it, you can back it up with titanium backup, flash your rom, and restore it with titanium backup.
Not sure if that was what you were asking with #2, but if you have another question, ask away. I'm on a road trip so I have plenty of time.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you too for your response!
So yes, I would like to use TWRP for that--make a backup of my current stock rom in all aspects, then start with a fresh instance. Does doing the step the above poster linked basically get TWRP installed as a custom recovery---which then gives me the options to create those backups in the bootloader menu? again sorry for my confusion, I've read the guides and how-to but I'm getting tripped up on some of the lingo/definitions.
On #2 Yes, that is basically what I wanted--I've got titanium backup installed and have backed up a few of these programs to my SD card already. Only have a handful of programs that have any customization that I care to retain.
water- said:
thank you for your fast response, I appreciate it. I can do this--can you just clarify for me to define specifically what 'custom recovery' means?
I might be over-thinking it but I'm still trying to actually understand what custom recovery means-I assume it is in contrast to the current recovery which is still whatever shipped with the phone from verizon/motorola? So the above .img is a kitkat-base recovery (possibly without verizon bloat?)
Thanks
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you can do diff things like poppers162 mentioned you can backup ur entire rom with it...its very easy to flash nd very user friendly to navigate..no the above is a recovery img...you can boot ur phone into it once you flash it..then from there you can backup ur stock rom..and install/flash custom roms with bloat removed..
or another option is just freeze the apps you don't want with titanium backup..its almost as effective as uninstalling
Okay.. I've got TWRP going and creating a backup of my current system onto an external SD card. .. progress.
I've already backed up everything I desired in titanium.
Next up doing a 'clean' start in kitkat--or a slightly improved version. I realize at this point maybe things become more subjective to people's preferences.. I'm not looking to go to CM. I found some stock or a very-nearly-stock version of kitkat I can now 'start' fresh with--the google play edition? or do I need to download "Android 4.4.2 Blur_Version.183.46.10.XT907.Verizon.en.US"? I guess I need some more help at this point. Verizon is my carrier..
Thanks--do appreciate the help! :good:
water- said:
Okay.. I've got TWRP going and creating a backup of my current system onto an external SD card. .. progress.
I've already backed up everything I desired in titanium.
Next up doing a 'clean' start in kitkat--or a slightly improved version. I realize at this point maybe things become more subjective to people's preferences.. I'm not looking to go to CM. I found some stock or a very-nearly-stock version of kitkat I can now 'start' fresh with--the google play edition? or do I need to download "Android 4.4.2 Blur_Version.183.46.10.XT907.Verizon.en.US"? I guess I need some more help at this point. Verizon is my carrier..
Thanks--do appreciate the help! :good:
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Click to collapse
Android 4.4.2 Blur_Version.183.46.10.XT907.Verizon.en.US is complete stock with all the verison bloatware...as for the google play edition..i don't know if theres a flashable rom..the one in the Droid RAZR M Android Development is for fastboot i think..not sure and i myself havent looked into how to fastboot a fxz
water- said:
Okay.. I've got TWRP going and creating a backup of my current system onto an external SD card. .. progress.
I've already backed up everything I desired in titanium.
Next up doing a 'clean' start in kitkat--or a slightly improved version. I realize at this point maybe things become more subjective to people's preferences.. I'm not looking to go to CM. I found some stock or a very-nearly-stock version of kitkat I can now 'start' fresh with--the google play edition? or do I need to download "Android 4.4.2 Blur_Version.183.46.10.XT907.Verizon.en.US"? I guess I need some more help at this point. Verizon is my carrier..
Thanks--do appreciate the help! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's only a handful of roms compatible with the kitkat 3.4 kernel. I, personally, love cm11 test build. It's been going great. I would give it a try. If you don't like it, you have your backup!
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Kitstalk ran pretty smoothly minus the speaker phone issues I like it but I've always been a fan of beanstalk... that was a few days ago when I flashed it so it may be fixed now I haven't checked on it...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
success..95% or so
wanted to follow up here.. some of the terms finally clicked in my mind to understand the functions of recovery/fastboot/bootloader/flashing..etc. I wonder if there is a flow-chart type diagram available out there--that type of thing would have really helped to understand--being able to visualize where these different aspects interact and where files etc line up with them.
Short version: successfully running GPE rom smoothly and enjoyably on a 'clean' system.
needless to say I used TWRP to backup my system. And Titanium for specific apps. Used rsdlite to flash the GPE rom from the forum here. Then I factor reset the rom, then I think I formatted internal storage space?? --at that juncture I was a little less clear what the specific sequence should have been to 'start fresh'. Should I have factory reset my device before flashing the rom? Or maybe it really doesn't matter.
Thanks for everyone's help. One thing that didn't migrate over through gcloud backups--embedded images in text msging program. relatively small loss though
cheers