Is there a way to save home screen layout while whiping? - Nexus One Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Ok so i love all these damn android roms but I also love me the widgets and icons on the home screen. Problem is, most of them want me to wipe before installing which kills my home screen layout. Is there an app or a method that I can do to quickly restore my home screen??
thanks all for any advice!!

If you're using the same launcher before and after upgrade you could backup that database (/data/launcher.package.name/) and then restore it after your new rom and reboot. You'll need to be using exactly the same version.
Also, YMMV with some launchers. You may actually have to use a different launcher as default while you complete the restore process.
In short, it's a pain in the arse.

how do you back it up?

Get http://forum.xda-developers.com/Titanium Backup ★ rootTitanium Backup
App is the best at what it does. Saves so much time when going into a new fresh rom.

i actually have that. Can I save my homescreen with that? How?
thx

In titanium press menu > batch > run backup all user apps + system data. Once you flash your new rom just redownload titanium then go menu > batch > run restore all missing apps + system system data. Once that's done Just reboot and when it turns back on everything should be good. You might need to put the Widgets back on manually though.

bsbtauldl1 said:
i actually have that. Can I save my homescreen with that? How?
thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an option to restore only data from a backup - your homescreen data is saved with the launcher backup. You can easily test this yourself by backing up your launcher application (stock or custom), change your wallpaper, remove a widget, remove an application, then restore the backup and select restore and you will be prompted for app or data only. In my attached image, it is asking if I want to restore data only.

my advice is to take a snapshot of each homescreen page before wiping.

I use rom switching as a way to start fresh and go through my apps and see which ones I really use, and not redo the ones I don't.

bsbtauldl1 said:
how do you back it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get rootexplorer and on INTERNAL memory/sdcard (dropad has an internal sd for system) go to data/data/ en find a folder called launcher and copy the content to the external sdcard and after a wipe and fresh rom copy back to data/data etc..
Cheers

KillerbeeNL said:
Get rootexplorer and on INTERNAL memory/sdcard (dropad has an internal sd for system) go to data/data/ en find a folder called launcher and copy the content to the external sdcard and after a wipe and fresh rom copy back to data/data etc..
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interseting--may have to try that--
You can only restore System thru TB if using same rom. If diff or an older version, it may not work right--
I like MyBackUp Pro for Home Screens

Related

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)
Voilà. 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!

how to make a full backup using titanium backup?

Hi
I installed titanium backup and now I want to backup the following items:
- All applications
- All System data like wireless passwords, etc
- All user data like contacts, sms, mms, dictionary and so on.
Can you please let me know which menu I should use?
thanks.
legolas.w said:
Hi
I installed titanium backup and now I want to backup the following items:
- All applications
- All System data like wireless passwords, etc
- All user data like contacts, sms, mms, dictionary and so on.
Can you please let me know which menu I should use?
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Menu > Batch > Backup all user apps + system data
Thank you, Now I can install new ROMs with no worry about my SMS and MMS messages being lost.
legolas.w said:
Thank you, Now I can install new ROMs with no worry about my SMS and MMS messages being lost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also
Will batch work on the TB free version?
If I remember correctly - in free version you can batch backup, but you can't batch restore, or the batch restore is limited speed.
When you batch restore with the free version, you have to confirm each one. Fun.
harolds said:
Menu > Batch > Backup all user apps + system data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Man
Menu > Batch > Backup all user apps + system data : is there any difference between this and a nandroid backup? i mean does it make an image with EVERYTHING you have on your phone?
No it doesn't make an image of everything on the phone like a nandroid backup
A nandroid backup backs up the system, data, cache, and a few other things like ext and recovery depending on how you set it but a titanium backup just backs up apps and data (which are on the data and cache partitions).
You can also create an update.zip to put in your recovery folder and flash that way too. You can set a schedule to back up new, new versions or all. IMHO, pay the money. It has helped me in several instances. You can convert system to data or vice versa, un/attach apps to market and my favorite is you can clean your Dex right from the app.
Somewhere way back I thought folks were having issues restoring System with TB and recommended just doing apps/data--
Right or Wrong?
I like MyBackUp Pro as a quicker (non-nandroid) bu of system/sms/mms/call logs/home screens/settings etc
Ken
rugmankc said:
Somewhere way back I thought folks were having issues restoring System with TB and recommended just doing apps/data--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the issue is that some of the restored settings were conflicting with what was in there. If you restore system back to the same version (of CM or Android), then it should be problem free. But if you are restoring between nightlies of CM or major releases of stock, then options may have changed and restoring *can* cause conflicts that result in funky operations or bootloops. This doesn't happen all the time, but it has happened enough to me that I don't recommend it.
My recommendation is to just backup all your apps and app data (I also include TB's backup of wifi access points, bluetooth pairings, google accounts, call logs and sms messages). It really doesn't take too long to go and check all your settings. Plus it gives you the opportunity to see what new features were added.
And in all honesty, I am not sure MyBackup Pro would be any different in the above... both just backup the data and restore it. I think if one were to cause an issue, the other one would as well.
Thanks for info bass,
I never restore system with TB, only backup/restore apps--no issues
I started using My BackUp before rooted, so as to have a bu of things if root went wrong. Just kept using it
Never had an issue restoring system with My BackUp, even after a month of nightlies
Main thing I like it for is Home Screens--saves time after fresh flash
Ken
rugmankc said:
Main thing I like it for is Home Screens--saves time after fresh flash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is definitely a benefit to using a 3rd-party launcher. I use ADW EX and everything for that app is saved in the app data, so as soon as I restore the app I am back to normal (well, except for my widgets and the background, but there are only two widgets that I use). But I do definitely sympathize on not wanting to redo all your settings. I hate it when I forget something simple like changing the wifi back to never turn off.
Agreed--
I use ADW with CMN's but not EX. Haven't looked real close at its restore capabilities. But, My Back Up does CM/Sense/MIUI restores with Home Screens with no problems
Just comfortable with it--
titanium backup restored my adw ex just fine minus the widgets.
thank you i was looking for that.

Titanium Backup and Restore?

How does this work? I have a full Titanium Backup and I remove a few Apps if I do Full backup again will my Removed Apps be totally gone in the Backup Folder or are they still there from Original Backup? If they are still in the Backup is there a way to get them out so if I need to restore the Removed Apps don't reappear on my phone?
Thanks
They will remain there.
To remove them you can either scroll to the bottom in Backup/Restore and select each one then hit "Delete" or Menu->Batch->"Delete backups for un-installed apps" then Menu->Refresh apps list
To batch restore apps without restoring specific ones Menu->Batch->"Restore all apps with data" then uncheck the apps you don't want to restore, and begin.
RonH54 said:
How does this work? I have a full Titanium Backup and I remove a few Apps if I do Full backup again will my Removed Apps be totally gone in the Backup Folder or are they still there from Original Backup? If they are still in the Backup is there a way to get them out so if I need to restore the Removed Apps don't reappear on my phone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To MAKE SURE they are still there you need to HIT the menu button once you have opened up Titanium Backup, then HIT Preferences, scroll down to MAX BACKUP and change it from the default (1) to whatever hou want/need. I have mine set to three. This way it can save older versions of the appear. I have found that on occasion the newer version of apps sometimes have an issue so I go and use the previous version saved. This will also keep your uninstalled appear at the bottom with a line through them. You can usually just click on the lined through app and hit restore. Then choose either app or app+data. Also I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND the paid version. It will do the batch restore with one click of the restore appear+data. The free version will also batch restore them all but it goes through each app and you have to say okay each time for each app. Specially if you start trying out different rims every couple days like a lot of us do. Also the paid version (not sure.of the free version) let's you back it up to the external sd card. You just go to preferences, backup folder name, then type in external_sd/ in front of the TitaniumBackup that is already there and it will automatically change it to mnt/sdcard/external_sd/TitaniumBackup.
JUST MAKE SURE whenever you restore NEVER choose to restore system app and data. ONLY restore app+data or you will end up with force closes.
Sent from MY Perception 10.2 Darkness 2.5, Glitterballs v.4 1280 Oc/Uv, UGJL2 MODEM on XDA App
I do not have the paid version but I have a question about the free version. After I backup all the apps and system data, I removed a system application such as "My Files" which didn't cause any problems. If I try to click on the backed up (crossed off in TB) to restore it, I do not have the option to restore.
Is this normal or should I be able to restore a system application that I have backed up?
I've never restored a system app, and maybe that's a paid feature. If there isn't a simpler method, it's pretty easy to copy back in if you're running a custom rom.
Open the customrom.zip, copy system/apps/MyFiles.apk from it and put it in /system/app on the phone.
There are around 50 way to do that. Via USB copy the file to the phone and then use Root Explorer to copy it from /sdcard to /system/apps for example. If you don't see it again in the apps folder, reboot.
I never thought to open the custom rom zip file. thank you!
A tangential question
I've done the TiBu backup but don't see quickoffice in the backup file. Does anyone know why?

[APP] Tired of having to backup all your apps AND make a Nandroid?

Ever since I got AppExtractor, Titanium backup has been old news.
https://market.android.com/details?...wxLDEsImNvbS5oYW5keWFuZHkuYXBwZXh0cmFjdG9yIl0.
AppExtractor allows you to extract apps straight from a CWM Backup (Nandroid). It even lets you restore SMS/MMS, Contacts, and Settings from a CWM Backup.
So instead of making a CWM backup AND backing up with TTB, you just make one CWM backup and you're set.
"I use Titanium Backup to freeze my bloat/system apps :trollface:"
Yep, Appextractor does that too!
If you're getting Force Closes after restoring apps, press the Fix Permissions button within AppExtractor and there's a good chance of that fixing the problem.
There's just one catch.
The backup you pull from HAS to be done through ROM Manager.
If you use ROM manager anyway, you have nothing to worry about.
If you make the backup through ROM Manager but it still doesn't show up, you need to update CWR. Scroll to the top of ROM Manager, its the first option, just press it.
Already hit the thanks button. I will try it out. I am a big user of titanium back up. It works really good if you know how yo use it but I am always up for trying something new.
This sounds great. Just downloaded and will check it out
Forgive this semi-off topic hijack. I am currently running Liberty ROM and want to check out the new shift3r 2.1 rom (but any rom is applicable) without losing all my settings and apps. Will this app do the trick? Is there another avenue?
Thanks
indigomontoya said:
Forgive this semi-off topic hijack. I am currently running Liberty ROM and want to check out the new shift3r 2.1 rom (but any rom is applicable) without losing all my settings and apps. Will this app do the trick? Is there another avenue?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make a backup through ROM manager before leaving liberty, reboot and go back to ROM manager and make sure the backup you just made is in the list under Manage Backups.
Follow the instructions to install shift3r (this should include a full wipe).
Once you're on shift3r, install ROM Manager and AppExtractor. Open up AppExtractor and Restore all USER APPS+DATA DO NOT RESTORE SYSTEM APPS/DATA (this will ruin the newly installed ROM)
Settings within apps will be saved, but system settings will not. System settings aren't much of a burden to set up though, you'll be fine.
Titanium just updated to do this too.
Tivo7 said:
Make a backup through ROM manager before leaving liberty, reboot and go back to ROM manager and make sure the backup you just made is in the list under Manage Backups.
Follow the instructions to install shift3r (this should include a full wipe).
Once you're on shift3r, install ROM Manager and AppExtractor. Open up AppExtractor and Restore all USER APPS+DATA DO NOT RESTORE SYSTEM APPS/DATA (this will ruin the newly installed ROM)
Settings within apps will be saved, but system settings will not. System settings aren't much of a burden to set up though, you'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip. It seems I am having some problems with ROM Manager making the backup (the sdcard-ext isnt detected during the backup process and i see no status bar moving, which I have read are indications of problems. Plus, the backup doesn't show up after a reboot). I don't have time to trouble shoot it tonight, so this may have to wait.
indigomontoya said:
Thanks for the tip. It seems I am having some problems with ROM Manager making the backup (the sdcard-ext isnt detected during the backup process and i see no status bar moving, which I have read are indications of problems. Plus, the backup doesn't show up after a reboot). I don't have time to trouble shoot it tonight, so this may have to wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup not showing up means you need to press the first option in ROM Manager (update CWM).
Tivo7 said:
Backup not showing up means you need to press the first option in ROM Manager (update CWM).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That did the trick. I had actually already tried that, but it never rebooted and so I figured it wasn't working. Oh well. One more silly question: Do I need to move the backup to my computer or external sdcard before wiping the system - if so where can I find it?
indigomontoya said:
That did the trick. I had actually already tried that, but it never rebooted and so I figured it wasn't working. Oh well. One more silly question: Do I need to move the backup to my computer or external sdcard before wiping the system - if so where can I find it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should put it on sdcard-ext automatically. No need to move anything.

[Q] Switching from One X + to One

can i restore a titanium backup from the One x+ to the One ? apps + data ?
Will it corrupt my new phone or isnt'it a problem
thx
yves.alexis said:
can i restore a titanium backup from the One x+ to the One ? apps + data ?
Will it corrupt my new phone or isnt'it a problem
thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't be an issue as long as you don't try to backup up system apps.
yves.alexis said:
can i restore a titanium backup from the One x+ to the One ? apps + data ?
Will it corrupt my new phone or isnt'it a problem
thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I did that last week. I copied my entire Titanium folder from my OneX sdcard to my PC. Then I copied it to my One and did the restore, but only of Apps + Data.
When you select the restore option you have a chance to uncheck any Apps you don't want so it doesn't hurt to look through the list to make sure you only install want you want.
You can also go to the Backup/Restore menu and restore Wi-Fi Access Points. It saves you from having to reenter Wi-Fi passwords.
EDIT: If your launcher lets you save and restore your screen layout then copy that folder from your sdcard as well. I use Atom launcher and that worked fine except that it doesn't restore widgets, but that seems to be true of most launchers I've tested.

Categories

Resources