Database Develop

Cracked Screen, How to blind copy data to replacement??

I just got my captivate 1 month ago (first android). I rooted the phone and installed Cognition 2.3b6 right when i got it. I have never backed up the phone.
2 days ago the phone dropped from about 18 inches onto the bathroom floor. Cracking the interior of the screen. Origintally i could see the top half, the touchscreen hardly works. Now i can only see a faint blue color when i boot hte phone. It still works, i get alarms and feel it vibrate.
I understand that I might be able to do a nandroid backup (is it possible to do it blind?), but is that the correct thing to do? Will that change the deviceID of my replacement phone from AT&T (insurance replacement).
I would like to get the data backed up and transferred over asap so i can pack the old phone up and ship it off before the holidays.
Thank you guys!

adb pull /sdcard
Some one else might be able to help you with the specifics, but pull the /sdcard data from your phone.
From a phone

what?
I figured i need to probably copy it to the sd card. But from what i understand, some applications rely on DeviceID's and not the actual phone. Ergo, if you do a complete nandroid backup it will also copy over the DeviceID (from what i understand, correct me if i'm wrong).
Or is that something different than what you are suggesting?

Your data is stored in /sdcard. The external sdcard is /sdcard/external_sd for froyo, cant remember file path for 2.1. What else could you be wanting to transfer to the new phone?
From a phone

I've never done it before, I want to be able to transfer all data (ie, installed apps, cached notebooks for evernote, preferences, etc) to the other phone.
I have never done this before on an android phone and don't know the best way to tackle this using a cracked screen (can't even unlock the phone)
I think I can manage to do a nandroid backup ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEqbjUb4WxM ) but i'm concerned about the device id

Cassetti said:
I've never done it before, I want to be able to transfer all data (ie, installed apps, cached notebooks for evernote, preferences, etc) to the other phone.
I have never done this before on an android phone and don't know the best way to tackle this using a cracked screen (can't even unlock the phone)
I think I can manage to do a nandroid backup ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEqbjUb4WxM ) but i'm concerned about the device id
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 way i can think of.
1- Like mentionned in prior post do a adb pull /sdcard
2- Boot into recovery and try to a backup from there blindly (following online pictures/video of the different menus and pressing the buttons accordingly).
I don't see the big deal about your deviceid. Many users have had a auto generated id with roms. It will be ported with the nandroid. Not sure just how wide spread the use of deviceid is used in apps.

Thanks I was really confused about the whole DeviceID thing. Figured it was best to play it safe.
I'll give it a try, i'm sure i can manage to do a nandroid backup on my phone
I'll keep you posted

There are ways of getting your device id back. First of all theres a market app that can backup the device id on your new phone and restore it back after you restore the backup http://www.appbrain.com/app/android-id-changer/adaptive.cogid Or you could search around the forums and/or google for ways of changind and backing up your device id, there are multiple ways of doing it. And don't forget about backing up your sdcard, like boborone said, do an adb pull /sdcard from the clockworkmod screen (adb works from recovery in case you didn't know).

Hell man, you can adb pull the whole phone if you want.
From a phone

Can you send the link to where i can find out how to do and adp full pull from the pc? The only instructions i'm seeing are for the android sdk (bit confused)

the sdk is downloaded to your pc, and then you run that command from a terminal/command prompt with the phone connected.

kmac1914 said:
the sdk is downloaded to your pc, and then you run that command from a terminal/command prompt with the phone connected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do i need to have left the phone in USB debugging mode? I believe 3 days before the accident, i turned off USB debugging on purpose (for file transfers)

Check out my Screencast video...It may help you here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=877652

Cassetti said:
Do i need to have left the phone in USB debugging mode? I believe 3 days before the accident, i turned off USB debugging on purpose (for file transfers)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can use adb from recovery screen.

connexion2005 said:
Check out my Screencast video...It may help you here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=877652
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, the screencast helped, but i honestly think that 2 days before i did this, I turned off usb debugging (so i could use my phone as a hard drive)
I think that is why whenever i plug in my phone, it vibrates really hard and droid explorer doesn't find any devices. Suggestions?

Soft Bricked... can I get my data off?

My friend was doing the OTA to ICS, but the phone powered off midway through the update and is now softbricked.
How can I access the data on the internal SD card? There are pictures which HAVE to be removed. The phone was rooted, not sure if it has CWM.
Any help would be appreciated. I don't have the D4 on me right now, but I will get it on Saturday in it's half-bricked state, needing repair.

Try RSDLite to flash the fastboot files for ICS.

anon117 said:
Try RSDLite to flash the fastboot files for ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't RSD delete all data on the phone?

Toaster Strudels said:
Doesn't RSD delete all data on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't the one time I needed to do it.
As far as I can tell, if it's in /sdcard or /sdcard-ext, it would be safe. Downloads, photos, documents, and the like would be there.
Application specific stuff (like notes in a note-keeping application... Note Everything, I'm looking at you) may go. I hope you had that backed up. Frankly, I don't know any way to pull those out anyways. (Most of the ones I've seen in that class are MySQL databases in application-specific directories. If the app has an option to back those up to sdcard, I always use it; that way, it can be restored post-flash by the application.)

lost pictures

im on 4.4 stock, non rooted, i deleted some pictures in the gallery app by accident. is there anything i can do to get themh as back? all the apps such as disk digger are for rooted phones. i am extremely confused when it comes to rooting 4.4 and i know you have to revert back to 4.2.2 and im afraid that will overwrite that data. without usb mass storage mode, i cant do a scan on the computer. please help.

jra89027 said:
im on 4.4 stock, non rooted, i deleted some pictures in the gallery app by accident. is there anything i can do to get themh as back? all the apps such as disk digger are for rooted phones. i am extremely confused when it comes to rooting 4.4 and i know you have to revert back to 4.2.2 and im afraid that will overwrite that data. without usb mass storage mode, i cant do a scan on the computer. please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chances are, they are probably gone forever. BUT, you could try these apps:
hxxps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bero.sdrescan
hxxps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.baloota.dumpster
I've seen reports of lost pictures coming back after a rescan. You could also check the .thumbnails folder to see if they are there, but they won't be the full-res photos from your camera folder. another spot to check is /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/cache. Do this on your computer or with a file browser on your phone such as Astro. Helium is a good app that doesn't require root to back up your stuff. I'd recommend using a backup program and set up an online storage solution using google+ or dropbox to automatically upload new photos you take.
A last resort, you could try using your PC to recover them as well using hxxp://www.recovering-deleted-files.net/android-data-recovery. I haven't used this myself and don't know if it's free or not, but there's a youtube video out there showing how it works. There's also another program called Recuva that you could try.
Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.

[Q] Problems Backing Up EFS info

Hi. I'm new to rooting and flashing ROM's. I have had a Samsung Captivate (Gingerbread) that I haven't been using for quite some time and I thought I might try to update it to KitKat. I have read that it would be important to back up the EFS file so that I can keep my IMEI info. I rooted my phone using the tutorial on these forums and tried to use EFS Pro, but was not able to get past "the device is not perm rooted". Various threads suggested changing adb status, but I could not find that information (though I was able to find the USB debugging selection). I know that the phone is rooted so I looked for an older copy of EFS Pro in case the newer versions had dropped support for the Captivate. I couldn't find one so I looked at other ways to back up the files, but most information was for other (newer) Samsung phones. I could not install Samsung Tools. I really don't want to proceed with installing KitKat before backing up the EFS information. How do I go about doing this? I have tried the search function on the forum for this device and couldn't find what I was looking for (or maybe I didn't understand the information). Any thoughts?
I hope flashing KitKat will be easier than this issue...
Thanks.

Curious D said:
Hi. I'm new to rooting and flashing ROM's. I have had a Samsung Captivate (Gingerbread) that I haven't been using for quite some time and I thought I might try to update it to KitKat. I have read that it would be important to back up the EFS file so that I can keep my IMEI info. I rooted my phone using the tutorial on these forums and tried to use EFS Pro, but was not able to get past "the device is not perm rooted". Various threads suggested changing adb status, but I could not find that information (though I was able to find the USB debugging selection). I know that the phone is rooted so I looked for an older copy of EFS Pro in case the newer versions had dropped support for the Captivate. I couldn't find one so I looked at other ways to back up the files, but most information was for other (newer) Samsung phones. I could not install Samsung Tools. I really don't want to proceed with installing KitKat before backing up the EFS information. How do I go about doing this? I have tried the search function on the forum for this device and couldn't find what I was looking for (or maybe I didn't understand the information). Any thoughts?
I hope flashing KitKat will be easier than this issue...
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could just manually backup your efs folder using a root explorer or through adb. Have that backup on your pc in case you lose your IMEI.
That being said, when it happens (which is fairly rare), a flash back to stock (KK4) usually fixes it and then you're fine to update/flash again.

Other EFS backup options would include:
1) EFS☆IMEI☆Backup by wanam >> his xda thread, his playstore listing.
2) [HOWTO]Comprehensive IMEI/EFS Backup lists two simple ways to permanently backup up IMEI on your phone. One is with adb, the other is with Terminal Emulator for those with rooted devices. The commands used are said to be based on "Samsung's built in backup." The thread is in the SGS3 forum, if nothing else is an excellent source of background information for backing up and restoring nvdata.

I tried to copy the efs folder using Root Browser because the adb method looked very involved. When I started Root Browser, it was able to see a Titanium backup that I had placed into the SD card even though I had formatted the SD card. I figured that the format didn't wipe the information so I proceeded to copy the efs folder over. However, after copying the folder, I stuck the card into my computer and did not see the folder and could not copy the folder over to my computer. Is it because the card is formatted differently than my computer or is it that the file is not compatible with Windows given that it is an Android folder?
Will copying the folder be enough for backing up? If it is this easy to restore the efs, why use EFS Pro? Is there something else with the folder that needs to be present in order to restore a phone that loses IMEI information?

Curious D said:
I tried to copy the efs folder using Root Browser because the adb method looked very involved. When I started Root Browser, it was able to see a Titanium backup that I had placed into the SD card even though I had formatted the SD card. I figured that the format didn't wipe the information so I proceeded to copy the efs folder over. However, after copying the folder, I stuck the card into my computer and did not see the folder and could not copy the folder over to my computer. Is it because the card is formatted differently than my computer or is it that the file is not compatible with Windows given that it is an Android folder?
Will copying the folder be enough for backing up? If it is this easy to restore the efs, why use EFS Pro? Is there something else with the folder that needs to be present in order to restore a phone that loses IMEI information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have it on your SD card, it should be fine. The idea is to have it on something else than your device's internal memory in case something goes wrong and can't get it there.
As for efs pro, some devices can't manually backup like the Cappy or is not enough. But once again, it doesn't happen very often that you lose your IMEI.

Okay. That's great. I guess I can try my first ROM flashing to KitKat. Thanks.

[Q] Is data recovery from the internal memory possible after rooting?

Hi,
i've imported my photos from my internal memory via sony bridge for mac accidentally in Iphoto. I didn't see the app was faded and crossed. Turns out only the app Photos is still working. So after importing 2700 pics (big trip and behind with backup), the question popped if I wanted to delete the fils on my phone and I said yes. I tried to re install Iphoto, but nothing there, but older pics. I tried the temporary files from the Mac, but nothing.
So now I got my hopes up for a data recovery software thing. But although Windows (Im working on another laptop) did install the drivers correctly and I see my phone in the folder structure, no data recovery software recognises my phone although I switched to MSC and USB-debugging. I think because I haven't rooted it i suppose. Well, that's what all the forum members say
So I think rooting is my only option left? I am wondering if it works for my goal to get my data back. I read that unlocking the boot loader means everything will be erased, so then there would be no point for me to do this. Is it possible to root it without losing my (deleted) data on the internal memory? I know it is being overwritten now as we speak, but I'm sure I can save a few photos!
thanks a million!

First off, I don't fully understand the first bit involving iPhoto. But if I understand correctly, you need to recover files deleted from internal memory.
I think recognizing a phone's internal memory is indeed a steep expectation for general Windows file recovery software. However, there may be some specialized programs out there designed just for that purpose. I know for a fact they exist for iOS for example. Not that I'm a fan. Anyway, googling "recover Android files Windows" showed some interesting results, but as I have no experience I can make no recommendations. I did see Easeus among the results, and I personally would start there based on experience with other software by them: http://www.easeus.com/android-data-recovery-software/free-android-data-recovery.html
This would be your safest bet. As you probably know, your photos are still there as long as they are not overwritten. Being able to recover from an external device (PC) is therefore preferable to making changes to your internal memory. It's also far less complex than rooting
Another thought before getting into rooting: I don't suppose you had an app like Google+ making automated backups of your pictures? If so, you might find them on your Google Drive. This also might be a good idea to avoid trouble like this in the future
Third and last resort: you could try a data recovery app on your phone, like GT Data Recovery. That does requires root. The good news: you don't need to unlock your bootloader to be able to root. Locked bootloader means you're limited to stock roms, but they too can be rooted.
Here's a useful thread describing in detail what you'd need to do:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/how-to-root-backup-drm-keys-t3013343
In your case, I'd run data recovery ASAP, meaning
Downgrade your firmware, leaving data in Flashtool unchecked (!!) (See thread's FAQ for detailed explanation)
Root
Install GT Data Recovery or similar from Google Play and run it
After you've recovered all photos you can and backed up all your other data, follow the procedure in the recommended way, which includes wiping data. Do note however, that the firmware mentioned there is outdated (March 2015). You can find up to date firmware here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/list-stock-firmwares-d5803-d5833-t2906706
Good luck!
(Thanks to @bilboa1 and @istux for their useful posts!)

Thanks!
I did try several data recovery software programs, including EaseUS, but none recognised my internal memory unfortunately. I switched all auto back up programs like Google Plus off, because it was just too much. I take so many pics of my kids and the selection process usually doesn't take place directly, so it backs up everything and I've got to many pics in my Google Plus account. But this was a wise lesson i should backup somehow.
So only option 3 is left. As i read it, when I root it, the data on my internal memory won't be deleted? Stock ROM is fine for me, I'm very happy with my standard software, if rooting is what it takes, that's what i should do.

If you're rooted, you can use the app DiskDigger. Worked for me
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app

kjoz said:
Thanks!
I did try several data recovery software programs, including EaseUS, but none recognised my internal memory unfortunately. I switched all auto back up programs like Google Plus off, because it was just too much. I take so many pics of my kids and the selection process usually doesn't take place directly, so it backs up everything and I've got to many pics in my Google Plus account. But this was a wise lesson i should backup somehow.
So only option 3 is left. As i read it, when I root it, the data on my internal memory won't be deleted? Stock ROM is fine for me, I'm very happy with my standard software, if rooting is what it takes, that's what i should do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally speaking, wiping data is recommended when flashing a new ROM. Because Giefroot requires older firmware, you need to flash that firmware. Which means a data wipe comes recommended. Technically however, wiping data is optional. It is possible to downgrade without wiping data (by unchecking the respective option in Flashtool). So that is what I'd do in order to recover your pictures.
Once that has been accomplished, along with a backup of all other data you wish to keep, I would start the whole process again as described in the thread I linked to. Because this time, the objective would be not data recovery, but ending up with a stable phone. And that means wiping data. (Highly recommended.)
I don't want to complicate things further, but if you don't care about being rooted after data recovery, you could just upgrade to regular stock firmware instead of pre-rooted firmware. This would allow you to skip a few steps of the process, and also avoid being unable to apply Sony's OTA updates. (Significant updates can cause a loss of root.)
Personally, I would not want to give up root once I have put effort into getting it.

kjoz said:
Hi,
i've imported my photos from my internal memory via sony bridge for mac accidentally in Iphoto. I didn't see the app was faded and crossed. Turns out only the app Photos is still working. So after importing 2700 pics (big trip and behind with backup), the question popped if I wanted to delete the fils on my phone and I said yes. I tried to re install Iphoto, but nothing there, but older pics. I tried the temporary files from the Mac, but nothing.
So now I got my hopes up for a data recovery software thing. But although Windows (Im working on another laptop) did install the drivers correctly and I see my phone in the folder structure, no data recovery software recognises my phone although I switched to MSC and USB-debugging. I think because I haven't rooted it i suppose. Well, that's what all the forum members say
So I think rooting is my only option left? I am wondering if it works for my goal to get my data back. I read that unlocking the boot loader means everything will be erased, so then there would be no point for me to do this. Is it possible to root it without losing my (deleted) data on the internal memory? I know it is being overwritten now as we speak, but I'm sure I can save a few photos!
thanks a million!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have successfully imported from the phone into iPhoto, then you simply need to import your iPhoto Library into Photos in Mac.
Check if you can find the iPhoto library by going to Finder -> Home -> Pictures
There should be 2 libraries there - one for iPhoto, and one for the newer Photos app that came along in April. Double-click the iPhoto library and wait for Photos to launch, then follow the instructions to import the library into Photos.
Make sure you have enough disk space (on the Mac) to do this. You'll need at least as much free space as the size of the iPhotos library to import it into Photos and possibly more.