How to back up my factory ROM? - T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Just got a new unit and would like to make a full backup of the factory ROM before proceeding to try out different ROMs. I did find an old thread from 2011 [HOW-TO]Create Custom ODIN Images for Backup/Restore but I'm not entirely sure if this is still accurate advice.
Also, it says that the device needs to be rooted in order to make the backups. My understanding is that if I root the system it will be detected by the system and OTA updating will then be disabled, which is not what I want. So my second question is: Is it really necessary to root and if so what is the best temporary method?

Aethera said:
Just got a new unit and would like to make a full backup of the factory ROM before proceeding to try out different ROMs. I did find an old thread from 2011 [HOW-TO]Create Custom ODIN Images for Backup/Restore but I'm not entirely sure if this is still accurate advice.
Also, it says that the device needs to be rooted in order to make the backups. My understanding is that if I root the system it will be detected by the system and OTA updating will then be disabled, which is not what I want. So my second question is: Is it really necessary to root and if so what is the best temporary method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ODIN flash TWRP then backup your stock ROM.

ShrekOpher said:
ODIN flash TWRP then backup your stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks that what I ended up doing because it was definitely easiest.

Aethera said:
Just got a new unit and would like to make a full backup of the factory ROM before proceeding to try out different ROMs. I did find an old thread from 2011 [HOW-TO]Create Custom ODIN Images for Backup/Restore but I'm not entirely sure if this is still accurate advice.
Also, it says that the device needs to be rooted in order to make the backups. My understanding is that if I root the system it will be detected by the system and OTA updating will then be disabled, which is not what I want. So my second question is: Is it really necessary to root and if so what is the best temporary method?
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Click to collapse
Small piece of advice my friend, be sure to include EFS in the backup to be on the safe side, also I suggest making a copy on a external SD or transferring to a PC

Why efs?
glm0025 said:
Small piece of advice my friend, be sure to include EFS in the backup to be on the safe side, also I suggest making a copy on a external SD or transferring to a PC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to TWRP they say:
Some devices have “special partitions” like WiMAX, pds, efs, etc. These partitions almost never need to be included in a normal backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already did one restore from my backup which had not included efs and it worked ok. What exactly is efs and why would we need it?

Aethera said:
According to TWRP they say:
I already did one restore from my backup which had not included efs and it worked ok. What exactly is efs and why would we need it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The EFS folder contains important information from the phone, like the IMEI for example, and if it gets erased by error it may affect your ability to successfully connect to a provider. Backups in TWRP will give you the option to backup important partitions one of those is the EFS folder, alternatively you may also use an application to make a backup (requires root) like EFS Manager(IMEI)-Note4 on the play store.

Related

How to take backup of stock ROM before rooting?

Guys please suggest is there any way to have backup of stock ROM before rooting?
The only thing you have to backup are your apps and their data. I suggest to use "Titanium-Backup" it is not for free, but the best solution. I didn´t do a backup. Normally you don´t be forced to use it (until you want to install a custom rom)
Check some the threads in the Dev section about making your own ftf.
Original Stock Rom
Sunfl4sh said:
The only thing you have to backup are your apps and their data. I suggest to use "Titanium-Backup" it is not for free, but the best solution. I didn´t do a backup. Normally you don´t be forced to use it (until you want to install a custom rom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't having the original copy of stock ROM without the root and possible changes to flash counter give a clean ROM especially for warranty work?
docyoung said:
Doesn't having the original copy of stock ROM without the root and possible changes to flash counter give a clean ROM especially for warranty work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony phones doesn't have flash counter like samsung ones
Sunfl4sh said:
The only thing you have to backup are your apps and their data. I suggest to use "Titanium-Backup" it is not for free, but the best solution. I didn´t do a backup. Normally you don´t be forced to use it (until you want to install a custom rom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup doesn't work without root.
techpal said:
Guys please suggest is there any way to have backup of stock ROM before rooting?
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Click to collapse
There isn't any way to make a backup without a working recovery, so you need root, to delete all the trails of the root you need only to flash a stock firmware with flashtool.
(If you want to unlock your bootloader, take a backup of your TA partition to save the warranty)
You can find all on the forum
You don't need to make a backup of your apps and data, cause if you only root without unlocking bootloader it won't wipe anything.
Sorry, I didn't read the date of the post.
Ya got it and thanks for your reply. Anyways I have sold xz and moved on to Z Ultra.
Does it fit for Samsung devices, Tablets?
-totonio- said:
Sony phones doesn't have flash counter like samsung ones
Titanium Backup doesn't work without root.
There isn't any way to make a backup without a working recovery, so you need root, to delete all the trails of the root you need only to flash a stock firmware with flashtool.
(If you want to unlock your bootloader, take a backup of your TA partition to save the warranty)
You can find all on the forum
You don't need to make a backup of your apps and data, cause if you only root without unlocking bootloader it won't wipe anything.
Sorry, I didn't read the date of the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the backing up the TA apply to Samsung Tablets too? Sorry lost my thread so to speak, thanks for answering anyway.
docyoung said:
Does the backing up the TA apply to Samsung Tablets too? Sorry lost my thread so to speak, thanks for answering anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if they have a flash counter you can use the triangle away app from chainfire to reset the flash counter, and go back in warranty
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
-totonio- said:
Sony phones doesn't have flash counter like samsung ones
Titanium Backup doesn't work without root.
There isn't any way to make a backup without a working recovery, so you need root, to delete all the trails of the root you need only to flash a stock firmware with flashtool.
(If you want to unlock your bootloader, take a backup of your TA partition to save the warranty)
You can find all on the forum
You don't need to make a backup of your apps and data, cause if you only root without unlocking bootloader it won't wipe anything.
Sorry, I didn't read the date of the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Anyway, the problem redoing the Rom didn't change the Knox status. So since knox is trigger can't update, which I think is going too far. I should be entitled to updates and if they don't work that is on me. Looking for a forum where people may want to class action suit on Samsung over knox.
doc

Lost imei number and can't make calls, search for networks or anything

Hallo! I have a problem where mobile connection doesn't work. When I try to connect manually it doesn't work it just gives me an error with no details in it. This happened after attempt on installation of Mackay kernel it worked but I noticed the mobile connection was dead after a while I ran a restore but stil the same problem. The efs folder is empty with a lost+found folder there is also nothing in that folder. When I click manage mobile contract it tells me that I need to put the SIM card in but it is inserted. HELP!!
Henrikx said:
Hallo! I have a problem where mobile connection doesn't work. When I try to connect manually it doesn't work it just gives me an error with no details in it. This happened after attempt on installation of Mackay kernel it worked but I noticed the mobile connection was dead after a while I ran a restore but stil the same problem. The efs folder is empty with a lost+found folder there is also nothing in that folder. When I click manage mobile contract it tells me that I need to put the SIM card in but it is inserted. HELP!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone? Please help me!
Is your IMEI still intact or does it begin with something like 0044?
(If you don't know where to find it, go Settings -> About Device -> Status)
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk HD
Henrikx said:
efs folder is empty with a lost+found folder there is also nothing in that folder !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever do nandroid backup before? If yes, it contains also the efs folder.
BTW, if nandroid backup was done with different ROM, kernel or CWM version, don't try to restore it with Mackay kernel!!
You must flash as furst the same ROM and same kernel and use the same CWM recovery version to successfully restore your nandroid backup.
Otherwise, you could flash some stock firmware and imei usually returns then. People report that Gingerbread JVU usually restores the imei number quite regularly. If your current ROM uses different partitions than stock firmware, you may have to flash also the PIT file to make step back to stock with success, PIT file will do proper re-partition.
Otherwise, there are quite many threads about how to restore lost imei on the i9000. Take some time browsing around.
SOLVED
tetakpatak said:
Did you ever do nandroid backup before? If yes, it contains also the efs folder.
BTW, if nandroid backup was done with different ROM, kernel or CWM version, don't try to restore it with Mackay kernel!!
You must flash as furst the same ROM and same kernel and use the same CWM recovery version to successfully restore your nandroid backup.
Otherwise, you could flash some stock firmware and imei usually returns then. People report that Gingerbread JVU usually restores the imei number quite regularly. If your current ROM uses different partitions than stock firmware, you may have to flash also the PIT file to make step back to stock with success, PIT file will do proper re-partition.
Otherwise, there are quite many threads about how to restore lost imei on the i9000. Take some time browsing around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I solved this
I did it by flashing stock firmware and I got my IMEI back.
Henrikx said:
I solved this
I did it by flashing stock firmware and I got my IMEI back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great!
Now backup your whole efs folder with the terminal emulator or ADB and save it on several places (different folders on internal and external SD as well as on your PC). It is explained how to do it in my thread.
BTW, on this forum it is kind of nice to click on "thanks" button leftmost beyond all helpful posts.
tetakpatak said:
Great!
Now backup your whole efs folder with the terminal emulator or ADB and save it on several places (different folders on internal and external SD as well as on your PC). It is explained how to do it in my thread.
BTW, on this forum it is kind of nice to click on "thanks" button leftmost beyond all helpful posts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about the thanks button. Just because I'm a new member doesn't mean I haven't been around on this site for quiet a while.
But how do you backup the EFS folder?
Henrikx said:
But how do you backup the EFS folder?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already written you: it was described in my newest thread, I've posted it also here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45551390#post45551390
The same commands like in the terminal emulator can be done by the ADB as well.
You can easily find good threads here on XDA forum how to backup & restore IMEI
But for great tipps you should not forget to "klick" the thanks button ...it doesn`t hurt :fingers-crossed::good::laugh:
Henrikx said:
I know about the thanks button. Just because I'm a new member doesn't mean I haven't been around on this site for quiet a while.
But how do you backup the EFS folder?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

What options are there for making NANDroid backups?

Since late November of last year my N900A has been running stock OS (Android 4.3) but is rooted via RDLV and soon after did the OTA update to MJ5.
I would like to start experimenting with Xposed modules but I would like to make a complete backup of my device just in case something goes wrong. Since our bootloader is still locked and and we cannot install Clockworkmod Recovery or TeamWin Recovery Project, what are my other options?
Thank you in advance.
sonny_c said:
Since late November of last year my N900A has been running stock OS (Android 4.3) but is rooted via RDLV and soon after did the OTA update to MJ5.
I would like to start experimenting with Xposed modules but I would like to make a complete backup of my device just in case something goes wrong. Since our bootloader is still locked and and we cannot install Clockworkmod Recovery or TeamWin Recovery Project, what are my other options?
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572978
jerrycoffman45 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572978
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you jerrycoffman45. i will check it out.
jerrycoffman45 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572978
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if this is useful for stock ROM? Let's say I'm playing around with risky apps, before I use them, I could make a backup with Safestrap?
I'm a little confused about with all the custom ROM speak in the developers thread
rust1druid said:
Do you know if this is useful for stock ROM? Let's say I'm playing around with risky apps, before I use them, I could make a backup with Safestrap?
I'm a little confused about with all the custom ROM speak in the developers thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it is you need a external sdcard though
jerrycoffman45 said:
yes it is you need a external sdcard though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the backup I just made (I went ahead and installed Safestrap, made a backup) is stored in the same place as the sytem, and if my phone were to become corrupt, that backup would no longer be available?
Thanks for the reply, just straightening this out in my head so I understand it better
rust1druid said:
Because the backup I just made (I went ahead and installed Safestrap, made a backup) is stored in the same place as the sytem, and if my phone were to become corrupt, that backup would no longer be available?
Thanks for the reply, just straightening this out in my head so I understand it better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct i made a backup to external sd then took it out of my phone for safe keeping
jerrycoffman45 said:
correct i made a backup to external sd then took it out of my phone for safe keeping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I wanted to then I could find that backup file, store it on my computer, and if it ever comes down to needing it, go out and buy an external and go from there? I assume Safestrap needs to be installed on the external sdcard, or just the backup file?
Thanks again for your help
rust1druid said:
If I wanted to then I could find that backup file, store it on my computer, and if it ever comes down to needing it, go out and buy an external and go from there? I assume Safestrap needs to be installed on the external sdcard, or just the backup file?
Thanks again for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the apk and my backup on mine

[Q] EFS Partition

Will we need to backup are EFS partition like the N5?
dirtbikerr450 said:
Will we need to backup are EFS partition like the N5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say yes, but it's personal preference really. If you'd happen to lose your EFS, then you're screwed because it contains your IMEI, MAC Address, Wifi MAC Address, etc...
If you flash a lot of ROMs I would say yes, but if you flash zero ROMs or very few, then I would say it's not totally necessary. It only takes one bad flash to ruin your EFS.
No one replied so I figured, why not?
StrifeSoldierVII said:
I'd say yes, but it's personal preference really. If you'd happen to lose your EFS, then you're screwed because it contains your IMEI, MAC Address, Wifi MAC Address, etc...
If you flash a lot of ROMs I would say yes, but if you flash zero ROMs or very few, then I would say it's not totally necessary. It only takes one bad flash to ruin your EFS.
No one replied so I figured, why not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does one go about backing up that partition?
elevatorguy said:
How does one go about backing up that partition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom recovery like TWRP.
mwalt2 said:
A custom recovery like TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks. Would assume it's somewhere in an advanced setting somewhere? Don't remember seeing it in the regular backup part
elevatorguy said:
OK thanks. Would assume it's somewhere in an advanced setting somewhere? Don't remember seeing it in the regular backup part
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do a regular Nandroid backup in recovery via TWRP and there is a check box for the EFS partition. Check it along with anything else you might want to back up at the time. Make sure you are on the latest TWRP version, otherwise you may not have this option.
StrifeSoldierVII said:
Just do a regular Nandroid backup in recovery via TWRP and there is a check box for the EFS partition. Check it along with anything else you might want to back up at the time. Make sure you are on the latest TWRP version, otherwise you may not have this option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the education. Will back it up now ?
elevatorguy said:
Thanks for the education. Will back it up now ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a problem. Sucks that you didn't get an answer until now though.
StrifeSoldierVII said:
Not a problem. Sucks that you didn't get an answer until now though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't the one who originally asked the question I just saw something about needing to backup something. I'm kinda paranoid about backing things up. Few more things to ask. Do you back EFS up with every nandroid and just restore it with everything else, or do you keep a copy of just the EFS itself and restore it separately if something messes up?
elevatorguy said:
I wasn't the one who originally asked the question I just saw something about needing to backup something. I'm kinda paranoid about backing things up. Few more things to ask. Do you back EFS up with every nandroid and just restore it with everything else, or do you keep a copy of just the EFS itself and restore it separately if something messes up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do a one time back of of just the EFS for each major android update, then erase the older version.
Like right now I have the efs backup for 5.0.2. When 5.1 comes to play I will back that up and then delete the 5.0.2. Just my preference
the_rooter said:
I do a one time back of of just the EFS for each major android update, then erase the older version.
Like right now I have the efs backup for 5.0.2. When 5.1 comes to play I will back that up and then delete the 5.0.2. Just my preference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more question. Can you make a backup of just the EFS partition and restore just that partition or do you have to restore a complete nandroid of the whole system? Thanks I'm sure this is all basic stuff to you but I seem to learn something new every day.
elevatorguy said:
One more question. Can you make a backup of just the EFS partition and restore just that partition or do you have to restore a complete nandroid of the whole system? Thanks I'm sure this is all basic stuff to you but I seem to learn something new every day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do just do the efs partition
the_rooter said:
I do just do the efs partition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks. I'll make a copy of just that. Guess that means you can just restore that alone.
Hi everyone! I am a newby here. I just want the Efs backup from TWRP of 6.0 Marshmallow
Please anyone upload it. Thanks.
I'm sorry, but you can't use someone else's.
Sent from my Nexus 6 running cyosp using Tapatalk
I'm having some problems with wifi/bluetooth mac address and want to try to format efs partition and then restore it
already have an efs backup made with TWRP but couldn't find the option to format that partition in order to fix any possible FS error.
Did you know how?

N910T3 please help me get EFS

Can someone with a T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 N910T3 that has a TWRP backup INCLUDING the EFS please upload that and give me a link. I screwed up my EFS and if someone with the same phone could please make and upload their TWRP backup (just with EFS box checked very small and not your data) for me it would be greatly appreciated. I know I will have to go into it and edit my serial # from yours, but it should get me back working.
Thanks
Efs backup from another device will never work because it's related to your phone's specific hardware.
You did big mistake that you flash backup and efs from old phone to new one that completely screw up your efs partitions and drk ( device root key ).
Sorry but you should make always efs backup from twrp in microsd card before start messing with phone. Cuz flashing always risky job.
Trust me odin or twrp will not going to help you.
Dont waste your time You should go to repair center cuz they have tools like dongle box to fix efs and imei.
They will write new cert files and restore your efs but i dont think they can fix drk cuz i see many drk damage cases but didn't see any working method unless changing entire motherboard.
Trex888 said:
Efs backup from another device will never work because it's related to your phone's specific hardware.
You did big mistake that you flash backup and efs from old phone to new one that completely screw up your efs partitions and drk ( device root key ).
Sorry but you should make always efs backup from twrp in microsd card before start messing with phone. Cuz flashing always risky job.
Trust me odin or twrp will not going to help you.
Dont waste your time You should go to repair center cuz they have tools like dongle box to fix efs and imei.
They will write new cert files and restore your efs but i dont think they can fix drk cuz i see many drk damage cases but didn't see any working method unless changing entire motherboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try kies...
Ok, try kies? But I still need a N910T3 EFS file for TWRP, (or if kies can do that I guess)
Can you post it for dload?
hotstocks said:
Ok, try kies? But I still need a N910T3 EFS file for TWRP, (or if kies can do that I guess)
Can you post it for dload?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cuz, don't be so lazy!
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/kies
sloanster said:
Try kies...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sloanster said:
Cuz, don't be so lazy!
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/kies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kies doesn't work with Note 4, Samsung Switch freezes. Odin works fine, but that is not the point.
I need a N910T3 TWRP EFS nandroid backup file from someones phone to flash it. That is what I can not find.
hotstocks said:
Kies doesn't work with Note 4, Samsung Switch freezes. Odin works fine, but that is not the point.
I need a N910T3 TWRP EFS nandroid backup file from someones phone to flash it. That is what I can not find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a couple back ups but I'm fairly n r w to all this. If you tell me how, I'd be happy to send you what you need. I have the SM-N910T3 running EPE3.

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