what to do when updating roms? - G1 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I am switching over to Super D 1.8 from Super D 1.6. I have nandroid the 1.6 and flashed 1.8. How do I move over all my app and other data from 1.6 to 1.8? Also, are the steps the same when switching across different roms such as moving from Super D 1.6 to Eclair?

hbguy said:
Hi,
I am switching over to Super D 1.8 from Super D 1.6. I have nandroid the 1.6 and flashed 1.8. How do I move over all my app and other data from 1.6 to 1.8? Also, are the steps the same when switching across different roms such as moving from Super D 1.6 to Eclair?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use one of the backup tools from the market, like Backup for root users, and restore them that way, although personally i don;t bother backing up my apps when i use it as they tend to come back a bit buggy when you restore them to another build and don't link up correctly with the market for updates.
you could just re download them - everytning you had before should still be in your downloads section for the market and if you're on wifi it shouldn't take too long (unless you've got hundreds of apps)
or you could be lazy and do what i did - flash 1.8 over 1.6 with no wipe - doesn't always work and definitely not recommended when going from one dev's work to another's, but this upgrade worked fine for me

I usually back them up in a folder on my sd
mkdir sdcard/backup
cp /system/sd/app/* /sdcard/backups
then go in manually and reinstall them plus you will have a backup JIC

Related

Android Market disappears after ext wipe?

Okay, this is a little odd -
I found myself getting stuck in bootloops on my G1, after updating to Cyanogen 4.2.10, and so I decided to go into recovery (Amon Ra) and wipe the ext partition.
Upon booting my phone back up again, everything worked great, very smooth. I pushed my (backed-up) apps back to the phone, and all was well...
Until I realized that the Market app was oddly missing. Other Google apps are there - Gmail, messaging, etc. But not the market.
In my hurry to fix my problem I neglected to make a full backup, and so, uhh, I'm sorta borked.
Any way I can get back the market? I know it's Google's secret little code, but is there any way someone can surreptitiously direct me towards an apk?
I'd be much obliged.
Android G-1 (on T-Mobile)
Stock SD card because I suck
Recovery: Amon Ra v1.2.3
HardSPL 10.95.3000
Radio: 2.22.19.26I
ohspaceman said:
Okay, this is a little odd -
I found myself getting stuck in bootloops on my G1, after updating to Cyanogen 4.2.10, and so I decided to go into recovery (Amon Ra) and wipe the ext partition.
Upon booting my phone back up again, everything worked great, very smooth. I pushed my (backed-up) apps back to the phone, and all was well...
Until I realized that the Market app was oddly missing. Other Google apps are there - Gmail, messaging, etc. But not the market.
In my hurry to fix my problem I neglected to make a full backup, and so, uhh, I'm sorta borked.
Any way I can get back the market? I know it's Google's secret little code, but is there any way someone can surreptitiously direct me towards an apk?
I'd be much obliged.
Android G-1 (on T-Mobile)
Stock SD card because I suck
Recovery: Amon Ra v1.2.3
HardSPL 10.95.3000
Radio: 2.22.19.26I
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could find the Vending.apk in any of the full build's that don't use the legal work around like Cyanogen
I'd just download Dwang's or WG's build, unzip and you could find it in it's respective place
I have pretty much the same problem...
a few days ago my phone started spazzing after installing Cyanogen's 4.2.11 and there was nothing i could do except formatting my sd card and a factory reset... eventually, i got my phone back to work, but it only came with all of the default apps except for the Android Market.
So then i tried to install the HTC recovery image along with cyanogen 4.2.11.1 to see if that would fix my problem, but my market app is STILL missing. I really need my market app back -____- even though cyanogen's rom comes with slideme mobentoo marketplace, the app force closes whenever i try to open it.
can anyone help?
^ I would just start all over. Cyan is working on experimental now so you likely have the final stable build, for the time being anyway.
wipe, use AmonRAs recovery to partition your SD and get you to EXT4.
Flash HTC, immediately after flash cyan... reboot and you should have googles apps back (including market).
Download your apps and then go back to recovery and make a nandroid+Ext backup for any future issues.
I just startwed from scratch and am glad I did. My G1 seems a lot faster afterwards.
OR, do ^^ if you are capable.
vending was stored on the /system/sd/app (ext partition app folder), push it to /system/app so it won't get erased when you wipe ext.
The root of the problem is:
the market is a system app so it's in /system/app
however there is a new update for the market so when you open it and it connects to Google servers it updates the market app.
since most roms (like cyanogens) have app2sd setup ... when the android market updates itself, it installs on the ext partition. /system/sd (symb link)
So if you wipe your ext you also wipe the market but no other system apps because they reside on system memory.
maybe the new market needs to be included in these roms ... or make an exception of some sort. However ... that's probably what happened in your case. Hopefully you can understand that.
good day!
.

What is the best way to Backup User Settings between ROM Upgrades

Currently I am using CM 5.0.6-N1, it's running really well and I've spend many hours installing multiple applications (SD Card) and configuring many of them and system parameters as well.
I would like to test CM 5.0.7-N1-Test 2, but before doing that I would like to know what type of Backup Process I should follow in order to keep:
- All my currently installed applications in the SD card
- Keep all my application's configuration
- Keep all my system's configuration
- All my downloads from the Market
- Etc.
I know that everything related to Google will be saved automatically.
Is there a way to upgrade the ROM and after a quick restore to be in the same configuration I am now but with an updated version of the OS ?, thanks a lot
Post in the right section please read the rules
I use the donated version of titanium backup.
It saves all applications and user data.
You do the upgrade and everything should still be there. If not. run titanium restore and voila!
Just make sure you don't select to restore any of the google apps since it'll overwrite the newer version.
I used the nandroid+ ext feature from amon_ra recovery 1.7.0 and it seem to backup my apps. When I went and tried the Desire rom. Didn't like it so i went back, restored with nandroid and all my apps were back on SD.
futango said:
I used the nandroid+ ext feature from amon_ra recovery 1.7.0 and it seem to backup my apps. When I went and tried the Desire rom. Didn't like it so i went back, restored with nandroid and all my apps were back on SD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the difference in Recovery 1.7.0 between Nandroid and Nandroid+ Ext Backup ?
Do you know if the Backup Current ROM option in the ROM Manager application will have the same results ?, thanks
noodles12 said:
I use the donated version of titanium backup.
It saves all applications and user data.
You do the upgrade and everything should still be there. If not. run titanium restore and voila!
Just make sure you don't select to restore any of the google apps since it'll overwrite the newer version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the difference between using Titanium's Backup, Recovery's Nandroid Backup and ROM Manager's Backup ?, all of the will back up the configuration and apps only ?, or some of the will backup the full Android OS as well ?, thanks
brosenz said:
What's the difference in Recovery 1.7.0 between Nandroid and Nandroid+ Ext Backup ?
Do you know if the Backup Current ROM option in the ROM Manager application will have the same results ?, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid is just a back up of your OS and settings.
Nandroid + Ext is a backup of your OS, settings, and A2SD which are stored in your EXT partition.
Dont know about Rom Manager, never used it.
futango said:
Nandroid is just a back up of your OS and settings.
Nandroid + Ext is a backup of your OS, settings, and A2SD which are stored in your EXT partition.
Dont know about Rom Manager, never used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But If I perform a Nandroid+ Ext backup of the existing ROM (CM 5.0.6) and then install a new ROM (CM 5.0.7-Test2), and then I do a Nandroid Restore I will replace the new ROM (CM 5.0.7 Test2) with the old one (CM 5.0.6) ???, please could you clarify
I only want to Backup my applications, settings and system configuration, not the ROM itself, thanks
brosenz said:
But If I perform a Nandroid+ Ext backup and then install a new ROM and then I do a Restore I will replace the new ROM with the old one ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ooo. So your trying to install a NEW rom and restore the settings to that one? You will probably want to use one of those apps from the market. I thought you wanted to try out a dif rom to see if you like it and then go back.
futango said:
ooo. So your trying to install a NEW rom and restore the settings to that one? You will probably want to use one of those apps from the market. I thought you wanted to try out a dif rom to see if you like it and then go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, I want to install a new ROM and then restore my settings and applications to the new ROM.
Here is the thing, every 2 to 3 weeks there is a new CM version, I like to be on the edge and always using the latest version, but I do not want to have to install all the applications and configure the setting every time.
Maybe Titanium Backup could be an option ?, thanks
brosenz said:
Exactly, I want to install a new ROM and then restore my settings and applications to the new ROM.
Here is the thing, every 2 to 3 weeks there is a new CM version, I like to be on the edge and always using the latest version, but I do not want to have to install all the applications and configure the setting every time.
Maybe Titanium Backup could be an option ?, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your just updating from CM roms you shouldn't have to WIPE. WIPE is what deletes those settings. If you are on a CM rom just install the newer ROM and it should be fine.
futango said:
If your just updating from CM roms you shouldn't have to WIPE. WIPE is what deletes those settings. If you are on a CM rom just install the newer ROM and it should be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if I am installing a Test Version ?, like going from 5.0.6 to 5.0.7-N1-Test2 ?, thanks
You can use Titanium Backup or MyBackupPro. Both work very well with backing up your settings, apps and market links. I prefer the donate version of MyBackupPro because it always seems to get the job done without errors. I have issues with Titanium Backup quite often(Lots of FC's with certain apps after a restore). However, I do have both installed. It would just be whatever your preference is. Try MyBackupPro for simplicity sake and go from there. You won't lose anything if you use either one when switching ROMS.
brosenz said:
Even if I am installing a Test Version ?, like going from 5.0.6 to 5.0.7-N1-Test2 ?, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will prob have to wipe. Either use on of those backup apps or just redo it. Create nandroid backups for each. so you dont have to worry bout it next time.
Titanium Backup has been my lifesaver. I switch back and forth between the CM5 and Desire ROMs on what seems like a near daily basis.
Since you're using primarily the CM5 ROM, here's my suggested procedure using TB
1. Run the Backup all user apps + system data script
This backs EVERYTHING up (account settings, home screen layout settings, launcher settings, all your apps including paid/protected, the works).
2. Do your ROM upgrade.
2a. If you do a clean/wiped upgrade, just skip all the initial setup steps on first boot. TB will take care of restoring it.
2b. Re-install TB from Market as necessary.
3. Start TB and Run the Restore missing apps + system data script
4. Reboot (not necessary, but highly recommended)
VoilĂ . All your apps (including all their settings) are restored.
NOTE: I don't know why, but I always seem to have to manually restore the launcher/home config from TB. If your home icons don't restore just manually find 'launcher' in the list of backups in TB and opt to restore it.
Another cool (but unadvertised) thing about TB is that it integrates the labels/categories from a program called Apps Organizer. So, you categorize all your apps into whatever categories you want in AO and when you go into TB there they are, ready for you to filter you backups by category!

market app upgrade

does anyone know how/where i can upgrade the market app in a rom im using? i lie the 2.0/2.1 market but right now its stuck on the 1.5/1.6 version, help?
Do you mean the Google Market, Vending.apk? Just pull it out of some ROM that has the Donut/Eclair market and do an adb push, though since you're running an Eclair ROM, you really already should have it..
guitargler said:
Do you mean the Google Market, Vending.apk? Just pull it out of some ROM that has the Donut/Eclair market and do an adb push, though since you're running an Eclair ROM, you really already should have it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh, no, im running a hero rom, im not very good at updating my sig ^_^;
but thanks for the heads up
Well if it's a Cupcake Hero, you may be stuck. But Eclair Heros do have the new market. If you're running a 1.5 ROM, I suggest making a bart backup, then in adb or terminal, set the system as rw, delete Vending.apk, and replace it with a Vending.apk from an Eclair Hero rom. Then if it doesn't work, just restore.
guitargler said:
Well if it's a Cupcake Hero, you may be stuck. But Eclair Heros do have the new market. If you're running a 1.5 ROM, I suggest making a bart backup, then in adb or terminal, set the system as rw, delete Vending.apk, and replace it with a Vending.apk from an Eclair Hero rom. Then if it doesn't work, just restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i tookk another look into this after i now finally understand adb and i dont know how to set the syystem as 'rw'......i tried an adb push but it gave me an error saying the app already exists and then it aborted...help? (again)

Autokiller settings not sticking

Ok I've been running Nfinites odexed rom for a few days and since I'm not overclocked right now I figured I'd use autokiller. After installing and running it for the first time the SU app asked if I wanted it to have permission (yes of course), and I changed the preset to aggressive. After switching the preset a small dialog popped up and said autokiller has been granted su, everything seemed normal. After rebooting, I opened autokiller and got the message saying "you seem to have no tweak applied" and asked me to select one, Wtf... I don't know how this app is supposed to remember your preset after startup but I'm assuming its by using some sort of cache. I do use cachecleaner regularly but cannot imagine it causing this conflict, I've run both of these apps side by side before without issues so what's up?
The problem is nfinite's newest version comes with Superuser 2.2.2. Super 2.2.2 basically has problems with SetCPU, AutoKiller, and who knows what other apps that need root access. Anyway, go get Su 2.1 here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715915#1
man nfinitefx should really put a link to su 2.1 in his original thread
Sweet thanks bro, should I just delete the other one first or what?
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Just flash over, it will replace the old one. I did that and it worked for me

Nandroid/titanium clarification please.

I'm new to rooting. Just got my moto droid (1) rooted yesterday using superoneclick. Worked Flawlessly. I've installed barnacle wifi teather utilizing my newely establish root 'superuser'.
I've been reading up on custom roms, removing bloatware, ect and am anxious to give it all a go HOWEVER first things first, I need to make a copy/backup of my stock phone's rom right?
I need to be rooted to make a backup right?
Now I've heard about nandroid and titanium back. From what I've gathered titanium backs up all ur apps and there settings to reintall after flashing a new rom,...right? (Since flashin wipes internal memory)
I think, Nandroid is needed for installing new/custom roms and/or reverting back to my stock rom.....nandroid is a program correct?
Am I following this correctly?
Id really appreciate your time to answer my elemenatry questions.
Thanks!
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
Basically, nandroid is a disc image.
You can restore your entire OS quite quickly.
Titanium is simply a very good program for backing up your apps along with data so all your settings are saved.
Restoring with titanium can take a long time though since each app gets installed one by one - and that's when it is working properly. For me, it just keeps closing itself after restoring a singe app.
I haven't seen it recommended but I HIGHLY recommend SuperManager for for backing up and restoring. It doesn't ask any questions. It just puts all your stuff back and it doesn't crash.
So I use SM for restoring the whole shot, and Titanium when I'm being more selective.
if you use nandroid to backup then after you have flashed your new ROM then you can put the nandroid files in the sd/openrecovery/nandroid/ folder, boot into open recovery and pick the nandroid files to install.
I got super manager and backed up my apps to sd card.
Next I got rom manager...now my problem is I cannot get rom manager to back up my stock rom. Flashed the clockworkmod via rom manager and tried booting into recovery,..I only get stock recovery.
Went back into rom manager and flashed the alternative recovery SPRecovery, still no luck booting into an aftermarket recovery.
What the heck am I doing wrong?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
I haven't gotten ROM Manager to work consistently, but I find that after a few attempts at booting into Clockwork Recovery, it'll eventually go through. Maybe someone can point out a way to make the process take less time.
Got up this morning and thought id try again.
Flashed the clockwork recovery then instantly hit reboot in recovery and voila!! It worked! Weird tho. Made my first nandroid.
Does anyone have a suggestion on what rom to give a try for a motorola droid (1)?
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
kmcgill88 said:
Got up this morning and thought id try again.
Flashed the clockwork recovery then instantly hit reboot in recovery and voila!! It worked! Weird tho. Made my first nandroid.
Does anyone have a suggestion on what rom to give a try for a motorola droid (1)?
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want 2.2 you should try CM6 or Froyomod 2.5.0
If you want 2.3 you should try Shadowmodbrv.2.3.2 build 3. It's the fastest rom i've tried so far....or CM7 which works quite good.
On all of these roms the battery life is really good...Many people say that their battery life sucks with custom roms but actually they havent had their battery status calibrated correctly. For example, the battery percentage shows 30%, when actually it has 60%.
Search on the forums about calibrating yours if you want...
Hope I've been helpful...
Cheers, vladstercr!
vladstercr said:
If you want 2.2 you should try CM6 or Froyomod 2.5.0
If you want 2.3 you should try Shadowmodbrv.2.3.2 build 3. It's the fastest rom i've tried so far....or CM7 which works quite good.
On all of these roms the battery life is really good...Many people say that their battery life sucks with custom roms but actually they havent had their battery status calibrated correctly. For example, the battery percentage shows 30%, when actually it has 60%.
Search on the forums about calibrating yours if you want...
Hope I've been helpful...
Cheers, vladstercr!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard the CM name around a lot. When I go into rom manager I see the CM 6 but I'm still lil nervous to give it a shot. This is my only phone. Soo,....maybe a few more tutorials to review the process once more..just cuz
Now when I flash, say, CM6 I don't need to worry about root or superuser permission anymore do I?
Also what apps, if any, will be pre installed with CM6? (I have backed up my apps with super manager)
I really appreciate everyones help! THANK YOU!
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
Since you did a nandroid, you have very little to worry about.
But, just to be super safe, you can copy the nandroid to your computer.
If anything goes wrong, you have an instant restore handy.
About Super Manager - I forgot to mention that to save all your user data along with your apps and to also have a quick restore process, back up using the smbk option.
When you flash CM6, you will stay rooted and be overclocked to 900 mhz.
There is no bloat installed with CM6 but all the essentials are there.
I don't know anything about ROM Manager stuff because I can't use it on my Milestone.
vladstercr said:
If you want 2.2 you should try CM6 or Froyomod 2.5.0
If you want 2.3 you should try Shadowmodbrv.2.3.2 build 3. It's the fastest rom i've tried so far....or CM7 which works quite good.
On all of these roms the battery life is really good...Many people say that their battery life sucks with custom roms but actually they havent had their battery status calibrated correctly. For example, the battery percentage shows 30%, when actually it has 60%.
Search on the forums about calibrating yours if you want...
Hope I've been helpful...
Cheers, vladstercr!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this the shadwmod you're referring to? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=939555
will this work for the droid 1 (as long as i flash the proper baseband)? i've tried a fair # of gb builds but not this one and wanna give it a shot. thanks
I've had a few questions about nandroid. So far I do a full back up so I can revert if a new ROM is playing up. If I decide to stick with a new ROM, can I just restore elements of that full backup to get my data (I.e. texts, call logs and apps) back? Or is it all or nothing?
At the moment I just put up with starting fresh but it would be helpful to retain some of that data. (I'm getting bored starting angry birds over and over again!)
Cheers
S
Sent from my Milestone using XDA App
skribzy said:
I've had a few questions about nandroid. So far I do a full back up so I can revert if a new ROM is playing up. If I decide to stick with a new ROM, can I just restore elements of that full backup to get my data (I.e. texts, call logs and apps) back? Or is it all or nothing?
At the moment I just put up with starting fresh but it would be helpful to retain some of that data. (I'm getting bored starting angry birds over and over again!)
Cheers
S
Sent from my Milestone using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nandroid is only useful for a FULL restore of your entire phone's state. it backs up everything in IMG format, and then re-flashes it *in whole* in the event of a restore. so, short answer, no... you can't restore bits and pieces from a nandroid backup.
HOWEVER, Titanium Backup is my app of choice for backing up applications and app data (because no one should have to start over at angry birds!). The donate/Pro app is TOTALLY worth the few bucks, and it's very easy to use.
To use Titanium Backup: download from market (i really suggest the Pro version), click "Batch" then "backup user apps". When you start fresh with a new ROM, cancel all your active downloads, re-download Titanium Backup from the market and select batch>restore missing apps + app data. This way you restore the data associated with your apps, but not a previous ROMs system data. If you are unable to cancel your downloads, there is also a batch method to uninstall all backed up apps, that way you can make sure that you install your backup and not a "fresh" copy from the market.
A quick note about angry birds using Titanium Backup on GB -- with most GB ROMs, Angry Birds will install by default to the sdcard. They, however, will not run on the sdcard. As soon as you've done a restore using Titanium, just go to Settings>Applications>Manage Applications, and click Angry Birds and select "Move to Phone". Then you should be good
vuarnet said:
nandroid is only useful for a FULL restore of your entire phone's state. it backs up everything in IMG format, and then re-flashes it *in whole* in the event of a restore. so, short answer, no... you can't restore bits and pieces from a nandroid backup.
HOWEVER, Titanium Backup is my app of choice for backing up applications and app data (because no one should have to start over at angry birds!). The donate/Pro app is TOTALLY worth the few bucks, and it's very easy to use.
To use Titanium Backup: download from market (i really suggest the Pro version), click "Batch" then "backup user apps". When you start fresh with a new ROM, cancel all your active downloads, re-download Titanium Backup from the market and select batch>restore missing apps + app data. This way you restore the data associated with your apps, but not a previous ROMs system data. If you are unable to cancel your downloads, there is also a batch method to uninstall all backed up apps, that way you can make sure that you install your backup and not a "fresh" copy from the market.
A quick note about angry birds using Titanium Backup on GB -- with most GB ROMs, Angry Birds will install by default to the sdcard. They, however, will not run on the sdcard. As soon as you've done a restore using Titanium, just go to Settings>Applications>Manage Applications, and click Angry Birds and select "Move to Phone". Then you should be good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks very much for such useful advice!
skribzy said:
At the moment I just put up with starting fresh but it would be helpful to retain some of that data. (I'm getting bored starting angry birds over and over again!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have found that TitaniumPro doesn't always restore setting properly. Sometimes you have to go into the individual app and do a manual restore. I am not sure why this is, but just FYI.
mfratto said:
I have found that TitaniumPro doesn't always restore setting properly. Sometimes you have to go into the individual app and do a manual restore. I am not sure why this is, but just FYI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
titanium CAN restore system settings / apps, but it's a little bit of a different process to make sure that you don't restore a previous ROM's data, which can cause some pretty serious instabilities if done improperly.
here are some How-Tos for using Titanium Backup: http://www.moddedlogic.com/pe/howto.php
these methods are a little more advanced, and if done improperly can cause instability. these methods can be used in conjunction with restoring "missing apps + app data" like i mentioned above.
skribzy said:
I've had a few questions about nandroid. So far I do a full back up so I can revert if a new ROM is playing up. If I decide to stick with a new ROM, can I just restore elements of that full backup to get my data (I.e. texts, call logs and apps) back? Or is it all or nothing?
At the moment I just put up with starting fresh but it would be helpful to retain some of that data. (I'm getting bored starting angry birds over and over again!)
Cheers
S
Sent from my Milestone using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its neither. Its both. You can't pluck ur call log txt ect data from a nandroid to my knowledge.
I'm new to this but I have the understanding a nandroid is a snapshot of EXACTLY everything you have on your phone, including txt, call log,ect. So as I'm sure you've read its always suggested to creat a nandroid of your original rom before installing a custom rom. Then u can go back in time if need be.
As for restoring your data after installing a new rom you need to backup your apps, I used super manager via smbk file, once you install the new rom go to market (or its pry saved in sd still) reinstall super manager and use the restore button to reinstall all your apps in one fell swoop.
Contacts, calendar, and email r on the google cloud so that will auto resync once u sign into your phone. I still lost my txt, call log, ect but I didn't care about that.
Now that u have your apps back and get a few settings confgured i decided to make a nandroid of my newly installed Rom just in case I F something up and can't figure out how to g back. With the new nandroid created I can revert back to my stock rom or modded rom annd all apps & data will be exactly how I left it.
Hope that helps.
Anyone plz feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
kmcgill88 said:
Its neither. Its both. You can't pluck ur call log txt ect data from a nandroid to my knowledge.
I'm new to this but I have the understanding a nandroid is a snapshot of EXACTLY everything you have on your phone, including txt, call log,ect. So as I'm sure you've read its always suggested to creat a nandroid of your original rom before installing a custom rom. Then u can go back in time if need be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's *possible* but not easy. Nandroid is a **disk image** (.img file) backup, not a file-by-file backup/file dump. While it's *possible* to dissect it and flash bits and pieces, it would be quite advanced since it would have to be flashed using adb or a terminal emulator ...and even then i'm not sure it would actually work without running the full binary scripts from the recovery restore processes. And even if you did get the binaries to run and flash the .img files to the right places, you would run the possibility that the old data would be incompatible with your current ROM / system.
You can unpack the img file in linux if you know how and push pieces of it using adb shell, but that's still sort of going out of your way for something relatively simple. To unpack an .img file in linux:
# Make a directory where you want the file mounted:
sudo mkdir /image
# Then mount the image on the directory:
sudo mount -o loop /path/to/file.img /image
# Then you could open the directory with nautilus:
nautilus /image
# When you're done, unmount the img:
sudo unmount /image
Nandroid is a backup of a STATE of your phone, not pieces. To backup apps and data, just use a program, there are a bunch out there. You can also do as I do and pull /system and /data from your phone and backup to your computer. You will need the android sdk though. Just connect via USB and make sure USB Debugging is enabled (settings>applications>development) and run in terminal:
cd [android sdk directory/platform-tools/]
adb devices
(make sure your device shows up)
adb pull /system [local directory]
adb pull /data [local directory]
voila. you now have copies of your /data and /system folders on your computer. you can even do your whole internal storage if you want and can create the proper permissions. however, as a caveat, these will not restore a broken system to stable state like a nandroid will, it's pretty much just for restoring individual apps if you lose them or delete something.
bottom line: nandroid is great for what it's intended for. outside of that, there are reasons why there are backup tools / apps for backing up pieces of your ROM. use them each for what they're intended and you'll be good. nandroid backup/restore is like 3 clicks. same for app restore programs. use the appropriate tools for the appropriate jobs and you'll be juuuuust fine.
EDIT: it's also possible to do an advanced nandroid restore of a certain partition, but it's *highly* advisable not to in almost all circumstances. it will most likely screw up more stuff than it fixes. it's really only helpful if the backup and your current ROM are the exact same.
for instance, if I have a nandroid backup of CM6, and i screw something up in my /data folder, and i'm still running the same version of CM6, then i could advanced nandroid my /data partition back in recovery. outside of that, it's pretty much useless and would do more harm than good.
Hi
I'm sorry to jump in in the discussion like this but reading this discussion confused me a little regarding a possible usage of a nandroid backup.
Given the fact that this type of backup is a full image of the system, can I transfer this backup on another motorola droid and restore it also on there? Or each nandroid is associated to a specific phone (even if the model is the same)?
Thank you so much!
No a nandroid wouldn't necessarily be phone specific.
But it would be OS specific.
There would likely be problems if you restored a CM6 rom (froyo) on a phone that still has eclair on it.
zeppelinrox said:
No a nandroid wouldn't necessarily be phone specific.
But it would be OS specific.
There would likely be problems if you restored a CM6 rom (froyo) on a phone that still has eclair on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not necessarily "phone" specific, but it is *device* specific. you wouldn't be able to use a Droid nandroid on a Droid X, for instance. The md5 sum check would fail.
so yes, you would be able to restore a nandroid restore on a backup that you manually moved onto another phone, as long as the device was the same (moto droid to moto droid).

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