Kies, Smartswitch and custom Roms? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am considering installing a custom rom on my i9505 because I get random periods of constant reboots on latest BTU stock rom. Sometimes 1 or 2 weeks without a problem, then continuously rebooting for and hour or two.
I appreciate the simplicity of backing up everything with Kies or more recently, Smartswitch, and I am wondering whether it will still be possible to use Kies or Smartswitch to back up phone data such as SMS, call logs, contacts etc., or if this is no longer possible, what other alternatives are there to back up all phone data as well as apps, media etc. (I know Titanium Backup will do my apps so that is not my main concern here).

If you are not running a stock rom, kies and smart switch cannot be used to backup and the phone contents from or too the custom rom.
To backup, install twrp and use twrp's backup function. The restore process is usually successful but, in case it isn't, it's always a good idea to have a data backup in another format.

audit13 said:
If you are not running a stock rom, kies and smart switch cannot be used to backup and the phone contents from or too the custom rom.
To backup, install twrp and use twrp's backup function. The restore process is usually successful but, in case it isn't, it's always a good idea to have a data backup in another format.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did suspect as much, but being unfamiliar with Samsung I wasn't sure. Thanks for your response

Related

Messed up home screen after backup

I apologize if this post isn't very clear, I'm tired and English is not my native language...
I upgraded to Cyanogen's 5.0.7 Test 5 ROM not too long ago from CM 4.2.14.1. Before doing that I backed up my app data wit Backup for root users. I haven't done that before, so I checked multiple boxes, not knowing which one was the correct one. The tutorial I followed then stated I should check the SD-card to make sure only app data was backed-up, and no system data.
So I checked and found only maps from my apps.
So far so good.
However, when I restored the app data, my home screen got messed up. It thinks the fourth screen is the center one (so it goes there when pressing the home button) and all widgets say "Problem loading this widget". Also I can't change anything. I Can't remove or rearrange widgets or shortcuts. If I try to do so, Android crashes (FC on android.process.acore).
I'm pretty sure it is completely my own fault, not a bug in the ROM. When I restored the data I must have corrupted the file in which the home screen data is stored.
So, finally my questions: Is there a way to restore this without doing a wipe (I'm guessing re-flashing without a wipe will still keep the corrupted settings)?
If anyone can tell me which file is responsible for the home screen settings, can I delete it so Android will restore it with a new (empty) one?
Can I replace it with someone else's? Or extract it from a ROM-file?
That are the solutions I came up with. If its easier to just wipe and re-flash, tell me and I will do so. I just hoped there was a way I can prevent having to set up the phone all over again...
Thanks in advance!
Did you nandroid backup? If you did, restore it and backup all your apps using Titanium Backup. Backup for root users has always gave me problems as well. Titanium Backup allows all the same options that you need, but just works better imho.
If you didn't nandroid and can't do that - I'm pretty sure a wipe is your only option. You can try fix_permissions from the terminal, but I don't think it's going to fix your problems.
I did do a nandroid backup, but that was just before I flashed CM 5... I guess restoring a nandroid backup from my CM 4.2.14.1 setup is not a good idea?
Hmm, guess I will be re-flashing this evening Thanks anyway!
EDIT: I will use Titanium from now on... I had heard of it, but the tutorial I followed used Backup for root users...
Restoring a nandroid backup is NOT bad at all. That's what its there for. It doesn't matter if you nandroided a completely different ROM then flashed CM5. Flashing a new ROM doesn't affect the nandroid backup EVER.
You flash a nasty, nasty ROM and are like, "Oh ****!" Just go nandroid.
I usually wipe all data/cache before restoring, but some people don't. Either way, it completely restores your phone to the state it was at before backing up. This includes applications and everything. (App data, system settings, app settings, etc.)
I thought nandroid just restored system files and settings... But if it completely restores my phone, a might just as well wipe and re-flash since it will restore it to the previous ROM.
Thanks for the info, I have learned some more about my phone

Some super-simple noob backup questions

Quick and to the point:
1. Is a clockwork backup a full image of the system, such that if I restore from it no matter what kernel, rom, mod, etc. I've installed, I get exactly the completely system and state that I had when I made the backup? I.e., it is a true failsafe against messing up the phone, so long as CWR will boot and the SD card is intact?
2. A complete backup with Titanium, backing up all apps and system data, is a migration path for trying a new ROM? IOW, I can simply do a complete backup with Titanium, wipe wipe wipe, install the target ROM, then restore "missing apps and data" from Titanium and -- voila! I'm on the new ROM, but with all my apps, configuration, etc. I had before?
I'm getting ready to try out the Syndicate ROM...
dwallersv said:
Quick and to the point:
1. Is a clockwork backup a full image of the system, such that if I restore from it no matter what kernel, rom, mod, etc. I've installed, I get exactly the completely system and state that I had when I made the backup? I.e., it is a true failsafe against messing up the phone, so long as CWR will boot and the SD card is intact?
2. A complete backup with Titanium, backing up all apps and system data, is a migration path for trying a new ROM? IOW, I can simply do a complete backup with Titanium, wipe wipe wipe, install the target ROM, then restore "missing apps and data" from Titanium and -- voila! I'm on the new ROM, but with all my apps, configuration, etc. I had before?
I'm getting ready to try out the Syndicate ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha! I am searching now for the exact same question! I am looking to try the Epic Experience. I will follow this thread to see what the answer is.
Thanks.
First off might I comment that Syndicate Rom is a great choice. Not just saying that cause any of them are my buddies either, cause IDK Any of them... so far though Running Syndicate Rom/Kernel with SetCPU at 200-1200 has been the smoothest Rom experience I have had up to date.
1. Is a clockwork backup a full image of the system, such that if I restore from it no matter what kernel, rom, mod, etc. I've installed, I get exactly the completely system and state that I had when I made the backup? I.e., it is a true failsafe against messing up the phone, so long as CWR will boot and the SD card is intact?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes in theory it is a backup of everything, data, apps installed, boot, system, literally the entire phone is backed up. Is it a failsafe though? I would rather say not. On some phones we can restore a clockwork recovery and have no issues, but since I've had my epic and switched around with different Roms, I've noticed that restore dosen't work quite as it should, probably because Roms are so much different, and you run into FC's, boot loops, and other issues... Restoring peices in advanced restore works well but a complete restore almost always has bugs.
True statement though that even if you screw up and get a boot loop, or constant force closes/phone restarts, as long as you can get back into clockwork your phone is not screwed. You were right on that one. So no worries if you wanna test and play.
2. A complete backup with Titanium, backing up all apps and system data, is a migration path for trying a new ROM? IOW, I can simply do a complete backup with Titanium, wipe wipe wipe, install the target ROM, then restore "missing apps and data" from Titanium and -- voila! I'm on the new ROM, but with all my apps, configuration, etc. I had before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have the idea right. You really don't even need to back all your apps up with titanium anymore these days, though, it too is plagued with FC's and problems. If you are using clockwork recovery, and you have made a backup already... all you have to do when installing a NEW rom is first wipe-fest, then let it boot once, then restart, go to clockwork, go to Advanced Restore, and ONLY restore the DATA part. (Reason for this is if you restore Boot, System, etc it will try to restore the Rom you just installed... Data is where all your apps/settings are at) This will do exactly the same thing as titanium backup will do, only with less bugs and alot easier.
Cool... thanks for the great response.
It's too bad there isn't an iron-clad, 100% reliable means to take a snapshot of the phone that can be restored reliably.
On WM it was simply a matter of using one of the various backup utilities (I used SPB Backup 2) to make an image of the system. No matter what I did to the phone, I could always wipe it back to factory clean, then restore from backup and have my phone back exactly as it was, with no issues.
I'm trying a CW backup, factory reset, restore cycle right now to see what happens. I'll report back on my experience.
EDIT: Okay, one deviation from the WM experience: The factory reset did NOT reset the kernel -- MixUp is still showing as the running kernel. Is Odin the only way to get the factory kernel back?​No matter what, I'm on my way after that to the Syndicate ROM!
EDIT: Okay, the CW restore seems to have restored everything back to the way it was, without problems after some brief playing around. No FCs (so far). On to wiping again, installing Syndicate Standard, then restoring data from CW as recommended here.​
OperationMove said:
You have the idea right. You really don't even need to back all your apps up with titanium anymore these days, though, it too is plagued with FC's and problems. If you are using clockwork recovery, and you have made a backup already... all you have to do when installing a NEW rom is first wipe-fest, then let it boot once, then restart, go to clockwork, go to Advanced Restore, and ONLY restore the DATA part. (Reason for this is if you restore Boot, System, etc it will try to restore the Rom you just installed... Data is where all your apps/settings are at) This will do exactly the same thing as titanium backup will do, only with less bugs and alot easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright I took the plunge and it seemed to work well. Some things that I noticed was that on first boot (before I did the restore), all of the preinstalled apps showed up (for instance, wireless tether, wired tether, launcher pro, etc...). Since I did a restore of the data, all of MY apps are there, but some of the apps that were preinstalled disappeared. Not all of them, though. For example, Launcher Pro and Wired and wireless tether disappeared, but Car Home is still there.
Another thing to note is that my widgets on the home screen don't seem to function correctly at first. I had to remove them and readd them to the home screen for them to work.
Other than that, everything is as it should be.
hotwired34 said:
Alright I took the plunge and it seemed to work well. Some things that I noticed was that on first boot (before I did the restore), all of the preinstalled apps showed up (for instance, wireless tether, wired tether, launcher pro, etc...). Since I did a restore of the data, all of MY apps are there, but some of the apps that were preinstalled disappeared. Not all of them, though. For example, Launcher Pro and Wired and wireless tether disappeared, but Car Home is still there.
Another thing to note is that my widgets on the home screen don't seem to function correctly at first. I had to remove them and readd them to the home screen for them to work.
Other than that, everything is as it should be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... okay. So just to provide a different datapoint, I'll go the Titanium route to get my own apps and settings back, and report. I'm guessing CW wiped the DATA partition before the restore, wiping out the pre-installed stuff from the ROM.
dwallersv said:
Hmmm... okay. So just to provide a different datapoint, I'll go the Titanium route to get my own apps and settings back, and report. I'm guessing CW wiped the DATA partition before the restore, wiping out the pre-installed stuff from the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, since yesterday, I tried both ways. I did a wipe back to the default Syndicate Rom and installed Titanium Backup. While restoring, I noticed that not all apps would restore (seemed to be ones that were in the stock ROM so it's understandable). I did a restore of apps + data. Now, I had most of my apps back, however, I noticed that some of the data was missing. For me, most importantly was the SMS Messages. I also wanted to note that doing an application by application restore of the backup was very time consuming! I had to basically reinstall every app (and then Titanium restored the data)
Nandroid doesnt seem to touch the kernel on our phones ether I noticed. I had a problem yesterday after I flashed a new rom and when I went to do a restore through nandroid I got a bootloop. Once I reflashed the kernel it fixed the bootlooping problem. I have noticed this in other instances to with kernels not being backed up since I did one after I rooted my phone so I would have a stock image.
Thanks guys on your experience and feedback on the backup thing that I'm wondering what to do after stock root.
dito33
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
pyroswithoutfire said:
Nandroid doesnt seem to touch the kernel on our phones ether I noticed. I had a problem yesterday after I flashed a new rom and when I went to do a restore through nandroid I got a bootloop. Once I reflashed the kernel it fixed the bootlooping problem. I have noticed this in other instances to with kernels not being backed up since I did one after I rooted my phone so I would have a stock image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I have been told in the past- a nandroid restore does not replace the kernel

Any problems moving to 4.3 after restoring apps and settings w/Titanium Backup Pro?

I'm thinking about finally moving to 4.3 using a custom ROM (haven't decided which one yet). I have Titanium Backup Pro and plan to restore all my apps and settings after the upgrade. Is this process likely to end in a stable system? I don't have the time and patience to go through installing and configuring everything again, so if it's not a dependable process I might as well wait for the OTA update (and deal with Knox later...)
Thanks!
Don't worry, this is what I did all is fine.
Before anything, make a backup of your internal SD (just in case), EFS backup and all apps with Titanium. Then in Phils recovery select option to erase everything for new ROM flashing. I also did manual wipe of cache & dalvik just in case. Don't worry, your internal card won't be touched, but always better safe than sorry. Then flash MJ5 kernel, and finaly flash your chosen ROM. Then you can restore apps from titanium. I had like 2 apps that didn't work at all after restore, probably incompatible with 4.3. The system is stable 100%. Never had a reboot.
Thank you Dalanik. This is very encouraging to know.
oren_b said:
I'm thinking about finally moving to 4.3 using a custom ROM (haven't decided which one yet). I have Titanium Backup Pro and plan to restore all my apps and settings after the upgrade. Is this process likely to end in a stable system? I don't have the time and patience to go through installing and configuring everything again, so if it's not a dependable process I might as well wait for the OTA update (and deal with Knox later...)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try it? How did it go?
I had faced a lot of issues when I did this recently. My contacts and message apps started to crash. Could have been OS problem no idea, but I was losing all my messages and my contacts. Ended up using super backup and import/export feature. Then on TB i restored only the apps and not the settings or system data. Now its perfectly stable, no crashes whatsoever
If you erase phone completely for flashing, contacts will be restored automaticaly from google contacts, but I'm afraid SMSes won't. That's another thing worth backing up. I used SMS BAckup and Restore, works perfectly, although you can also use Titanium as well.

HELP! - Titanium backup Killed GPS and a few settings.

I have a Note 3 running stock 4.4.2. I rooted successfully using the towel root method as shown here.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/general/root-root-xxufnf4-stock-firmware-knox-t2840150. I installed SuperSU and Titanium Backup (the non-pro version) from Google Play.
I used the phone and all the features for three days. However yesterday I ran a backup for the first time using Titanium backup ( all settings and apps) and since then my GPS seems to have conked off.... it keeps hunting and does not get a lock. I have tried rebooting multiple times, tried using it with both with Google Maps and Sygic (paid version) but both dont get a GPS lock. I was using the GPS successfully till then, so I have to assume the Titanium backup process must have messed something up . Additionally, immediately after the back up process was over, I found a lot of my setting were gone. I lost the wall paper I had set (reverted to a blank one), keyboard reverted to default Samsung keyboard from Swype, etc. This further reinforces my feeling the backup process mucked something up.
I am sure this is not normal. While the other settings was able to change manually, I cannot do without GPS. Pls help!
cmatic2 said:
I have a Note 3 running stock 4.4.2. I rooted successfully using the towel root method as shown here.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/general/root-root-xxufnf4-stock-firmware-knox-t2840150. I installed SuperSU and Titanium Backup (the non-pro version) from Google Play.
I used the phone and all the features for three days. However yesterday I ran a backup for the first time using Titanium backup ( all settings and apps) and since then my GPS seems to have conked off.... it keeps hunting and does not get a lock. I have tried rebooting multiple times, tried using it with both with Google Maps and Sygic (paid version) but both dont get a GPS lock. I was using the GPS successfully till then, so I have to assume the Titanium backup process must have messed something up . Additionally, immediately after the back up process was over, I found a lot of my setting were gone. I lost the wall paper I had set (reverted to a blank one), keyboard reverted to default Samsung keyboard from Swype, etc. This further reinforces my feeling the backup process mucked something up.
I am sure this is not normal. While the other settings was able to change manually, I cannot do without GPS. Pls help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what your level of expertise is, but simplest would be to run a Nandroid backup to your extSDCard, then reflash the ROM. You will then need to re-root etc. One thing to be aware of - when going to Download Mode, ALWAYS power off, remove the battery for 10 secs or so, insert it and hold down the keys to get into DL mode.
Once the firmware is installed & you've got root, you can Restore the Data from your nandroid and be back where you were.
I don't know how running a backup could do anything like you describe - maybe a Restore might do something, but I've been using TB for a couple of years with nothing like that.
Not sure what your level of expertise is, but simplest would be to run a Nandroid backup to your extSDCard, then reflash the ROM. You will then need to re-root etc. One thing to be aware of - when going to Download Mode, ALWAYS power off, remove the battery for 10 secs or so, insert it and hold down the keys to get into DL mode.
Once the firmware is installed & you've got root, you can Restore the Data from your nandroid and be back where you were.
I don't know how running a backup could do anything like you describe - maybe a Restore might do something, but I've been using TB for a couple of years with nothing like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am an absolute newbie wrt flashing etc. I am a sales guy - so my computer knowledge is layman-ish. I can follow instructions though! This is the first time i am trying something with an Android phone - my earlier trysts were limited to unlocking my iPhone 2 some 7 years back!
1. I used this method of rooting since it does not trigger knox. I will look up Nandriod backup - any links you can point me to will help. Only worry is does Nandriod trigger knox?
2. The towel root method only needed me to flash back the kernel related to my ROM (GNJ1) . Do you think reflashing that kernel again will do or do I have to flash the whole ROM again?
3. Do I have to unroot etc before I flash the ROM?
4. Lastly - Do I use KIES 3 to reflash the ROM? (to keep the warranty etc intact)
cmatic2 said:
I am an absolute newbie wrt flashing etc. I am a sales guy - so my computer knowledge is layman-ish. I can follow instructions though!
1. I used this method of rooting since it does not trigger knox. I will look up Nandriod backup - any links you can point me to will help. Only worry is does Nandriod trigger knox?
2. The towel root method only needed me to flash back the kernel related to my ROM (GNJ1) . Do you think reflashing that kernel again will do or do I have to flash the whole ROM again?
3. Do I have to unroot etc before I flash the ROM?
4. Lastly - Do I use KIES 3 to reflash the ROM? (to keep the warranty etc intact)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid has to do with the Recovery you install. TBH I don't know if installing a custom recovery like TWRP will actually trip Knox if you are currently rooted and HAVEN'T tripped it. My bet is it would. If you have all your apps saved in TB, you could use a root browser like ES File Explorer to make sure you have any photos, Media etc. copied to your extSDCard before doing anything else. Shouldn't have to unroot as normally the firmware will flash over the top, then you need to follow the root procedure again - I haven't used Towelroot so maybe ask in that thread?

TWRP Restore Does not Properly Restore...

Hello All!
Before you tell me to search or check threads, I already have. This problem does not have anything to do with forgetting to disable the pins and fingerprints before backing up. My problem has do do with I have already disabled/removed security before backing up my nandroid. I check/select everything that I can to backup and it successfully completes. When I go to restore, everything looks to be properly restored, but alas, there is a problem. When I reboot, it asks me for a password to get into TWRP (apparently "default_password). But when I get in and go to file explorer to find anything, my entire storage is wiped. Like no OS or any files. The only other issue I've had besides this is when restoring a nandroid, it doesn't complete and reboots to a bootloop.
I am on the newest version of TWRP, 3.0.3-0. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I, and anyone who has had to redo the complete phone setup/customization, do not enjoy taking over an hour to get things back up and running. Cruddy thing is I did a Titanium Backup for my apps and settings, but they got wiped.
boostin91tsi01 said:
Hello All!
Before you tell me to search or check threads, I already have. This problem does not have anything to do with forgetting to disable the pins and fingerprints before backing up. My problem has do do with I have already disabled/removed security before backing up my nandroid. I check/select everything that I can to backup and it successfully completes. When I go to restore, everything looks to be properly restored, but alas, there is a problem. When I reboot, it asks me for a password to get into TWRP (apparently "default_password). But when I get in and go to file explorer to find anything, my entire storage is wiped. Like no OS or any files. The only other issue I've had besides this is when restoring a nandroid, it doesn't complete and reboots to a bootloop.
I am on the newest version of TWRP, 3.0.3-0. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I, and anyone who has had to redo the complete phone setup/customization, do not enjoy taking over an hour to get things back up and running. Cruddy thing is I did a Titanium Backup for my apps and settings, but they got wiped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am genuinely interested in this because I back up on a regular basis after each security update but I have never had to restore. Now it is my understanding that even if security is disable the data is still encrypted. Perhaps I'm wrong about that but if you ever did have a password or pin to log into the phone with have you tried to enter that into TWRP?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
You only need to back up the defaults... system, data, and boot.
What should I back up in TWRP?
https://twrp.me/faq/whattobackup.html
redduc900 said:
You only need to back up the defaults... system, data, and boot.
What should I back up in TWRP?
https://twrp.me/faq/whattobackup.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the web is full of opinions, but I've read somewhere to backup EFS? I have also read somewhere before that what you said to backup, while is plenty sufficient, if you have space, to backup everything. I followed that and it lead me to an hour plus of restoring back to how it was. I will give it a go, hoping that I never have to use it, but it will work when the situation arises.
I've only ever backed up those three partitions, and never had an issue with restoring backups. You can certainly create a backup of the EFS/IMEI, but keep it stored in a safe place like on your computer or a thumb drive. One thing I should note is when restoring a backup, make sure to also flash the correct vendor.img if necessary.
I usually backup vendor with it but as earlier indicated I don't believe it's completely necessary. As far as EFS is concerned yes I would agree with backing that up however what I do is back it up to a separate backup folder and only write it if something were to ever happen to it otherwise leave it alone. That way you don't take a chance I'm corrupting something in that partition.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I've never successfully restored a backup on the Nexus 6P regardless of what version of TWRP I used. Different builds of TWRP give me different problems but none has ever worked. I've completely given up doing nandroid backups on this phone because it's a waste of time and disc space. I never had a similar issue on any other phone that I have ever owned and am not a newbie when it comes to rooting and custom roms. What I always ended up doing after a problem restoring a backup is flash the complete factory image using the flash-all.bat command and start over with everything I want to flash.
jhs39 said:
I've never successfully restored a backup on the Nexus 6P regardless of what version of TWRP I used. Different builds of TWRP give me different problems but none has ever worked. I've completely given up doing nandroid backups on this phone because it's a waste of time and disc space. I never had a similar issue on any other phone that I have ever owned and am not a newbie when it comes to rooting and custom roms. What I always ended up doing after a problem restoring a backup is flash the complete factory image using the flash-all.bat command and start over with everything I want to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem, so now I've started doing a TiBU and Verizon Messages backup, after all those are completed, transfer and save it to my PC. If I have any problems, I transfer from the PC to phone and it's less headache... kinda sorta.
Restore never worked to the fullest. I tried different versions of TWRP, same problem. Restore starts a red error line in beginning of the restore process an at the end it shows ‘Restore complete’. When I restart, everything looks restored but with bugs like:
-network or sim itself is not shown
-Bluetooth, wifi wont connect
-Quicksetting tiles not responding etc…
The idea of backing up via TWRP is to get every bit RESTORED properly, but it doesn’t work.
I take a full back up before moving to update the firmware version (example MIUI 10), if I do not like the firmware then I want to go back to the previous firmware version (example MIUI 9) and TWRP RESTORE feature never works. I have to again flash the rom and then restore everything via Titanium backup.
I always take a TWRP backup of all the items available:
System
Data
Cache
Cust
Recovery
Boot
EFS
Persist
Still it never restores properly. It’s a mere time waste or the restore option to be removed from TWRP as it never worked across of its versions.
Can anyone explain me in a line, what is Cust, EFS and Persist?
I really appreciate if anyone help me understand where I’m going wrong.

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