Database Develop

[Q] [HELP] Switching ROMs on the Captivate

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!

[Q] Nandroid backup

Hi all
Is Nandroid backing up all the apps I've got at that moment? Or it just saves system files?
Like a complete and exact "photo" or are there things that I should do on my own if I mean to recover exactly as it was...
I assume that no wipe is necessary...
Thanks!

What's the truth about Nandroid backup?!
i guess there's no need to open a new topic, because i got kinda the same question
before you guys start to redirect me to the "search" function, i want to assure you that i have been using it, but i have found myself in a very strange situation, one question, two different answers... and because i'm new to the whole root stuff, i want to learn everything correctly before starting to make modifications to my phone
The question is: Nandroid backup, does it also back up the kernel or not?
I mean, if i root and install a custom rom that also comes with a custom kernel, will i be able to use my previous Nandroid backup to restore my phone to the old rom & kernel?
Searching the forums, i have found 2 totally different answers!
Answer 1: Nandroid does not backup the kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=806340
Answer 2: Nandroid does backup the kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=844352
So, please make me and all of us root noobs understand once and for all, does it backup the kernel or not?, will we be able to restore from a custom rom+kernel in case we need to?

and does it backup apps?

OK...As I understand it....
What does Nandroid Backup?
The ROM Itself..Obviously.
All your system settings, emails, SMSes, etc
All the Apps you have installed, so no need for TB
The Kernel you have installed (though there is controversy about this, and to be honest, I have never restored a nandroid backup when I had a different kernel already installed...however it really doesn't matter since kernels are easy to flash)
What does Nandroid NOT backup - This is VERY IMPORTANT
The modem (not a big deal)
The File System setting (A BIG DEAL)
This I think is where the confusion arises concerning the kernel being included in the nandroid backup. For many people the kernel is all about the lagfix. If you have installed a lagfix on your phone via the kernel, say changing the file system to Ext4, and then flash a Nandroid backup that includes a stock kernel or other kernel that does NOT support Ext4, you are in for a world of hurt...and in this case hurt means endless bootloops.
The way you avoid this is, if you need to flash a Nandroid with a kernel that does not support your lagfix...go into recovery, disable whatever lagfix, tell it when it asks that you wish to REBOOT INTO RECOVERY after the change....then flash the nandroid you wish.
This is why it is very important to keep regular nandroid backups, and to wait and see if a ROM/Kernel are stable for you before applying lagfixes or other tweaks.

So, let me see if i got this right, Nandroid does backup up my current kernel along with my rom, but if i apply any changes (lagfix) to my kernel afterwards or change it with a custom one with lagfix, nandroid won't be able to restore it anymore...
so the whole problem here is that nandroid is not able to backup / restore The File System setting, this being the rfs / ext4 transition
If this is the case, it seems that the Nandroid type backup is not as powerful as i thought, you can't really change from one rom to another in just a few clicks, but then again i guess that all the customs roms already come with some type of lagfix and you can make a nandroid restore between them, the problem would be when you want to revert back to a stock kernel, then you'll have to disable the lagfixes or simply flash a stock kernel and then restore the stock nandroid backup
so, i got this right guys?

maranello69 said:
So, let me see if i got this right, Nandroid does backup up my current kernel along with my rom, but if i apply any changes (lagfix) to my kernel afterwards or change it with a custom one with lagfix, nandroid won't be able to restore it anymore...
so the whole problem here is that nandroid is not able to backup / restore The File System setting, this being the rfs / ext4 transition
If this is the case, it seems that the Nandroid type backup is not as powerful as i thought, you can't really change from one rom to another in just a few clicks, but then again i guess that all the customs roms already come with some type of lagfix and you can make a nandroid restore between them, the problem would be when you want to revert back to a stock kernel, then you'll have to disable the lagfixes or simply flash a stock kernel and then restore the stock nandroid backup
so, i got this right guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes as I understand it.
You see Nandroid can't convert your file system or change anything, all it can do is flash a disc image onto your phone. If that image can work with your file system, you are golden. If not, it is like flashing a Mac OS image onto a Windows machine....nothing will work right.
However the good news is that most custom kernels support Ext4...so really the only problem comes when you try to flash back to a stock image...or vice versa.

got it then, thanks for your answers
and, if i still got your attention, maybe one more question
i just downloaded a stock firmware from samfirmwares.com, and all i got is a .tar file, can i use it somehow to flash just the kernel from it or i have to flash the whole firmware?
if i flash the whole firmware, will it also change my PHONE and CSC?, because the .tar file must be put just in the PDA section in odin

maranello69 said:
got it then, thanks for your answers
and, if i still got your attention, maybe one more question
i just downloaded a stock firmware from samfirmwares.com, and all i got is a .tar file, can i use it somehow to flash just the kernel from it or i have to flash the whole firmware?
if i flash the whole firmware, will it also change my PHONE and CSC?, because the .tar file must be put just in the PDA section in odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will flash the PDA, csc, modem and kernel...the whole shooting match. The single file firmwares are designed like that to avoid mismatches and issues. Once you flash it, flash a kernel that supports cwm (I suggest speedmod or something by CHAINFIRE) via odin, then flash a new csc and modem if you wish from recovery.
Remember that installing a new csc will do a factory reset so do it before reinstalling apps.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

great stuff man
finally i got enough info and i can start my root & flash procedure, guess i'll also learn a few other tricks along the way, this community is definetly the place to be if you want to learn how to "really use" your device
the whole info about the issues with the Nandroid type backup should be integrated in one of those massive info topics, so the root noobs like me know what they're dealing with

maranello69 said:
great stuff man
finally i got enough info and i can start my root & flash procedure, guess i'll also learn a few other tricks along the way, this community is definetly the place to be if you want to learn how to "really use" your device
the whole info about the issues with the Nandroid type backup should be integrated in one of those massive info topics, so the root noobs like me know what they're dealing with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

Hey guys i actually used the search button (yay) and this is definitely the most informative one regarding the topic.
However i still have one more question: does it backup files and folders as well? Ie. my Nexus S storage is mainly used up by my videos and music (about 7-10GB) which are in their own folders and not tied to any apps in particular. Hence if it does include those i wouldn't have enough storage space to create a nandroid backup am i right?
Edit: thanks to the search button i didn't realise that i posted on a Galaxy S forum please forgive me, the question should still be relevant to the topic though

frenccw said:
Hey guys i actually used the search button (yay) and this is definitely the most informative one regarding the topic.
However i still have one more question: does it backup files and folders as well? Ie. my Nexus S storage is mainly used up by my videos and music (about 7-10GB) which are in their own folders and not tied to any apps in particular. Hence if it does include those i wouldn't have enough storage space to create a nandroid backup am i right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I understand it, it does save folders and files, so yes if you have large data folders on your internal SD it will make GIGANTIC nandroid backups. You may want to store such files one your external SD.
I know that there is a version of CWM that does not backup /data/media in Nandroid on the Galaxy Tab 10.1...perhaps there is something similar that I don't know about for Galaxy phones. Does anyone know?

Help - Nandroid backup & Clockwork on Galaxy Tab

Hi,
Before I get shot down in flames by people telling me to search, I have already searched & searched but still not found a satisfactory answer. In fact, there is so much contradictory & conflicting info relating to this that I'm thoroughly confused! I need somebody "in the know" to spell it out for me.
I bought a branded (Telstra) but unlocked GSM Samsung GT-P1000T when visiting Australia recently. It's running Android 2.2 & I want to update it to 2.3.3. I can't do it using Kies because it tells me no updates are available (presumably because it's branded). I tried all the Kies hacks that I could find but none work. I can't update it from Telstra because 2.3.3 is not released by them yet & even if it was, I don't live in Australia & I don't want all the bloatware that comes from Telstra.
I've downloaded Odin & the recent official 2.3.3 UK ROM. I intend to flash this but I will not flash anything until I have a Nandroid backup of my current system so that I can always go back if something goes wrong. This is where I come unstuck! Reading the information on Clockwork it tells me that the Tab must first be flashed with "Clockwork compatible firmware which can be found at XDA". I certainly can't find it! Even if I could find it, it kinda defeats the object... I want to make a Nandroid backup BEFORE I risk flashing ROMs!
So, after a long & rambling introduction, my two short questions are:-
1. Is there an easy way to get Clockwork (or similar) on my Tab?
2. Is there any other painless way to make a Nandroid backup?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my GT-P1000T using XDA App
Sent from my GT-P1000T using XDA App

Is anybody there? Someone...anyone...! Surely I can't be the only SGT owner that wants to do this.
Sent from my GT-P1000T using XDA App

andychud said:
1. Is there an easy way to get Clockwork (or similar) on my Tab?Rom Manager.. BUT, it is NOT OPTIMIZED for SGT.
2. Is there any other painless way to make a Nandroid backup?You want to keep your original firmware, right? You don't have to back it up. It's available online, along with other firmwares, both official and unofficial.
As for the user data (programs, contacts and such), nandroid backup won't keep them. Backup your contacts and photos in kies, and use Titanium for your apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hit thanks if I helped, much appreciated!

Do a search for 'clockwork recovery'. You need to install clockwork recovery so you can make a backup or install a rom.
Stay away from rom manager, it will just cause problems. As was said above, its not optimised for the tab. Will just cause your tab to bootloop if you use it.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=870690

[Q] Upgrade to Gingerbread - what happens to apps and user data?

Hi all,
been reading with interest this forum and was very pleased when Kies finally told me there is an update to my UK unbranded Tab's firmware (didn't want to go down the DIY update route...)
Just have a couple of questions about it though, which I am hoping someone may be able to answer: so here goes:
- what happens to user data (settings mostly, as photos/music/etc are backed up anyway)
- what happens to installed apps? Will these be automatically re-installed as part of the update process?
- what about rooting under 2.3? I am using the excellent z4root to get temporary root privileges so I can run my backups with Titanium (which I guess is the answer to the first two questions) - will z4root work in 2.3? If not, any equivalents so I can restore with Titanium and not worry all settings/data will be lost?
Many thanks in advance
Note I would like to go the "normal" (Kies) way of updating...

1. Home screen settings are not saved.
2. Apps are retained
3. You lose root and only way so far to root is CF root
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

Thanks bongski

There is a one click root that will work on stock gb too. It's not perfect, and you really have to read the instructions, but it works, and remember to donate.
Advice for restoring apps with titanium - be sure to restore apps, but no data, as this is the cause of so many problems on upgrades.

rangercaptain said:
There is a one click root that will work on stock gb too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it's called?

If you are talking about super one click root the latest kies update cannot be rooted as the exploit had been patched/closed.
I am also interested in other rooting method.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

What's your current software?
Mine is PDA: JMI
PHONE: JMA
CSC: JM4 (SER).
I also have an unbranded UK Tab

With Titanium backup you can backup applications.Contacts you can backup with gmail and you can even backup sms with the application ' restore and backup sms '
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App

smahmood143 said:
With Titanium backup you can backup applications.Contacts you can backup with gmail and you can even backup sms with the application ' restore and backup sms '
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful with titanium backup when restoring data FROM OLD FIRMWARE. Restore only the app on a new firmware to avoid problems.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

Make sure the back up folder is on your external sd card, or your back up will get wiped when you repartition.

I too use Titanium currently, but it requires root privileges, so if rooting is not yet available for Gingerbread, then presumably it won't be able to restore after the update anyway?
The apps will re-install anyway as I understand it, providing one gives the same gmail account to the device after the update, since they will appear in "my apps" on the market?
My current firmware is FROYO.XWJJ7? (whee can I find the CDA, PHONE etc?)

The rest of the firmware info is on Kies, on the general tab. But it looks like you're on a different build to me... My build is JMI. I'll just have to wait, maybe...
Sent from my sleek Samsung Tab using Tapatalk.

the1madsailor said:
I too use Titanium currently, but it requires root privileges, so if rooting is not yet available for Gingerbread, then presumably it won't be able to restore after the update anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gingerbread can be rooted. After you install your gingerbread rom, you flash a kernel into the rom that has the root.
In the development section look for CF-Root v3.3. You flash that kernel using odin3 1.7 in the phone section. It takes ten seconds, the the tab reboots, and is rooted.
Then set up your google account, go to the market, get titanuim and install it, and in titanium change the backup folder to your external sd card, and restore your stuff.
Go for it!

The version of your phone (=modem) you will find in settings -> about device, under "Baseband version".
The CSC-version can be found if you enter *#272*YOURIMEI# in the phone-app. Your IMEI can be found in settings -> about device -> status under "IMEI".
Have fun with Gingerbread.

Or does he mean what goes into blank lines in odin?

rangercaptain said:
Or does he mean what goes into blank lines in odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the1madsailor talks about updating via Kies. He specifically mentions this in the first post, too.
Odin was just brought up when the question of rooting by installing CF-Root arose.
By the way: in Odin kernels need to be inserted under "PDA", not "PHONE". "PHONE" is just for the modem.

Really? :^?

Some days later still haven't upgraded...
Been reading about CF-Root and how to get back to the stock ROM after rooting for a Galaxy S II which recently landed on my hands, which I assume is the same (if not identical) process for the Tab?
Not taken the plunge yet with the Tab as I'm dreading having to re-do all the customisation of all the apps, settings etc...
Out of curiosity, what's Samsung's liability if a "proper" upgrade goes south and one looses all data? Given Kies is not backing up anything worth backing up, surely they (Samsung) have some share of the blame?
Might just go for it in the end and hope for the best (the proper upgrade). From the GSII I can confirm all *paid* apps appear in my account, the free ones need to be manually located and re-installed.
Thanks for your help so far!!

the1madsailor said:
Some days later still haven't upgraded...
Been reading about CF-Root and how to get back to the stock ROM after rooting for a Galaxy S II which recently landed on my hands, which I assume is the same (if not identical) process for the Tab?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can upgrade to the stock gingerbread (I recommend the JQ1 GB) then root using the CF-Root v3.3.
I don't know about the sgs2 process, but if you go to the overcome rom thread, you can download a perfect step-by-step guide. Start at the beginning of the guide, and stop at the end of the CF-Root step. Why put it off? Gingerbread is a hundred times nicer than froyo.
Go to the market and get the appsaver app, and back up everett app you are concerned about.
I will be free all day tomorrow. Pm me, then we can exchange email adresses. It is a faster way to discuss things if you get in trouble. I have calouses on my hands from holding many hands of people as they learn to do these things.

Many thanks rangercaptain and thanks for the offer too!!!
I will not be able to do much before the weekend anyway, but what I was thinking is the following (please correct me if I'm wrong):
0. Backup apps, data and market links (where available) with Titanium (using z4root at the mo - wish there was something like it for 2.3 - so simple and easily reversible!!!) - DONE!
1. Let Kies do it's thing (whether that's just an update to 2.2 or the whole thing through to 2.3), making note of all versions (PHONE, PDA, CSC)
2. If I get the 2.3, get ODIN and CF-Root 3.3 and run the rooting process
2(a). Get the Overcome ROM and follow the instructions (not sure about this as it doesn't seem to have the modem included so not sure what that means)
2(b). If I do 2(a) above, get a copy of my stock ROM from somewhere for reverting to stock if needed
3. Get Titanium installed again from the market and restore everything (apps, data and market links) from the backup folder
What I really want is to upgrade to Gingerbread through the "official" channels but be able to restore everything as it is at the moment with regards to the apps and their settings/data. The Overcome idea is simply because I wouldn't mind having a slightly improved version of Gingerbread with things like Ad-hoc WiFi capabilities (am I right in understanding that OC has this embedded instead of me having to copy the wpa_supplicant file?)
Am I missing something?
Thanks again!

Newbie Back up question

I just purchased a N7000 and am waiting for delivery. I'm fairly new to Samsung Phones and this will be my first GSM phone.
What is the best way to backup the stock, unrooted image and /EFS? I did do a search and nothing specific to the Note came up and I would have thought the Wiki would have included something but I didn't see it. In the past I would have looked for block devices and just dd the partitions over to my PC. Does this hold true for Samsungs? Is there an easier way to do it from Odin?
I would appreciate any links and insights on starting my Note experience on the right foot.
Thanks

gedster314 said:
I just purchased a N7000 and am waiting for delivery. I'm fairly new to Samsung Phones and this will be my first GSM phone.
What is the best way to backup the stock, unrooted image and /EFS? I did do a search and nothing specific to the Note came up and I would have thought the Wiki would have included something but I didn't see it. In the past I would have looked for block devices and just dd the partitions over to my PC. Does this hold true for Samsungs? Is there an easier way to do it from Odin?
I would appreciate any links and insights on starting my Note experience on the right foot.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do virtually nothing of the above unless your Note is rooted. However, once you get root permission, you can
1. backup your complete system from ClockworkMod Recovery (so-called nandroid backup)
2. backup all the apps you install and their data with Titanium Backup or some other backup app
3. backup EFS with EFS Pro
But you don't actually have to backup your stock Rom at all. There's tons of them here at XDA, and all of them are easily flashable via PC Odin. The only thing you stand to lose if something bad happens is your apps, and that's not the end of the world. You can always reinstall them manually, it's no biggie.
Hope this helps.

Thanks, I new about rooting and nandroid. EFS backup is new to me. How are these posted unrooted stock images being created? Are they just updates or are people pulling them from phones? If they are pulling them from a phones, that's what I am looking to learn how todo.
I use to have Nook Color and backing up without rooting could be done but in that case your could boot into ClockWork from a bootable sdcard. Too bad phone Manufacturers are not so nice to allow booting from an sdcard.