Database Develop

Rename my Nandroid backups?

i thought you could rename the folder of each nandroid backup, but after searching i read that now they might not restore anymore. is this true? i havent tried to restore any of them.
i used the time stamp of each folder to rename them based on the order of first to last because i didnt pay attention that the folder name was actually the date. so i dont know if i named them correctly, i.e. stock rom, cyan #1, etc.
are my restore files now trashed? also i havent done a restore yet cause i wasnt sure how much re-installing i would have to do. what exactly does nandroid restore, is it just the OS and all settings, but no apps? thanks!

Nandroid is basically an image or 'Snapshot' of your phone i.e. everything from your applications to your settings to the bootloader animation. As for renaming them, I think you need to keep the same folder structure but you can rename the 'BDES-20100430-1259' part to something more user-friendly.

nDrg said:
Nandroid is basically an image or 'Snapshot' of your phone i.e. everything from your applications to your settings to the bootloader animation. As for renaming them, I think you need to keep the same folder structure but you can rename the 'BDES-20100430-1259' part to something more user-friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait it grabs everything including apps, OS settings, even my desire black notification bar, etc?
I'm totally noob so I wanna do my first restore but don't know what if anything I'll lose and if its worth it to even restore. I'm wondering how feasible it is to bounce around between nanDroid backups and I always hear about titanium backup but don't understand the difference and why to use that or just the recovery. Thanks

I rename my nandroid backup folders on a regular basis, so I can quickly find a backup for any stage of modification I'd like to go back to. ORIGINAL, CYAN-506-BARE, CYAN-506-LOADED, FROYO-BARE, FROYO-LOADED, etc....
And it SHOULD backup everything (well, except for the radio image), and it generally does. I have done a few restores where it misses an app or setting or two but the majority of everything is there.

mine works restoring when renaming folders. i label mine using the rom versions (kang/cyan/etc)

And you don't lose root if you flash back to stock ROM, the one I made right after I first rooted?

RogerPodacter said:
And you don't lose root if you flash back to stock ROM, the one I made right after I first rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the backup was created while you had root access, then you should still have root access. Those permissions will be copied as a part of the backup.

crap my restore just failed. It said:
Error: run 'nandroid-mobile.sh restore ' via adb
Are my backups lost forever? I tried all of them and all gave that error.

That's beyond me. The only time I've had an issue with nandroid backups was when my SD card was close to full. My troubleshooting skills on that are limited, I'm afraid.

I rename all mine according to ROM/kernel...etc and yes nandroid backsup everything to the "T" the way it was when u aplly the backup. You should always keep more than one nandroid on ur card or save them on ur computer. They are known to sometimes not work. It has happened to me.

Ok I'm really having some problems. I just now created another brand new nand backup and didn't rename itand tried to restore it and get the same error. Google has tons of info on this with a million different answers. I tried removing all spaces in my backup name with no luck.

codesplice said:
I rename my nandroid backup folders ... ORIGINAL, CYAN-506-BARE, CYAN-506-LOADED, FROYO-BARE, FROYO-LOADED, etc ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahaha, ****t codesplice, you and I do it the exact same way!!!
Since I've been playing with different kernels for Froyo, I now have to include the kernel name in my backups.

crap my restore just failed. It said:
Error: run 'nandroid-mobile.sh restore ' via adb
Are my backups lost forever? I tried all of them and all gave that error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure your battery has greater than 50% - best if on a full charge.
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

[Guide] Backup and Flashing Recommendations, Info, and Tips

Below is some information to help out people with backing up their device, some backup tips, some general information on flashing, and tips and best practices for flashing. Hope this helps!!
Assumptions:
This guide assumes you are fully rooted at this point. If not follow any one of the guides.
To test root type "su" into a terminal. You should get a "#" back. You can use a terminal emulator from the market or ADB. To get ADB up and running follow this guide here. That guide is for Windows users, but Mac and *nix users shouldn't be much more difficult.
Backing up
NAND Backup:
Once rooted you can use the app quickboot to boot into recovery to do a NAND backup. If your ROM doesn't have this app installed, download from Marketplace. Open app and choose "Recovery". Once in recovery, find the backup and recovery option.
Once done you can reboot and continue on as normal. This is an essential step (or using Rom Manager below). If you ever screw up something major or you try a new ROM and want to go back, this will allow you to restore easily and get back to a point where things worked fine. It would also be highly recommended to do one of these backups before doing something major that has potential to break things. Use best judgment here.
Rom Manager:
NOTE: This is unverified to work. Once ROM Manager is functional on NI Adam I will update this guide.
Titanium Backup (TB):
Once you have your NAND backup I would also recommend installing Titanium Backup from the Marketplace (I would also pay for the license because you get better performance and the dev deserves some green for this awesome app!). Once installed open it. The first time it will ask you to update Busybox. Let it and wait for this to download. When done it will ask you reboot app from the notification area. Do this and then wait for app to fully load, two messages should appear, the second one indicates it is fully loaded. Then hit menu and go to the batch section. Choose " Backup all user apps + system data".
This will backup everything on your phone for you to your SD card. This will take a while so go get some coffee and check back in. Do not close the app or turn off your phone, the screen can go blank and you can let it sit, but it will need time to run. I think when the screen turns off it puts an icon in notification that should be updating the progress of the batch. Once done, it should tell you in the notification area. For me it takes awhile with my 228 some elements I'm backing up. Your mileage will vary.
SMS/MMS
I came across a thread that mentions using Handy Backup for backing up SMS/MMS messages. I have not tried this app or used it so I don't have any directions to give on it. But I have had people ask and I have seen folks ask in other threads. So if TB doesn't give you enough, try this one or some other app.
Backup to Computer:
I'm still looking for a better method for this one. I'm sure someone has something and if you do please let me know so I can update this section.
Currently I backup files and folders to my local NAS at home after major changes. Incremental changes I let TB handle. This is just a simple process of setting the SD card to storage and copy/paste. Works fine and I have only done this once so far after everything was set to my liking.
You might wonder why this important? Well if you are going to play around a lot with different ROMs and constantly read/writing info to your SD card, it is important because SD cards are not perfect. They can be corrupted and can fail from too much writing of info. It usually takes a lot of work to get one to the point of failure, but I managed to do it with my HTC Mogul so I can vouch that it can happen.
Important folders on SD card:
- /sdcard/clockwork/backup
This will get all backups performed by clockwork. If you grab the entire clockwork folder then you will get ROM downloads and such too. I don't really recommend this as it never takes more than 25 minutes for me to download any image. Plus with a secure NAND backup, you can always restore quickly.
- /sdcard/nandroid
This should be the backup the folder used by AmonRa recovery.
- /sdcard/TitaniumBackup
Folder used by TB for backing up of apps.
Of course throw in any other folders you deem important. What that is depends on you. Making a backup of everything else probably wont take long too. For me I rarely have more than 7gb of data on my card so backing up takes roughly 30-50 minutes.
All of this may seem like a lot of work, but once done you will have a robust system in place. And will allow you the opportunity to safely play!!
Restoring
Restoring is a simple process but can be time consuming. To speed things up you can pay for the full version of TB, which I highly recommend.
TB
Follow the directions below for what I do after flashing. If you have already read that and are ready to restore then do the following...
Open up TB and let if fully load, you will get two small popup messages. The second one means that TB has fully loaded the OS information. Then hit the menu key and choose batch. Scroll down and look for "Restore all apps with data". Run this batch to restore everything. Keep in mind if you backed up everything and are now changing ROMs that you might run into problems. I have yet to run across issues, but this is just an FYI. Also another reason to have a full NAND backup with Rom Manager. If you run into too many problems just restore with it and problem solved.
Restores and backups take awhile with TB, but are worth the wait. Once done with the full restore you can then do incremental backup and restores in the future.
Also don't forget to open up the apps after restoring and make sure the apps are setup how you want. Then double check with TB to make sure things are fully backed up, just click "Backup all new apps & newer versions". Once done with this reboot.
After a TB restore always reboot. After the reboot go into Rom Manager and NAND backup following the steps above in the backup section. This will ensure you have a full system backup with the settings you want.
Rom Manager
For now go to recovery to restore.
Flashing Tips and Problems
Watch Girls Gone Wild for help with this...
More to come here...
Stock ROM with Root (back to defaults) or Completely Unroot:
I Just Flashed with no Backups:
Below is what I did before I had Titanium Backup in place and after flashing a custom ROM...
Once booted right after flashing I make sure things look fine, fully sync to Google, then reboot. When I come back from that I turn on WiFi and go to Marketplace and Download section. Any apps I previously downloaded will be in that section waiting for me to download. Download them all at once, DO NOT leave that section before downloading everything, or you will lose that list and it will only show apps currently downloaded and installed.
Once done, open apps and customize to liking. Then download Rom Manager if you don't already have it and follow the above section. Once done with that follow the above section on Titanium Backup. Then enjoy your custom ROM.
Flashing in general:
ALWAYS make sure your battery is at least 50% full. The last thing you want is your phone to die on you in the middle of flashing.
Follow the above backup guides before flashing another custom ROM. Save yourself time and trouble. Also I have read about people using NAND backups to sort of switch between different ROMs. In the short term that shouldn't be a problem, but long term that can make your SD card unstable. Make sure you follow the above section for backing up your SD card to computer.
If changing from one ROM to another it is best practice and almost always recommended to wipe data and dalvik cache. This also will alleviate many issues people run into. And if you follow my backup recommendations then it shouldn't be an issue to do either of these.
Some ROM devs have other items you can add to their ROM. Follow their directions for flashing those items. Some devs want you to boot first than go back and flash, others allow for you to just start flashing right away with no waiting. Pay attention to the directions on your ROM thread. If you screw something up, try flashing the package again. If things look worse or it didn't work, re-flash your ROM or restore your backup and try again.
Once booted up follow guides above for backing up or restoring. Otherwise if you have problems look below before asking questions. If you can't find it here try searching before asking questions. If you still can't find it feel free to ask for help, but keep the question in the thread for your ROM you are flashing, or if you think it is a rooting issue, in the thread of the root process you followed.
Issue:
That's all for now!
I'm sure there is plenty more to add to this down the road, but for now this is all the dumping my brain can handle. Leave comments and suggestions and let's make this a strong guide with the right information to help those in need.

Thanks for writing this up, should help lots of people.
-CC

[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)

[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.

Need help getting started with CM9

As the tittle says. I would like some help on getting started with CM9. I haven't done anything all to my touchpad since I got it months ago.
What are some of the bugs CM9 brings along with it? My touchpad is mainly a fun device so I don't mind things not working 100%.

I would like some help on getting started with CM9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, what exactly do you need help with?
What are some of the bugs CM9 brings along with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the bugs are listed in the ROM thread. Hardware acceleration still isn't perfect yet. Audio from the speakers and headphones is still a mess. Camera doesn't work. Wifi is still buggy with some devices.

sitlet said:
OK, what exactly do you need help with?
All the bugs are listed in the ROM thread. Hardware acceleration still isn't perfect yet. Audio from the speakers and headphones is still a mess. Camera doesn't work. Wifi is still buggy with some devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that makes it sound shoddy, CM9 is perfectly usable, in fact its great, gaming, music and playing HD videos all work great for me, also I've never had any wifi problems.
I would read the CM9 install guide on rootzwiki very carefully and go for it.

Well that makes it sound shoddy, CM9 is perfectly usable, in fact its great, gaming, music and playing HD videos all work great for me, also I've never had any wifi problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I did make it sound kinda bad. For me, cm9 is running perfectly on my TP, minus the audio and camera. The video acceleration has only locked up on me once in a month of use, and I haven't had the wifi problem that some people have. The biggest bug for me is the audio, I would love to be able to listen to music with the screen off to save battery.

So audio works for movies? Thinking of giving it a try later on today.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

jep audio in movies is working fine
and also for me this rom is perfectably useabel, never had wifi problems and mostly everything else also works like a charm, so give it a try i doubt you regred it^^

this sounds silly coming from someone who has CM7 3.5 installed already... but what is Titanium backup?? I don't understand if it's something I have to download, or if it's built in to something? I understand that in order to install CM9 over CM7, that I should have no problems... but that I should back up first. I can do a back up with Clockwork Mod first, then I'm supposed to do a back up of my app's with Titanium ( I read this somewhere). Is this true?
Also, If I have the CM9 zip on my Touchpad already, do I still have to install it by connecting it to my Mac or PC using ACMEINstaller2? If I can update it without having to do that, and it's a better way, then I'm all for it.
I'm also not sure about the gapps files. I gather I'm supposed to update those after I'm done installing CM9 right? I noticed that at one time, someone said to grab the 20120215 one, but now I see there is a 20120301 that is released. Are the most recent releases complete updates to the previous gapps, or do they only include certain apps? In other words, to stay current, do I need to always check for new gapps releases and install them as they come out?
Thanks!
J

but what is Titanium backup??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an app for rooted devices that lets you backup and restore apps, most commonly used for when you switch roms. Yes, you have to download it.
I understand that in order to install CM9 over CM7, that I should have no problems... but that I should back up first. I can do a back up with Clockwork Mod first, then I'm supposed to do a back up of my app's with Titanium ( I read this somewhere). Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium backup and Nandroid backups (backups made in CWM) are completely different. Titanium will backup your apps and their settings/save data. For example, if you have Angry Birds, Titanium will also backup the app's data, so your game saves/progess will still be there when you restore it. A nandroid backup is a complete system backup, i.e. an exact copy of your entire system (rom, apps, etc). When switching roms, you should always do BOTH. Do a nandroid just in case the rom doesnt flash properly or something, and backup apps with titanium to save your app data and to make it easier to restore all your apps at once when you get the new rom running.
Also, If I have the CM9 zip on my Touchpad already, do I still have to install it by connecting it to my Mac or PC using ACMEINstaller2? If I can update it without having to do that, and it's a better way, then I'm all for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can, however I would recommend just flashing in clockworkmod. Backup your apps with Titanium, boot into recovery, make a Nandroid backup, wipe cache/dalvik/data, then flash the rom zip file.
I'm also not sure about the gapps files. I gather I'm supposed to update those after I'm done installing CM9 right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before flashing, put the gapps zip (make sure its the one for cm9 and not for cm7) in the same folder as the rom zip. After following the above instructions and flashing the rom, then you flash the gapps zip, and then reboot, and the rom should load with all the gapps in there
Are the most recent releases complete updates to the previous gapps, or do they only include certain apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the gapps only gives you maps, gmail, and the market. Any other apps like google search, google books, etc, can be downloaded from the market after you get the rom running.
In other words, to stay current, do I need to always check for new gapps releases and install them as they come out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, once you get everything running, the google apps like gmail and maps will be updated through the Market (I guess it's called the Play Store now) like normal. The reason you have to flash the gapps file after flashing the rom, is apps like the market have to be installed as a system app, and that can only be done through flashing with clockwork. After that, everything will update as normal through the Play Store.

Thanks for the info. In doing more research I figured out that I already have an application like Titanium called Astro File Manager. I did a back up with that. I'm sure it's the same thing.
I made a directory called cminstall at mnt/sdcard/ and put the CM9 and Gapps zips in that folder. Should I do that? Or should I leave them in the mnt/sdcard directory? there are some rogue files in that directory, but mostly it contains all of my folders for both WebOS and Andriod.
Sounds like I'm all set then. Just to be clear, I flash the new Rom by browsing to it from within Clockwork Mod?
Thanks!!
Jason

Whatever guide you're following, to me the 2 most important points are always:
1: make a nandroid backup of what you have right now so you can go back to it if you mess something up.
2: Wipe before flashing a new ROM
Both of which should be available from within your recovery..
Also.. while not being mandatory.. checking the checksum of the files you're about to flash can't hurt either..
TitBackup or other app backup tool is useful to restore your apps.. once you boot into your fresh new ROM, but it's *not* a substitute to a nandroid backup in case something goes wrong...
Enjoy

I just realized that I did a "nandriod" backup yesterday and didn't realize that it was a "nandriod" backup! So, now that i know what it is... well... I just know! LOL.
Although, it just errored out and told me to look at the log file. I could have ran out of room. I just tried to read the log file, and I'm not sure what program to open it with? CM Recovery?
And that "wiping" is running the "cache/dalvik/data" thing right? And when it says "wipe", does that mean literally "ERASES EVERYTHING" except of course my WebOS stuff.
Wiping sure sounds scary to me... that's like "losing everything", then messing with having to reinstall it all. All my ebooks that I've converted, etc. Or is that not correct? Essentially, if I do this and my tablet reboots with CM9 on it, will I be looking at what I had before but with CM9 running, or will I have a blank slate i.e. no files, no games/apps, etc. And from there, do I bring my app's back in through a recovery, or do I have to redownload them again?
I'm sorry, but I'm so new to this. Once I get it down, I won't be so nervous about it.
J

Question... Should CM7 or 9 be mixed in with my WebOS files? That always drove me nuts that they were all mixed together. It's hard to keep track of what's what. Those stray files in the root of my directory are all WebOS files. THings I've saved, etc.
Is there not a way to have a folder that contains ONLY the Android OS? Or does it all have to be in mnt/sdcard like it is now for me? Probl not. It all has to go on the root.
EDIT: However, I did notice that there is an "internal" storage of 1gig, and SD Card storage with about 11gigs total. So a 16gig unit in reality is about 12.5gigs. I only have 1.5gigs of space left on my "SD Card".
I wonder why some of my Android apps are in the "internal" storage section and the rest are on the SD card? Shouldn't JUST WebOS stuff be on the internal partition? I'm asking because if I'm going to install CM9, if there is a better way for me to do this, then now would be the time to know!
Thanks!
Jason

boy, I was literally minutes away from pulling the trigger on CM9 when I decided that I had better double check what version of gapps I had. I have "gapps-ICS-20120215". I think that's the right one?
Anyway, over in the CM forum, there are people posting up a storm that they are having rampant reboot issues and are totally stumped as to what is causing it. There could be tons more NOT having the issue too though, so it's hard to say.
Sitlet:
If installing gapps is a once and done process, why do they keep releasing newer gapps files? I was under the impression that it was because only certain apps could run on CM7, and the gapp files being updated were somehow linked to that?
Maybe as apps are updated, they release new gapps for people just now Rooting, so they can have the latest versions of the google apps when they are finished with the ROM update?
Either way, I'm now seriously reconsidering the idea of updating until I get a firm "go for it" from someone. The LAST thing I need is a constant reboot problem.
One more thing... regarding CM7 2.5... in the ADW Launcher section it indicates that I can maybe update themes to something else. is this true? If so, what type of theme/launcher does CM7 3.5 use? There are several different types. I tried this once before and really screwed my OS up. I was very lucky to recover from it.

The gapps file I use on ICS CM9:
http://goo-inside.me/gapps
Latest is 2012-03-04 but yours wouldn't be bad, assuming its just an older version of the ICS gapps and not for GB/CM7
Wiping then flashing a ROM will overwrite /system /data /cache
Thus not including Pictures, books, etc that are stored on the SDcard..
I also assumed you were already on CM7? And have working CWM recovery?
Nandroid backup/restore is from your recovery indeed.
A successful nandroid backup would allow you to restore your current Android ROM to the exact condition that it was when you backed it up.
So even if your new install ends up having reboot issues in say a week, restoring the nandroid backup made today will get you back to exactly what you had today.
(I have nandroid bckups of CM9 and the original stock on my phone and could switch between the two by restoring the appropriate one.)
I have done this process several times on diff. phones but don't have a TouchPad atm, so maybe someone who has can pitch in for the WebOS files part.
EDIT: sitlet's post from March 13th pretty much sums it all up already

yes, I'm running CM7 3.5, and I have done a complete backup both system and apps. I'm literally ready to install CM9 right now, but I need to maybe update my gapps to the one you have. That's all.
Ok... so you clarified the answer to my question. things are so routine w/ you experienced guys, that subtle details get left out when generalizing to the noobs. Which is to say that when you do a complete backup, it backs up the system to LITERALLY what it is at the time of backup. CM7 3.5 with all the apps I'm running, pictures, documents, etc.
So if I then install CM9 and tweak it how I want it, run into problems, do a complete backup, then RESTORE CM7 3.5 from the file, it will return to that state.
Are you saying that no matter what ROM you install, or what backup your restore, that all of your "user files" are always untouched? So, whatever pictures I have taken or whatever while using CM9, after I do a full back up and install say CM7 or something else, those things will remain? So I don't ever have to worry about losing a precious picture or file??
It's all starting to click believe it or not. I'm just trying to get it all sorted out in my mind! THank you so much!
j

For "user files" it depends where they are. Anything in /sdcard should be safe unless there's something else going on for WebOS devices.
Also.. any file picture or not .. saved in /system or /data wouldn't be safe after flashing.. but would also be in a nandroid backup..
And restoring a nandroid of your system won't restore pictures on sdcard if you happen to delete them yourself.
EDIT: Not sure if I'm making any sense..
restoring a nandroid, Wiping, Flashing ROMs, etc won't touch stuff on /sdcard
But these files won't be included in a nandroid backup either..
When you nandroid backup.. the backup file is actually usually saved TO the sdcard..

I figured out that I already have an application like Titanium called Astro File Manager. I did a back up with that. I'm sure it's the same thing.
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It's not. Astro will only backup the apk file for the app, and only if the app isn't protected. Titanium will backup the app, it's data, market link, etc., and will do it for any app, including system apps.
And that "wiping" is running the "cache/dalvik/data" thing right? And when it says "wipe", does that mean literally "ERASES EVERYTHING" except of course my WebOS stuff.
Wiping sure sounds scary to me... that's like "losing everything", then messing with having to reinstall it all. All my ebooks that I've converted, etc. Or is that not correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wiping cache/data/dalvik will not touch anything on the "sd card". And if you are worried about losing things, that's why you do a nandroid backup and backup apps with Titanium first.
Essentially, if I do this and my tablet reboots with CM9 on it, will I be looking at what I had before but with CM9 running, or will I have a blank slate i.e. no files, no games/apps, etc. And from there, do I bring my app's back in through a recovery, or do I have to redownload them again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have a fresh install, i.e. no extra apps on it. That's the whole point of wiping the "data" in clockwork. You CAN flash a rom without wiping the data, and all of your apps will still be there, but that is NOT recommended, especially when flashing a completely new rom like cm9. Just backup apps with Titanium, make a nandroid, then wipe everything.
Question... Should CM7 or 9 be mixed in with my WebOS files? That always drove me nuts that they were all mixed together. It's hard to keep track of what's what. Those stray files in the root of my directory are all WebOS files. THings I've saved, etc.
Is there not a way to have a folder that contains ONLY the Android OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is how it is with the TP. Most android phones/tablets will have an internal memory AND an external SD card, thus being able to separate OS from other data. Since the TP only has one memory, and you are trying to run two OS's, this is the only way to do it.
EDIT: However, I did notice that there is an "internal" storage of 1gig, and SD Card storage with about 11gigs total. So a 16gig unit in reality is about 12.5gigs. I only have 1.5gigs of space left on my "SD Card".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all the same memory, just partitioned differently. And the 16gb of space is actually about 14gb due to blocking in the first place, and the WebOS takes about 2 gb to begin with.
I wonder why some of my Android apps are in the "internal" storage section and the rest are on the SD card? Shouldn't JUST WebOS stuff be on the internal partition?
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Click to collapse
Again, your TP ONLY has one 16gb block of memory, where most devices have more than one. It is partitioned to let the android OS think there is a separate internal and external memory, which is how it has to be for android to run. You can move apps to the sd card by going to settings-applications, however, with the TP, again, its the same memory, so you really aren't moving it.
Sitlet:
If installing gapps is a once and done process, why do they keep releasing newer gapps files? I was under the impression that it was because only certain apps could run on CM7, and the gapp files being updated were somehow linked to that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The apps like gmail, maps, etc, all get updated regularly though the Market. Thus, once one gets updated, someone will update the gapps zip with the newer version. The reason you HAVE to flash it the first time, is because some of the apps are system apps, and flashing is the ONLY way to get them to work properly. Once they are on your system and installed, you can update regularly through the market. It doesn't matter if you flash an outdated gapps zip, as long as it is one for ICS cm9, and not GB cm7. If the apps are outdated when you flash them, the market should let you update them after your tablet runs for a few minutes and realizes the apps are outdated.
The LAST thing I need is a constant reboot problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you stick with Alpha 2, and NOT the nightlies, you should be fine. I haven't had one reboot in over a month.
Which is to say that when you do a complete backup, it backs up the system to LITERALLY what it is at the time of backup. CM7 3.5 with all the apps I'm running, pictures, documents, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, as I explained earlier, there are two backups you should make. First, use Titanium to backup any apps you want to keep, and their app data. Obviously you can just re-download any app from the market after you flash cm9, but Titanium gives you a one-click way of doing it, thus saving you time. AND Titanium will backup app's data, so if you have a game that you want to save your progress, backing up with Titanium will save that progress.
User files (i.e. anything in the mnt/sdcard folder) will NOT be touched when wiping cache/data/dalvik in clockwork. They will ONLY be lost if you select the option to wipe sd card in clockwork. Again, if you are worried about anything, backup your files to a computer first, which obviously if anything is important to you, you should already have a backup of that data somewhere.
Are you saying that no matter what ROM you install, or what backup your restore, that all of your "user files" are always untouched?
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Click to collapse
Yes, unless you specifically tell clockwork to wipe sd card. Any pictures, music, documents that you loaded onto the device via usb automatically go to the sd card partition, and will not be touched when flashing a rom. But again, ALWAYS have a backup of your data just in case something goes wrong.
So I don't ever have to worry about losing a precious picture or file??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, I can't stress this enough: if you have data (pictures or whatever) that are important to you, make a backup somewhere off the device, just in case.

Man, thanks for your patience and sorry about the redundancy.
Everyone seems to talk about Titanium, but I'm hesitant to buy it because I'm getting ready to buy an iPad 3. I tried to use Astro File Manager, but could not figure out how to get it to work properly. I can use it on my phone in my sleep. So, right now I only have a program called literally File Manager v1.1.4 for moving and locating files, or I use Clockwork Recovery for nandroid backups, and Rom Manager app backups (I think.. unless it's backwards). I believe people choose Titanium over Rom Manager correct? or run both? But aren't they both essentially the same?
Anyway... I could literally drag and drop stuff off my tablet to my computer no problem. That's about as fool proof as it gets really. There isn't much on my tablet that I wouldn't care to lose. Maybe some journal notes or unfinished Blog drafts.
I need to ask those people in the CM forum who are having problems if they are updating the nightlies or not. this CM9 reboot problem seems VERY odd and very random... AND a total nightmare. Because once you start having the problems, even going back to CM7 3.5 won't fix it. You're stuck with a rebooting machine until someone figures it out. Have a look:
http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/42519-cm9-alpha-2-on-touchpad-device-freeze-and-reboots-randomly/

Man, thanks for your patience and sorry about the redundancy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, we were all clueless when we started off with stuff like this.
Everyone seems to talk about Titanium, but I'm hesitant to buy it because I'm getting ready to buy an iPad 3.
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Click to collapse
You don't have to buy it, the free version does everything except one-click backup/restores. You can still do backups and restores, but you have to do it app by app. The full app is only a few bucks, but I can understand if you are only going to use it once or twice on this tablet, just go with the free one.
I tried to use Astro File Manager, but could not figure out how to get it to work properly.
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Click to collapse
Astro really wasn't made for making backups, and it rarely works. Titanium is an app that everyone uses, and it's really the ONLY app that works every time with every app.
and Rom Manager app backups (I think.. unless it's backwards). I believe people choose Titanium over Rom Manager correct? or run both? But aren't they both essentially the same?
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Click to collapse
No, they are not the same. Titanium is just used to backup apps. ROM Manager is used to make nandroid backups, and flash roms without having to use recovery. However, it rarely works correctly, and will likely brick your device. Just stay away from that app. Flash roms and do nandroid backups directly through recovery, that way you wont run into any problems. ROM Manager has been known to brick many devices and cause many problems.
this CM9 reboot problem seems VERY odd and very random... AND a total nightmare.
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Click to collapse
It is very random, and I can pretty much guarantee you it's happening because people aren't flashing and wiping correctly. If you look at the people it's happening to, it's people who are new to rooting and flashing. And if you read the main thread for Alpha 2, you rarely see someone with that problem. Again, just stick with the Aplha 2 stable release. The nightlies really are full of bugs, the cm9 team basically will make changes to a rom, and let people who flash the nightlies find the bugs. So unless you really want to be wiping and flashing every night to avoid problems, just stick with Alpha 2, it's VERY stable at the moment.

sitlet said:
Astro really wasn't made for making backups, and it rarely works. Titanium is an app that everyone uses, and it's really the ONLY app that works every time with every app.
Well, I suppose yer right. I mean, I will surely use it for my Thunderbolt phone. But Astro does a pretty good job I think. I'll buy it, what the heck.
No, they are not the same. Titanium is just used to backup apps. ROM Manager is used to make nandroid backups, and flash roms without having to use recovery. However, it rarely works correctly, and will likely brick your device. Just stay away from that app. Flash roms and do nandroid backups directly through recovery, that way you wont run into any problems. ROM Manager has been known to brick many devices and cause many problems.
I'm glad you told me that!! Jeesh!! Does this Rom Manager issue apply to phones too, or just tablets?
It is very random, and I can pretty much guarantee you it's happening because people aren't flashing and wiping correctly. If you look at the people it's happening to, it's people who are new to rooting and flashing. And if you read the main thread for Alpha 2, you rarely see someone with that problem. Again, just stick with the Aplha 2 stable release. The nightlies really are full of bugs, the cm9 team basically will make changes to a rom, and let people who flash the nightlies find the bugs. So unless you really want to be wiping and flashing every night to avoid problems, just stick with Alpha 2, it's VERY stable at the moment.
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Hmmm.... Ok. So you're saying to just go with CM9 Alpha 2 and not worry about it? One thing I haven't nailed down is whether these people with problems are flashing from the nightlies. Have you determined this? My point to them was sorta "there are lots of people who say CM9 is a vast improvement over CM7, yet you guys are having nothing but trouble?" That is curious to me.
I read the thread for the stable release, and it said that I don't need to connect to my PC to do it. I put the ROM and the GAPPS on my card and planned on flashing it through recovery, doing a data wipe, etc. I'm totally backed up and ready to go. I was just hesitant about the reboot issue.
But if all goes well, I'll have an iPad 3 64gig tomorrow morning. So, that will allow me plenty of time to sort out the TP if it goes into reboot hell!
Btw... sorry if I've offended the Android fanboys by buying an iPad... but I'm a fan of BOTH, and the iPad fills a need that Android just can't. I'm a musician. Which is why I'm a Mac user too. However, I do love Android no question.