Database Develop

Flashing-Restoring-Titanium Backup-Serendipity

I am going to reflash Serendipity 3.5.2 tonight. I backed up with MyBackupPro, but it didn't restore all of my apps and data - but SMS worked with that backup. I then restored my TB and my texting problem returned - I can't send any texts, but I can receive them. I get a messaging forced closed every time I try to send one.
My question is, can I go through that TB backup somehow and delete any reference to messaging and restore after that? How would one go through their backup and make this change? I want to restore with TB because it did a better job, but I don't want the problem back. Suggestions??

TiBu
I'd recommend Titanium Backup.
When you restore, only restore "Missing apps with data".
Restoring SMS stuff is a "system" function, and will not be restored. Then, you can go thru the list and VERY SELECTIVELY pick system items you do want restored, such as wifi access points, widgets, accounts, etc.

alabamaroping said:
I'd recommend Titanium Backup.
When you restore, only restore "Missing apps with data".
Restoring SMS stuff is a "system" function, and will not be restored. Then, you can go thru the list and VERY SELECTIVELY pick system items you do want restored, such as wifi access points, widgets, accounts, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help. What I need to know is how to selectively pick system items?
The other thing is I selected 'missing apps with data, yet still this messaging problem came back. I have deleted GO SMS completely, I'm not convinced it didn't cause my problems. I ran the batch operation to delete the deleted apps from the backup. I would really like to get rid of anything messaging before I restore this time, if that's possible. I see several possibilities:
com.android.mms-20110111-144642.properties
com.android.mms-20110111-144642.tar.gz
com.jb.mms-3accf7136245183972901f8fb5b026fb.apk.gz
com.jb.mms-55b6dd5aa915f6158b7664812f02edb1.apk.gz
com.jb.mms-20110111-144608.properties
com.jb.mms-20110111-144608.tar.gz
com.jb.mms-20110114-070110.properties
com.jb.mms-20110114-070110.tar.gz
com.jb.mms.theme.twothousandeleven3-7941f117b495bed787c418c01fffba93.apk.gz
com.jb.mms.theme.twothousandeleven3-20110111-144614.properties
com.jb.mms.theme.twothousandeleven3-20110111-144614.tar.gz
com.jb.mms.theme.twothousandelevenone-9144ecf9015eafef1a7a08e2cf02babb.apk.gz
com.jb.mms.theme.twothousandelevenone-20110111-144614.properties
com.jb.mms.theme.twothousandelevenone-20110111-144614.tar.gz
I believe the theme ones are for GO SMS, so they're probably ok to not bother with, but those first eight I think need to go. Can I delete them within TB somehow?

In TiBu system apps are red, system data is green, 3rd party is white.
The only reason to restore a system app is if you uninstalled it. Don't restore a system app from a previous ROM on a newer ROM. Don't restore system data from older Android versions (i.e. 2.1 -> 2.2) because the data format may be different. If you know you need settings for a system app, restore data only. Test it, and if it fails, go back and delete only data. There's a "Wipe data" for those.
The green ones are what you're most likely interested in. Tap one, hit restore. It's that easy. If you don't know what it does, stop there, exit TiBu and test everything to find what changed. If something stops working, go back to that item in TiBu and uninstall it (Green items only) and it should work again.
But before doing any of that, a nandroid backup will save lots of time of you crash the phone.

Ok, so basically I'd have to go through and restore one by one - tedious, but may be necessary. I was hoping I'd be able to delete files from the backup and then run the batch. Well, to keep texting I think that's what I'll have to do. I do have a Nandroid backup of my Assonance installation (but that may have the texting problem in it, too, it started on Assonance). Thank you so much for the help!

reinbeau said:
Ok, so basically I'd have to go through and restore one by one - tedious, but may be necessary. I was hoping I'd be able to delete files from the backup and then run the batch. Well, to keep texting I think that's what I'll have to do. I do have a Nandroid backup of my Assonance installation (but that may have the texting problem in it, too, it started on Assonance). Thank you so much for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always restore"all missing apps with data". Then I selectively restore wifi access points and widgets. Sometimes the widgets don't restore properly, but I've never had it cause any problems.

k2snowboards88 said:
I always restore"all missing apps with data". Then I selectively restore wifi access points and widgets. Sometimes the widgets don't restore properly, but I've never had it cause any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ee, that's the problem, I didn't restore system data, I restored apps and data - and somehow my previous texting problem appeared again. When I flashed last night, texting worked. Eureka, I was thrilled. But all of my stuff wasn't back. I set the path for my TB backup on my external card, did my restore, and no more texting. Very frustrating. I want my data, but I may end up starting from scratch, or going one by one as CuriousTech has suggested.

Right. It's really pretty quick once you get the hang of it.
Backup all user apps + system data.
Restore missing apps with data. Go through and uncheck anything you don't need, then let it run. Often times I do a restore of app+data of apps I know have important data, then again with app only of games and such, but it's not necessary.
Then manually go through the green items.

[Q] Changing ROM's, TiBackup procedure

Hello,
I've been running Perception 10.1 for quite a while now. There's really nothing wrong with it, I guess I'm just bored. I'm thinking about putting CM7 on my phone.
Everytime I've changed ROMs in the past I've tried to do a NAND backup with Rom Manager and everytime I install the new ROM on there and then I do a NAND restore, none of the apps come over with it and I usually have problems and crashes. So, to me, CWM is basically worthless. I have made tons of backups and not one single one of them restored without errors and crashes. Worst program ever.
So, now I have bought the Pro version of Titanium Backup. I'd like to do a full backup so that way when I finish the flashing process to get my new ROM on there, I can just use that to restore all my apps and settings. I'd hate to have to go and download all my apps all over again, I have over 100 on there now.
What type of backup should I do with Titanium Backup so that migrating to a new ROM and restoring is as seamless as possible?
Thanks!

derek4484 said:
Hello,
I've been running Perception 10.1 for quite a while now. There's really nothing wrong with it, I guess I'm just bored. I'm thinking about putting CM7 on my phone.
Everytime I've changed ROMs in the past I've tried to do a NAND backup with Rom Manager and everytime I install the new ROM on there and then I do a NAND restore, none of the apps come over with it and I usually have problems and crashes. So, to me, CWM is basically worthless. I have made tons of backups and not one single one of them restored without errors and crashes. Worst program ever.
So, now I have bought the Pro version of Titanium Backup. I'd like to do a full backup so that way when I finish the flashing process to get my new ROM on there, I can just use that to restore all my apps and settings. I'd hate to have to go and download all my apps all over again, I have over 100 on there now.
What type of backup should I do with Titanium Backup so that migrating to a new ROM and restoring is as seamless as possible?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go on Backup & restore, open the menu and select batch.
Run: Backup all user apps + system data.
Once you restore although, don't restore system data as it will mess up with your new ROM.

BWolf56 said:
Go on Backup & restore, open the menu and select batch.
Run: Backup all user apps + system data.
Once you restore although, don't restore system data as it will mess up with your new ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks. Let me ask you a question then... You say to run the batch backup all user apps + system data, but only run the restore user apps. Why? Is there a difference between doing it your way, and just running the batch backup user apps, then doing the batch restore user apps? What is the purpose of backing up system data, if its not going to be restored? Just curious why to backup the system data if not restoring it. I think I have read somewhere else to not restore the system data on the new ROM cause it'll cheese it up.
Titanium Backup seems like a powerful program, although I havent been able to find any user manual or really anywhere that details what all the options do.

if going between different roms dont do all system data only the green ones and user apps. not all system data is compatible between different frameworks and options
create a label for "my sys data" and assign the green ones to it.
make sure to have tibu backup its settings as well in the settings menu.

derek4484 said:
Ok, thanks. Let me ask you a question then... You say to run the batch backup all user apps + system data, but only run the restore user apps. Why? Is there a difference between doing it your way, and just running the batch backup user apps, then doing the batch restore user apps? What is the purpose of backing up system data, if its not going to be restored? Just curious why to backup the system data if not restoring it. I think I have read somewhere else to not restore the system data on the new ROM cause it'll cheese it up.
Titanium Backup seems like a powerful program, although I havent been able to find any user manual or really anywhere that details what all the options do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply cause you want a full backup if u ever wanna go back to a certain ROM. Also, doing a full backup is safer, the program won't miss anything and when you restore your apps, you can restore your apps's data (which I personnaly love).
You don't have to backup your system data, I simply suggest it as you never know if you'll change your mind

I think backing up system data is just a precaution in case something goes wrong.

Trusselo said:
if going between different roms dont do all system data only the green ones and user apps.
create a label for "my sys data" and assign the green ones to it.
make sure to have tibu backup its settings as well in the settings menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trusselo, you're being too helpful lol - everywhere I try to help some1, you're right there doing so too
Love to see ppl with experience still helping the newbie with patience

Just back up user apps and data (also dialer storage for texts).
I never make full backups of my rom. Just Tibu backups for apps.

qwertyaas said:
Just back up user apps and data (also dialer storage for texts).
I never make full backups of my rom. Just Tibu backups for apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ OP - I believe it's up to you. Full backup is safer if something goes wrong but not necessary as mentionned by others. I do it cause I can
The only thing to remember, if that's what you decide to do, is to not restore system data if you flash a different ROM.

Ok, I got it. Thanks to you all.

For future reference, a NAND backup in CWM is not worthless, you are just using it wrong.
It is not meant to restore apps/data it is a complete image of your phone as it was when you took the backup. it is designed so that you can jump between roms easily by just restoring nandroids of your setups. it is not and dont think it was ever designed to 'restore apps' but restore the entire system. your problems before with it were likely because you were trying to go between 2.1 and 2.2 roms? a nandroid does not backup the kernel or modem so it makes it a little difficult to bounce between 2.1/2.2 etc there are ways, but its just easier to start fresh and restore a Titanium backup batch job

regarding Tibu and nandroid.
Full system / everything backup is good for backing up your system AS IS if you are going to mess around with what you have or try a rom for a few hours but want to go back to exactly how it was.
thats why the green ones are green in tibu its the bare minimum that will work across all roms.
@Bwolf56 - ya im on here alot. just finishing coming off comp for nearly taking my thumb right off.
i try to help. but get into crap often... still try to help regardless!

Something I've learned from flashing you can NEVER have too many backups.
Sent from a place my wife doesn't know about (yet)

[Q] Updating, Wiping, Restoring and Titanium...

Dear community,
today as a first step I have successfully rooted my Phone (Froyo 2.2.1) with CF-Root Kernel and Odin, yay! Thanks to all the Developers, Guides and Refs on this page!!
In order to fix my ongoing battery issues,next thing I want to try is to flash a new ROM; I think for stability and for practice the latest Froyo Build JS8! I have downloaded Titanium Backup and have successfully backed up all my system and user apps and settings.
Now when I flash the new ROM, the phone will be wiped, or at least the Wipe-method is recommended (hard-reset AFTER the flashing?).
Can I restore at least some settings and apps with my Titanium Backup Files (I read restoring system apps/settings is not recommended)?
How would I do that (where does Titanium save the backup files?)
How do you guys usually perform the steps to a new ROM without losing all system settings, apps, app-settings etc...?
Thanks for all recommendations!

I would recomend you, restore user apps only. It will restore your apps and their settings. You could do it in batch mode.
Also is recomended to copy your TitaniumBackup folder to PC
Last but not least, do not forget copy your EFS folder too.
Sent from my GT-P1000N using Tapatalk

jellygoos said:
Can I restore at least some settings and apps with my Titanium Backup Files (I read restoring system apps/settings is not recommended)?
How would I do that (where does Titanium save the backup files?)
How do you guys usually perform the steps to a new ROM without losing all system settings, apps, app-settings etc...?
Thanks for all recommendations!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Get titanium backup PRO.
2) Batch backup your whole system (while you're at it, create a schedule so your phone automatically gets backed up at least once/week). The files will go on your sd card in a TitaniumBackup folder (actually you can specify where they go).
3) Go and nuke your phone with whatever.
4) Re-install Titanium backup, then batch restore your USER apps & settings. Leave the system settings alone for now.
5) Okay for system settings, be a bit more selective:
6) Go to Backup/Restore tab, select menu, then filters, then apply a Filter by Type: System.
7) Anything in GREEN is system settings (red=system applications).
8) I typically restore the following: Contacts/Call-logs; SMS/MMS/APN; Bookmarks; SMS/MMS Preferences; Wifi Access Points; Calendar Storage (think that includes your alarm clock settings).
Note that you may need to reboot before you see the restore take effect - e.g. you can't see your restored sms till after reboot.
Also it's safest to grab a copy of your titanium backup folder and put it on your computer. Lookup how to get a copy of your /efs too.

Thanks for the swift answers and useful guides! Will buy the Titanium Pro for sure.
In the Pro Version it says it can convert System Apps into User Apps and vice versa. Couldn't I just convert all the System Apps into User Apps and then restore everything, once on new ROM?
About the freezing feature of the Pro Version: Does it freeze complete Apps, or can you tell them to freeze specific tasks? I noticed that for example some Google Maps or Latitude tasks run in the background (and start again by themselves if i close them manually) and I would like them to get out of the phone memory while I don't have the program running. Yet I want the apps to function properly once I need them.
P.S.: Before I proceed flashing a new ROM I will also look into backing up my /efs folder so thanks for pointing me at this!

Okay, I figured out how to backup the /efs folder via ADB shell.
Questions remain though concerning Titanium Backup Pro. Can someone that uss Titanium Pro help me with these questions?
In the Pro Version it says it can convert System Apps into User Apps and vice versa. Couldn't I just convert all the System Apps into User Apps and then restore everything, once on new ROM?
About the freezing feature of the Pro Version: Does it freeze complete Apps, or can you tell them to freeze specific tasks? I noticed that for example some Google Maps or Latitude tasks run in the background (and start again by themselves if i close them manually) and I would like them to get out of the phone memory while I don't have the program running. Yet I want the apps to function properly once I need them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

jellygoos said:
In the Pro Version it says it can convert System Apps into User Apps and vice versa. Couldn't I just convert all the System Apps into User Apps and then restore everything, once on new ROM?
About the freezing feature of the Pro Version: Does it freeze complete Apps, or can you tell them to freeze specific tasks? I noticed that for example some Google Maps or Latitude tasks run in the background (and start again by themselves if i close them manually) and I would like them to get out of the phone memory while I don't have the program running. Yet I want the apps to function properly once I need them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could convert it technically. But generally it's not advised as it may mess up settings or so on a different ROM. I backed up my system stuff but I doubt I'll restore it on any ROM, the hassle isn't worth it if any issue shows up and you have to check everything out to fix it. Maybe some individual system thingies can be restored safely but keep in mind lots of system stuff changes on each ROM and could be incompatible.
Just like others did here, I also recommend the PRO version as you have to click every single restoration on a batch restoration otherwise (and it's probably slower anyway).
Freezing means just that, it freezes the app. It "deactivates it", so it's not there/usable but it's not uninstalled. Can't think of a scenario right now where this would be useful except for testing purposes, maybe if an app causes an issue and you want it to be gone temporarily or so.
If you don't want an app to continue running simply use the task manager to kill it which comes along with the SGS (Samsung app afaik, usually pre installed).
Btw Titanium has a nice wiki website which is really helpful but can't link it as a new user here. Google Titanium Backup wiki and the first link should be the correct one.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if you do a app+data restore the app doesnt show up in the market under installed which means that any updates to the app wont get rolled out.
What I did was install each of my apps from the market then did only a data restore. This worked for most of my apps BUT last night I noticed a few of my apps missing, in fact launching my angry birds from simi folder caused a FC. BUT I know that angry birds was working earlier in the day.
So I simply went back to the market and reinstalled and all seems well again.
So now I'm wondering what is the best method to restore, my method or maybe do a app+data restore then go to the market and install the app again.

Afaik, normally Titanium also backs up the links for the markets so the entries won't get lost and should be restored as well. There was an issue mentioned which can happen if that data gets corrupted. The Titanium wiki lists it.
Generally, installing the app from the market and then restoring it should work just fine.

[Q] Help me understand the "rules" for restoring data with a new ROM?

Since most ROM updates require fully wiping memory, restoring data is an essential step. Simply restoring the SD-Card, photos, music, etc, is not sufficient. There are many other types of data, such as call history, SMS/MMS messages, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, bluetooth pairings, etc. that need to be restored also to return the phone to its working state again.
Several ROM developers have cautioned to not use Titanium Backup to restore system data with their ROM. As alternates, I have seen suggestions to use MyBackupPro, Samsung account, or others.
Could someone explain (or reference a thread that explains) the differences between these types of backup/restore? What are the underlying issues that have to be kept in mind? How do these different backup programs save and restore the data? Which are suitable for ROMs that change the system structure? What is the full set of backup restore options that are compatible or incompatible with various ROM updates?
Could the Titanium Backup XML data format be compatible with all ROMs even if the binary format isn't?

Personally, I restore my apps using TiBackup all the time. And I use superbackup to restore sms, call logs, contacts.
Never really had a problem.
Maybe when restoring across a new build there could b issues.
But other than that, restore whatever the he** you want. Lol
Cheers

Here is one reply I received regarding restoring from Titanium.
For the Rapture ROM, iB4STiD says:
Q. CAN I RESTORE SYSTEM DATA WITH TITANIUM BACKUP ?
A. NO!! THIS INCLUDES CALL LOGS, SMS, AS WELL AS APPS AND THERE DATA!! OTHER WISE YOU WILL HAVE APPS FC, AND OTHER ODDITIES!
Here is a response from an earlier question from a different developer.
I'm not familiar with SuperBackupPro - does it do anything different than MyBackupPro? I'm trying to figure out what aspect of the different backup/restore programs is or is not compatible with system data.

You should never use Titanium Backup to restore system apps or data since they are built for a different rom and will most probably cause problems. I always use TiBu to restore user apps and data. I use SMS Backup and Restore for text messages. I don't care about call logs but I would think that there are apps that can back these up. I re-setup bluetooth and wifi from scratch since that only takes seconds. Note that some roms I have tried over the years have cautioned not to use TiBu to restore anything, but have worked anyway for user apps and data. Some roms do really not allow you to restore anything (odex instead of deodex perhaps - I am not sure) since TiBu just hangs when it is trying to restore. When this occurs, I just flash a different rom since I would not take the time it requires to set them up from scratch.
I have never had a full wipe delete any pictures or other media but then I never wipe the internal or external cards, just system, data, and caches.

I always use tibu for user apps and data and the xml format in tibu for sms and call logs. Have done this for as long as I can remember over at least 5 phones. I even move backups from phone to phone and rom to rom. (went nexus 5 to note 4 to another note 4 and from cm13 back to kk).
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

nine5raptor said:
I always use tibu for user apps and data and the xml format in tibu for sms and call logs. Have done this for as long as I can remember over at least 5 phones. I even move backups from phone to phone and rom to rom. (went nexus 5 to note 4 to another note 4 and from cm13 back to kk).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarifying. I thought TiBu's XML format would be safe, but I'm glad to have confirmation. That covers the main requirement for restoring.

timg11 said:
Thanks for clarifying. I thought TiBu's XML format would be safe, but I'm glad to have confirmation. That covers the main requirement for restoring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the standard backup and restore for apps. I just use the xml for sms and call log.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

Titanium Backup for new ROMs

This is probably very noob of me but I'll ask it anyways...... This just dawned on me to back up everything via titanium Backup then use the file to restore on new custom ROMs. Instead if using Google back up to download everytime. Can I presumably download like Pico gapps with virtually nothing, back up all my user and system apps with titanium Backup then restore everything everything on the new rom and I'll have all the apps and system apps from my previous rom?
If I back up user apps and system apps with titanium Backup then restore will my call logs, texts, etc also be installed?

mikeprius said:
This is probably very noob of me but I'll ask it anyways...... This just dawned on me to back up everything via titanium Backup then use the file to restore on new custom ROMs. Instead if using Google back up to download everytime. Can I presumably download like Pico gapps with virtually nothing, back up all my user and system apps with titanium Backup then restore everything everything on the new rom and I'll have all the apps and system apps from my previous rom?
If I back up user apps and system apps with titanium Backup then restore will my call logs, texts, etc also be installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rule #1 as you will see as you get more into this you NEVER restore "system" apps this will create FC - force closures and errors all day long. Only restore user apps and data.
If coming from a Samsung going to a Nexus for example, you would TiBu all your users apps/data on Samsung to restore to Nexus. You do not have to restore the Google backup you can...but more senior people like me setup device as a new device. Google restore does not bring over your user data and settings like TiBu will. TiBu will give you exactly what the app was like on the old device....google will not in majority of cases...for me none.
- TiBu user app/data and no system data
- Setup new device as new and restore TiBu app/data. Can do the Google it you like and then let TiBu overwrite it
You can install the Pico gapps. Let's say you had a new rom without Google Newstand...even if it was not in the gapps your TiBu would restore it just fine with no issues.... But the gapps does add other background google services you need not visible to eye like apps...but the apps can fully come from your backup even if they dont exist on the new device.
No you will not get your call log, etc since you do not restore system info. But there are third party apps that can back that up if that is that important. I use apps like Textra and not device messaging apps so when TiBu restores Textra I get it all back old messages\etc....again you do not want to restore 'red' system apps but find 3rd party apps that backup call log, text (if google app), etc.

What if it's the same device but different rom. Would restoring system apps also create issues

mikeprius said:
What if it's the same device but different rom. Would restoring system apps also create issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still you do not want to do that....you could be dealing with a phone that is the same but the build version of the OS could be different and those systems updates could have different version numbers. So restoring systems adds that are not exact as the previous could result in bad situation.
If you are going from same device to same device, then you can backup...do a TWRP or Nandroid backup which will give you an image backup of exactly what you have with data and system.
If you do a full backup, you could experiment and gamble doing it your way and if it goes back...just restore the backup.

parcou said:
Still you do not want to do that....you could be dealing with a phone that is the same but the build version of the OS could be different and those systems updates could have different version numbers. So restoring systems adds that are not exact as the previous could result in bad situation.
If you are going from same device to same device, then you can backup...do a TWRP or Nandroid backup which will give you an image backup of exactly what you have with data and system.
If you do a full backup, you could experiment and gamble doing it your way and if it goes back...just restore the backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I'll just stick with the user apps and back them into a folder. You also recommended textra for texts? So it will just back up like a normal user app and you can keep all your text messages that way?