I was curious to know if someone could provide me with a step my step method of changing ROMs on a rooted captivate. I'm currently running Firefly ROM and want to know how to switch ROMs without loosing my apps and the data stored in them (such as high scores on games and such).
I tried Titanium Backup but it seems to cause problems with the system phone app when i switch and do "backup all user apps and data -> restore all user apps and data".
Also when i try to use rom manager to create a backup...the backup crashes, goes to a samsung "Android System Recovery"....the up volume button moves my selection down and the down volume moves my selection up. The power button doesn't select anything. When I press the menu button, all the text disappears.
I just want a sound way of backing up ROMs and Apps (with their data) to easily switch between ROMs more freely and with security of mind.
Thanks, and please respond.
Best to ask this in the Q&A section, and check the stickies. Tons of good info up there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=884364
Put the ROM on your sdcard
Boot to recovery
Choose the zip
Install
Reboot
Enjoy
Yes, please post questions in the Q&A section as mentioned above.
Also, disregard opcow's reply; he did not read your whole post and it does not apply to you. His method will wipe everything on your phone.
Most of the suggestions you'll get are TiBu (Titanium Backup). When you make a backup (I'm assuming you're doing a batch backup with TiBu Pro), only select User Apps. Don't select User Apps + System ... (don't remember what it's called). This way, you'll save your apps with their settings and info, but you will not back up your phone's settings, such as WiFi networks, GPS, etc.
Trust me though, because of the diverse way that ROMs handle things, you don't want to back up your system settings, otherwise you may run into issues such as those you mentioned before.
Another note: do not use ROM Manager!
It's a nice piece of software, but it doesn't work a lot of the time. This doesn't apply to your backups, you're just restoring the backups incorrectly, but regardless, don't use ROM Manager.
Anyway, to correctly apply a Nandroid Backup, you must have the same exact kernel and modem installed ATM on the phone that were present in the Nandroid Backup. For example:
Let's say you have XYZ ROM installed with SuckerPunch #47 kernel and the KP1 modem. Then you make a Nandroid backup of that ROM.
After that, you go and install ABC ROM with Speedmod kernel and JK4 modem. After a day of use, you want to restore your XYZ Nandroid backup.
In order to do this, you must install the SuckerPunch #47 kernel and the KP1 modem on top of the ABC ROM before you restore the Nandroid backup.
If you don't do this, you'll run into issues.
Hopefully that will fix your issue. I tend to steer clear of Nandroid backups because of all the issues that I've seen people have with them, but if you're looking to restore your phone to the exact state that you had it at one point, then a Nandroid backup is the way to go. Otherwise, use TiBu.
Also, before you backup or restore (the first thing you should do after you install TiBu) is to click on the button that says "Problems?". This will install a version of BusyBox that is known to work with TiBu. If you have a version that doesn't work correctly, then your backup or restore will not work correctly either.
Good luck!
Loggik said:
Also, disregard opcow's reply; he did not read your whole post and it does not apply to you. His method will wipe everything on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. I just read the first sentence. This question gets asked a lot and I just go into autopilot.
OP, It is true that my method will wipe your phone, but that's actually what you want unless you are going flashing a no-wipe upgrade, in which case my method would work just fine. But yes, generally your will want to back up with something like Titanium Backup. Backing up apps and data is fine, just don't restore system data and it shouldn't cause problems. I've done it at least 5 times in the last 2 days.
I would avoid nandroid backups. They aren't mostly useful after reverting to the ROM you were running when you made the backup, not for restoring apps.
Use MyBackup pro its more user friendly.
Thanks, a couple more follow ups.
Thank you very very much. Another quick follow up question.
My version of clockwork mod (v2.5.1.0 Speedmod ULFK) gives me the following options:
-Backup DATA: data + dbdata + cache
-Restore DATA
-Backup ALL
-Restore ALL (Be careful!)
....which 2 do i select to backup/restore a nandroid effectively. Based on your responses, ill most likely be doing TiBu, but just to better understand the architecture of the phone and the clockwork files i wanna know.
Also, is there a way i can change / upgrade the clockwork recovery version of my phone...whats the most recent version if i decide to do so?
Aside from this, Thank you to everyone who is helping me out with this issue. Much appreciated.
opcow said:
You're right. I just read the first sentence. This question gets asked a lot and I just go into autopilot.
OP, It is true that my method will wipe your phone, but that's actually what you want unless you are going flashing a no-wipe upgrade, in which case my method would work just fine. But yes, generally your will want to back up with something like Titanium Backup. Backing up apps and data is fine, just don't restore system data and it shouldn't cause problems. I've done it at least 5 times in the last 2 days.
I would avoid nandroid backups. They aren't mostly useful after reverting to the ROM you were running when you made the backup, not for restoring apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if there is a way to restore apps using Titanium Backup without having to manually click through and accept each and every app?
killswitch7 said:
Do you know if there is a way to restore apps using Titanium Backup without having to manually click through and accept each and every app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy the pro version. If you flash allot it is a must
killswitch7 said:
Do you know if there is a way to restore apps using Titanium Backup without having to manually click through and accept each and every app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like the above post says, buy Titanium Backup Pro; it's worth it, and it features the Batch Mode, which allows for what you're asking.
Ompalompa287 said:
....which 2 do i select to backup/restore a nandroid effectively. Based on your responses, ill most likely be doing TiBu, but just to better understand the architecture of the phone and the clockwork files i wanna know.
Also, is there a way i can change / upgrade the clockwork recovery version of my phone...whats the most recent version if i decide to do so?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a full on Nandroid Backup, select Backup All... and obviously Restore All... when the time comes that you need to restore your backup. But like opcow said, it's best to stay away from Nandroid backups... they can get messy
dingokevin said:
Use MyBackup pro its more user friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot agree. It may look more user friendly, but it has a lot less support. I've never even heard of it, whereas TiBu has almost every feature you could want. Plus, look at it this way:
Linux is in no way easier to use than Windows or OS X (though OS X is based off of Linux, but disregarding that...). However, it can do a TON more than Windows or OS X, but you just need to get used to it. Same with TiBu v.s. MyBackup Pro (or w/e it's called).
opcow said:
You're right. I just read the first sentence. This question gets asked a lot and I just go into autopilot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know how you feel
thank you all!
Related
First, I have to thank the XDA forums helping me come over from my long WinMo background. Mad Props...
Being new to Android and my nexus one, I'm feeling the ROM flashing bug and want to try out a couple of different ROMS but don't want to have to add all of my accounts each time since I use crazy long, nearly impossible to type, passwords.
Is there some way to restore some of the configuration of my N1 between different ROM flashes?
Sorry if this has been covered, but I can't find it. It looks like the data is backed up in my nandroid backups, but I can't seem to find out how to only restore configuration.
Thanks
Rick
Take a look at Titanium Backup.
It works really well.
You need to be rooted and superuser in order to use it.
To find out more about adding superuser to a stock ROM, check out this thread at Modaco.
Edit:
Nandroid backups are really "just" disk images afaik.
There's no way that I know of to extract information from them.
brgds
Royan
Ok, thanks. I am running the backup right now and will give it a try tonight. Worse case, I just restore the nandroid backup and try again.
I've always wondered, what stuff is safe and not safe to restore in Titanium Backup. I've done a full restore when switching between like roms, but I'm guessing that wouldn't be a good idea if you were going from cyanogen to a senseUI rom.
I currently have Cognition beta 6 installed and want to reflash or update to beta 9. How can I backup my apps, settings and media? It’s my understanding that TiB is for only apps and will not do non-app-phone-settings (possibly not app settings ether?)? Correct me if I’m wrong on that. Also, should I use Nandroid?
________________________
From the CogWiki:
Can I do an Nandroid Backup when the install is done?
If you are running CogYo beta 6 or later OR Cognition for Eclair, yes, as we can once again get back into Clockwork Recovery.
If you are running beta 5.5 or earlier, no, you can't currently do a clockwork nandroid backup as its not compatible with 2.2's new recovery (3e) without performing the "kernel swap" trick. You can update to a newer version of CogYo or revert to Eclair to re-institute this functionality.
__________________________
I am at CogB6 so this applies but I’m not entirely sure what it means.
In summary what can I do to get a comprehensive backup and subsequent restore after a reflash?
Thanks,
JOe K.
Several different things to address first your main question. Yes you need titanium backup. Its a great app and a lifesaver. As for moving phone settings thats when things get tricky. I tried restoring system apps and had horrible luck. It is going to mess things up bc the settings won't be the same and will cause funky bugs. Save your self some time and don't try to move your system settings from version to version.
2nd question clockwork basically makes a complete copy of your phone with all settings apps texts contacts etc. but it is only useful if you screw something up and need to restore your phone to a previous version
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
My main question is that I want to go to the ROM F1 Galaxy S II V6 - SP1 [Look & Feel Of Galaxy S II] or to another updated ROM.
I am coming from froyo 2.2 JK2 (with VooDoo). If I do this flash will I loose all my app data/other data? Is there a way to flash the ROM and save this data? I don't mind losing messages or bookmarks, I just don't want to have to install all of my apps again.
Thank you!
aznhybrid said:
My main question is that I want to go to the ROM F1 Galaxy S II V6 - SP1 [Look & Feel Of Galaxy S II] or to another updated ROM.
I am coming from froyo 2.2 JK2 (with VooDoo). If I do this flash will I loose all my app data/other data? Is there a way to flash the ROM and save this data? I don't mind losing messages or bookmarks, I just don't want to have to install all of my apps again.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
each rom is different, some are wipe version, some are non-wipe. There are a lot of good arguments for cleaning your phone and doing a clean install every time you change rom -- although most people don't, hence the length of threads with people having issues from legacy data and programs having incompatibility issues.
As a general rule prior to flashing any new rom or kernel you should:
1. do a complete nandroid backup in recovery
2. backup your apps using Titanium backup or similar
3. copy the Titanium backup, your photos, music, contacts etc. to your PC
4. then flash, clean and reformat as required without fear of being able to recover important data and files.
Again, some do this. Many don't. Depends how frequently you are flashing and how replaceable your files are.
+1 to that, I highly recommend you do a full wipe, Its not that difficult with apps such as titanium backup, It does all the hard work for you.
Doing a wipe ensures no bugs will be carried over and you will get the best result.
i wouldnt say a wipe is necessary when upgrading to a newer version of the same ROM
lgsshedden said:
each rom is different, some are wipe version, some are non-wipe. There are a lot of good arguments for cleaning your phone and doing a clean install every time you change rom -- although most people don't, hence the length of threads with people having issues from legacy data and programs having incompatibility issues.
As a general rule prior to flashing any new rom or kernel you should:
1. do a complete nandroid backup in recovery
2. backup your apps using Titanium backup or similar
3. copy the Titanium backup, your photos, music, contacts etc. to your PC
4. then flash, clean and reformat as required without fear of being able to recover important data and files.
Again, some do this. Many don't. Depends how frequently you are flashing and how replaceable your files are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh thanks! exactly what I was looking for
Will and nandroid backup and titanium backup save the contact data? As in the links to the facebook accounts?
If not what can i use is it possible?
Thanks
Talon26 said:
Will and nandroid backup and titanium backup save the contact data? As in the links to the facebook accounts?
If not what can i use is it possible?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sync your all your contacts with your Google account and then just install and re-sync Facebook after flashing need Rom..
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Nandroid backs everything up. It makes a disc image of the current rom. When you restore a nandroid backup, you restore the entire image.
You won't be able to restore the facebook links using titanium backup. Samsung updated the contact app when upgrading from Froyo to GB. I tried restoring data from Froyo apps to GB apps, and I got so many force close I ended up having reflash the rom. Note this only applies to stock apps. You can restore your market apps without any problem.
Hi all,
I've been a long time lurker and not had any reason to post until now as I've found most answers by reading...
The last update I did LA1, wiped data and apps and I spent ages re doing them.I was aware of this and prepared to put the time in to restore my GNote.
I now have a rooted phone and it is set up just as I like it. I have backed it up with Titanium Backup, and have Titanium Restore app. as well as CMW
I would love to try LA4 however am dreading the full wipe scenario: with downloading apps, loosing data and seting up home screens as I like them again. It can be done but very time consuming.
My Question is: Will Titanium Backup/Restore and/or CMW put my phone back to where it was prior to firmware update, with home screens, APN, E-Mails as it was but with a phone that now has new firmware?
OR: Do I need to reconfigure the home screens, font, etc. post firmware update?
LA4 is non wipe version, you won't lose your data.
For information just, Titanium backup can restore your data like bookmark, settings(fonts sound country etc), homescreen shortcut (no widgets n folder) as well all user application with data.
Home Folder can be restore with Mybackup Pro.
It is not advisable to restore system data(you will see red coloured in TB) to avoid mess up new firmware.
Great, will give LA4 a go then.
I assume ICS will be a full wipe.
Can I use Mybackup Pro to get my GNote back to the way I like it?
Or do I need to re download all my apps and reconfigure all the home screens?
Thanks for the quick reply
i wold have thought that ICS would be a full wipe but apparently someone said that on a different handset it wasnt a wipe and just upgraded over the top
Richard.p said:
Great, will give LA4 a go then.
I assume ICS will be a full wipe.
Can I use Mybackup Pro to get my GNote back to the way I like it?
Or do I need to re download all my apps and reconfigure all the home screens?
Thanks for the quick reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Desktop Folder can be restored with Mybackup Pro only. Rest of the things you can do with either TB/Mybackup.
Widgets you need to configure manually. niether can do that(android OS limitation)
Some complex widgets have options to save configurations, so if you do this, and then backup app data, you should be able to restore it on the other side.
I have had odd problems in the past with backing up and restoring apps after updating the system, so I have just made up my mind to do it manually every time. I almost find it fun now because I always try something different than before. It is time consuming, but I learn a lot about how I can best use my devices this way. My 'must have' list of apps stays pretty streamlined because of this.
Richy99 said:
i wold have thought that ICS would be a full wipe but apparently someone said that on a different handset it wasnt a wipe and just upgraded over the top
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Full wipe or not, I would still do it. No better way to introduce phantom issues than by leaving remnants of other systems on your device. LA1 to LA4 is not going to matter much IMO, but GB to ICS...I wouldn't trust the install to catch everything.
Thanks for all the info......
beestee said:
Full wipe or not, I would still do it. No better way to introduce phantom issues than by leaving remnants of other systems on your device. LA1 to LA4 is not going to matter much IMO, but GB to ICS...I wouldn't trust the install to catch everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will probably be doing a full wipe for ICS, as Beestee says, less chance of problems.
Will give LA4 a go if nothing else good practice for upgrade technique...
May also try a few costum ROMs as well......
dr.ketan said:
LA4 is non wipe version, you won't lose your data.
For information just, Titanium backup can restore your data like bookmark, settings(fonts sound country etc), homescreen shortcut (no widgets n folder) as well all user application with data.
Home Folder can be restore with Mybackup Pro.
It is not advisable to restore system data(you will see red coloured in TB) to avoid mess up new firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this is right. When i flash a new rom i clear data & cache in cwm and then flash the rom, install titanium backup and resore and it puts everything as it was, with two exceptions as far as ive found. Bluetooth is not set to visible as it was before and it doesnt set my wallpaper, takes 30 seconds to sort out so apart from that its fantastic, i was surprised at how flawless it does it.
I have another question:
Iam using ClockworkMod recovery to make a full backup to my phone (HTC) so I can restore my phone back as it was before installing a custom rom I did not like or when I messed up with system file etc etc,
I can not do that with my rooted Note!!! I can not find backup and restore options in my ClockworkMod recovery!!!
What version of CWM are you using? I'm using 5.0.7 (or similar, dont remember) and i can do backups
Army92 said:
What version of CWM are you using? I'm using 5.0.7 (or similar, dont remember) and i can do backups
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iam so sorry, my mistake
when I rebooted my note to recovery I gtt this : Android system recovery <3e>
It looks like CWM thats why Iam confused
How I can get the CWM I used to use with my HTC Sensation
EDIT: Ok done it
Is there such a rom? I've checked teamhacksung's CM9 Alpha, Doc's Master ICS, Team ICSSGS, Fusion, and WeUI v0.6.6, and they all say to do a full wipe. Performed a search here and Google for any answers, but didn't find any.
I'm currently running Gingerbread 2.3.5 with Corn kernel, and when I upgraded from Froyo, I performed a full wipe. As many of you know, putting everything back on your phone is a major pain if you do not do a proper backup (I thought I backed up everything using Titanium, but apparently I didn't). Anyway, just curious if there is an ICS rom with a non-wipe option (or a super-cool, full of eye-candy Gingerbread rom with non-wipe).
Oh yeah, is Passion v13 Captivate-flashable? Thanks for any info you may have.
aicirt17 said:
Is there such a rom? I've checked teamhacksung's CM9 Alpha, Doc's Master ICS, Team ICSSGS, Fusion, and WeUI v0.6.6, and they all say to do a full wipe. Performed a search here and Google for any answers, but didn't find any.
I'm currently running Gingerbread 2.3.5 with Corn kernel, and when I upgraded from Froyo, I performed a full wipe. As many of you know, putting everything back on your phone is a major pain if you do not do a proper backup (I thought I backed up everything using Titanium, but apparently I didn't). Anyway, just curious if there is an ICS rom with a non-wipe option (or a super-cool, full of eye-candy Gingerbread rom with non-wipe).
Oh yeah, is Passion v13 Captivate-flashable? Thanks for any info you may have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to do a full wipe on your phone since you're coming from a Gingerbread ROM. You may not delete what's on your sdcard if you want to retain it but as for apps, it will be deleted and so are your contacts, messages, etc.
Yuck. Okay, I figured as much, I was just hoping So, a Nandroid back-up is best, right? NOT Titanium?
aicirt17 said:
Yuck. Okay, I figured as much, I was just hoping So, a Nandroid back-up is best, right? NOT Titanium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Nandroid back-up is good. You could do Titanium Backup as well but a fresh install of the apps would be better. I'm not sure it would work if you backed-up the apps from Gingerbread and install it on ICS, but you could try one app and test it.
aicirt17 said:
Yuck. Okay, I figured as much, I was just hoping So, a Nandroid back-up is best, right? NOT Titanium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do a A Nandroid, but don't try restoring that on ICS or you will most likely cause a metric ton of problems. Titanium would be the best way to back up and restore your apps and app data. NEVER restore system data.
mrhaley30705 said:
You can do a A Nandroid, but don't try restoring that on ICS or you will most likely cause a metric ton of problems. Titanium would be the best way to back up and restore your apps and app data. NEVER restore system data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, forgot to mention that. Just backup your Apps and not your System Data.
Okay, wow, all the reading that I have done and I did NOT know that. No system data. Got it. Thank you both!
CM9 builds when upgrading from previous CM9 builds don't need a full wipe... I'm sure the others are the same... So won't be so bad unless you go between them all...
If you are so concerned with keeping your data and not wanting to go through the "pain" of resetting all your apps and such, you should stay with what you have. Instead, use a launcher with ICS themes to get the look of the ICS.
If you can take some pain and make the jump though, ICS offers a way more slicker OS for your Cappy.
Do not use Nandroid backup to restore your apps... TIBU is the one to use! As others said, the best way is to do a fresh (from the market) reinstall of all your apps and then use TIBU to restore your data for those specific apps only...
Edit: Concider this though while you are looking to upgrade. Most of these ICS roms are in beta stage... this means some bugs and other inconveniences... mind you they are minor but they exist. As the devs get these bugs and other issues addressed and update their roms, they would often require a fresh install (full wipe) to ensure best performance. This means that you will have to occasionally do a full wipe of your phone. It's fun to see the latest and greatest the devs have to offer but it also means that you have to do some "hard" work to enjoy the fruits of their labor... just something for you to think about...
I did not see it mentioned so I'll add. Every ROM that has a "no wipe" update is such because it is only a minor update to the existing ROM and not the whole. Even trying to do so results is a miss match of files and programs so at best you'll get FCs all over there place, at worst bootloops.
ICS, is a huge set of changes, including things google merged or removed. So the data from an app on an older version of android would be trying to send/receive info from a program that does not exist anymore and upon not getting what it wants would FC.
If you don't like having to restore everything, then wait from ICS until you see a few no wipe updates. Aside from SGSICS (since it is pure ASOP, and least likely to have any major changes) they all have a fair amount of developing yet to be done.
Now to the question of which type of backup . A nandroid backup is meant to restore your phone to it's current state (minus any partition changes). Tibu is designed for something like ROM hoping, so it only saves apps and their data. To illustrate an example of how to use both: 1 make backups, 2 load ICS ROM, 3 Tibu restore user apps (and user data only), 4 toy with ROM (be it a few hours or days), 5 you don't like it and want to go back, 6 Odin/Heimdall back to GB (to fix partition sizes), 7 restore nandroid and it's like your trip to ICS never happened.
leaked from my ICS- FUSED SGS I897 contaminating you via XDA app.
cvcduty said:
If you are so concerned with keeping your data and not wanting to go through the "pain" of resetting all your apps and such, you should stay with what you have. Instead, use a launcher with ICS themes to get the look of the ICS.
If you can take some pain and make the jump though, ICS offers a way more slicker OS for your Cappy.
Do not use Nandroid backup to restore your apps... TIBU is the one to use! As others said, the best way is to do a fresh (from the market) reinstall of all your apps and then use TIBU to restore your data for those specific apps only...
Edit: Concider this though while you are looking to upgrade. Most of these ICS roms are in beta stage... this means some bugs and other inconveniences... mind you they are minor but they exist. As the devs get these bugs and other issues addressed and update their roms, they would often require a fresh install (full wipe) to ensure best performance. This means that you will have to occasionally do a full wipe of your phone. It's fun to see the latest and greatest the devs have to offer but it also means that you have to do some "hard" work to enjoy the fruits of their labor... just something for you to think about...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cvcduty, you're right about enjoying the fruits of the other devs' labor. If they're willing to put in all that hard work just to keep our Captivates as updated as possible, then the very least I can do is go through 5 minutes of work to flash the roms correctly and in the way the devs intended, and not look for an easier way. I have flashed a couple of times before, I'm just not completely comfortable doing it. But I almost there!
DaNaRkI said:
I did not see it mentioned so I'll add. Every ROM that has a "no wipe" update is such because it is only a minor update to the existing ROM and not the whole. Even trying to do so results is a miss match of files and programs so at best you'll get FCs all over there place, at worst bootloops.
ICS, is a huge set of changes, including things google merged or removed. So the data from an app on an older version of android would be trying to send/receive info from a program that does not exist anymore and upon not getting what it wants would FC.
If you don't like having to restore everything, then wait from ICS until you see a few no wipe updates. Aside from SGSICS (since it is pure ASOP, and least likely to have any major changes) they all have a fair amount of developing yet to be done.
Now to the question of which type of backup . A nandroid backup is meant to restore your phone to it's current state (minus any partition changes). Tibu is designed for something like ROM hoping, so it only saves apps and their data. To illustrate an example of how to use both: 1 make backups, 2 load ICS ROM, 3 Tibu restore user apps (and user data only), 4 toy with ROM (be it a few hours or days), 5 you don't like it and want to go back, 6 Odin/Heimdall back to GB (to fix partition sizes), 7 restore nandroid and it's like your trip to ICS never happened.
leaked from my ICS- FUSED SGS I897 contaminating you via XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DaNaRkI, it's not that I don't like to restore everything (even though that's what I said), it's more like even though I have flashed a couple of times already, I'm still a little uncomfortable doing it. And I have read, I mean read for hours before I took my first step, but it seems like the more I read, I keep finding more new stuff that I probably should have known to start with. Take Nandroid and Tibu for example, I thought they worked exactly the same, but now I know, thanks to you, that there is a BIG difference. AND I learned yesterday (reading somewhere on here) to never ever restore "system data". It's a lot to keep up with if you're a blonde
Thank you for taking the time to explain, it helped a lot!