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flashing rom without reinstalling everything?

hi, i see many ppl here flashing their roms everytime an update comes out. my question is that are you guys reinstalling all programs and setting up all the settings everytime you flash the rom. or is there way to load all that to a newly flashed rom with sprite backup or sunny back with affecting the new rom settings itself. i recently instlaled nbd 9.1, but also want to try other roms, but hate the fact of reinstalling everything and inputting settings everytime i do this is a drag. anyone else doing this an easier way?.

i also wanna know too.

I install most of my programs on a storage card. So there all there. But I have to move a shortcut the the phone.
Yes i redo all my settings. O well. only takes 5-10 mins.

sirccchar said:
hi, i see many ppl here flashing their roms everytime an update comes out. my question is that are you guys reinstalling all programs and setting up all the settings everytime you flash the rom. or is there way to load all that to a newly flashed rom with sprite backup or sunny back with affecting the new rom settings itself. i recently instlaled nbd 9.1, but also want to try other roms, but hate the fact of reinstalling everything and inputting settings everytime i do this is a drag. anyone else doing this an easier way?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you flash, you wipe everything, so yes, you have to set everything up again. NEVER (and I mean NEVER) take a full backup with Sprite, Sunny, Spb backup, or similar and restore from one rom to another rom. You will cause all sorts of problems as you will be changing registry settings and more.
For me, I have a folder on my SD card called Setup Files. In there are cabs and .reg files I've created for everything I use. After I flash, I go to that folder and start running the apps. IF you want to get real adventurous, you can create your own extended rom to run stuff for you. There are also some tools for running cabs for you too, but for me, I have it down to a known pattern (and it can change with each rom depending what comes in the custom rom) so I just do it by hand. From the time I start the process of flashing to a new custom rom, to the point where my phone is back to where it was before, is about 1.5 hours (sometimes closer to an hour). Yeah, its a pain, but for me its worth it to be able to try out some of these roms (and if all I'm going to do is test a rom, I just do a full Sprite backup, flash the rom to test, then flash back to the original rom and then do a restore).

sirccchar said:
hi, i see many ppl here flashing their roms everytime an update comes out. my question is that are you guys reinstalling all programs and setting up all the settings everytime you flash the rom. or is there way to load all that to a newly flashed rom with sprite backup or sunny back with affecting the new rom settings itself. i recently instlaled nbd 9.1, but also want to try other roms, but hate the fact of reinstalling everything and inputting settings everytime i do this is a drag. anyone else doing this an easier way?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, yes you have to re-install everything and reconfigure all of your settings every time. The only shortcut to this would be to install programs to the storage card and create shortcuts to the programs in the start menu folder but even that takes about a minute per shortcut so you might as well just re-install them.

dharvey4651 said:
Unfortunately, yes you have to re-install everything and reconfigure all of your settings every time. The only shortcut to this would be to install programs to the storage card and create shortcuts to the programs in the start menu folder but even that takes about a minute per shortcut so you might as well just re-install them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One danger here. Some programs require registry settings to be present for them to work properly. Just creating a shortcut to point to an old install may not work for all programs (and can cause weird things to happen since registry entries are missing). Some programs see the registry entries aren't there and create default ones. But a lot don't.

mfrazzz said:
One danger here. Some programs require registry settings to be present for them to work properly. Just creating a shortcut to point to an old install may not work for all programs (and can cause weird things to happen since registry entries are missing). Some programs see the registry entries aren't there and create default ones. But a lot don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah that's a good point. I completely forgot about that. Well, that's why I always just re-install everything... lol

Cook everything in the rom and ext rom, you don't lose anything [email protected]!

[Q] I have a couple of important questions

I'm new to this whole rooting thing and I just rooted my G2 last night because I wanted to do more, now I have a couple of questions.
1. How can I use a different ROM and bring all my current apps, data, contacts etc. to that rom?
2. Which folders are unnecessary on my phone?
3. Should I delete all the rooting materials after I'm finished?
I'm still using the stock OS with setcpu overclocked but I want to test a new ROM. Somehelp help me :/

I would first create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM using ClockWorkMod Recovery. Then I would download Titanium Backup (Pro) and create a backup of your USER apps/data only. It's not safe to try to restore system apps/data after flashing a different ROM. But user apps/data can be easily restored via TB after you flash your custom ROM. Contacts are synced up with Google, so you don't need to worry about them... they'll return as soon as you sign in with your Google account.
When you say folders on your phone, do you mean on your SD card? That's really up to you.
In terms of ROMs, I'm loving CyanogenMod v7.1.0. But ROMs are all personal preference. If you need more help with any of these things, there are awesome guides all over XDA. Good luck.

gkenga said:
3. Should I delete all the rooting materials after I'm finished?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely not on this one. If you happen to screw up your system and have to reinstall your ROM, you have it still on your SD card. ROMS generally only take up about 50-300MB on your card and if you have a large card, it shouldn't be an issue unless you download every ROM known to man.

But for some reason, every time I reboot PyroMod it bootloops me for what I don't know -____-

Im using TastyGinger on my G2.. Tried a few roms from eclair to gb and most of the time I need to reinstall my apps.. i tried using TB to bacup my apps.. but when i tried and restore after flashing new roms, tb gave me an error.. so i decided to hv this perception everytime i wanna flash a new rom, i must start from scratch..

gkenga said:
I'm new to this whole rooting thing and I just rooted my G2 last night because I wanted to do more, now I have a couple of questions.
1. How can I use a different ROM and bring all my current apps, data, contacts etc. to that rom?
2. Which folders are unnecessary on my phone?
3. Should I delete all the rooting materials after I'm finished?
I'm still using the stock OS with setcpu overclocked but I want to test a new ROM. Somehelp help me :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.Just back up all your current application and system data with titanium backup, then restore after u flash that rom. its doesnt matter how many time u change rom coz data that u backup in -titanium backup folder- untouch. for contact i recommend u save to google. 3.its up to you man.

Thanks man, I'll be sure to avoid that

Newbie questions before changing ROM on Desire S

Hello,
I have few questions to ask before changing my ROM. Many of these already should have an answer but it's better to ask for me, even if I've already searched the forum.
Data on SD Card: as far as I understand, flashing a new ROM doesn't affect the SD card data. Isn't it? In this case, old applications that have been moved to the SD card continue to stay there. Do you think it's the case to make a cleanup of those applications before flashing?
I've done a backup using ClockworkMod into the SD Card. I've read that somebody had problems restoring such a backup in case of necessity. Is this so risky? If I launch the backup restore through CWM, does it restore my previous ROM (the official one in my case) with all my previous settings without any problem?
SMS Backup: I think I can use an application like "SMS Backup & Restore" without any problem even the ROMs are different. Isn't it?
Contacts and Calendar appointments: I use Funambol to sync my contacts and appointments with. What I need once I've flashed the new ROM is simply to install Funambol on the device and start the synchronization? I guess the answer is yes of course, here.
Applications installed using the Android Market: what does it happen when I login with my gmail account? A massive install starts? My applications should be restored automatically without any risk to loose my application on the Android Market on the web? I hope this is true also for AppBrain.
I saw this is the last 3.5 Sense ROM. Is this stable and safe to flash?
May I select Italian language for the new flashed ROMs or they are only English?

fbcyborg said:
Hello,
I have few questions to ask before changing my ROM. Many of these already should have an answer but it's better to ask for me, even if I've already searched the forum.
Data on SD Card: as far as I understand, flashing a new ROM doesn't affect the SD card data. Isn't it? In this case, old applications that have been moved to the SD card continue to stay there. Do you think it's the case to make a cleanup of those applications before flashing?
I've done a backup using ClockworkMod into the SD Card. I've read that somebody had problems restoring such a backup in case of necessity. Is this so risky? If I launch the backup restore through CWM, does it restore my previous ROM (the official one in my case) with all my previous settings without any problem?
SMS Backup: I think I can use an application like "SMS Backup & Restore" without any problem even the ROMs are different. Isn't it?
Contacts and Calendar appointments: I use Funambol to sync my contacts and appointments with. What I need once I've flashed the new ROM is simply to install Funambol on the device and start the synchronization? I guess the answer is yes of course, here.
Applications installed using the Android Market: what does it happen when I login with my gmail account? A massive install starts? My applications should be restored automatically without any risk to loose my application on the Android Market on the web? I hope this is true also for AppBrain.
I saw this is the last 3.5 Sense ROM. Is this stable and safe to flash?
May I select Italian language for the new flashed ROMs or they are only English?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash a rom you sd card will not be touched.
you ll not need to reinstall all app,unless you don t format data.
Market downlods automatically all your previous downloaded apps
It s very annoying.
Your google account will sync your Contacts and calendar
Clockwork will restore your backup so it ll restore your previous rom
Sense 3.5 need hboot 2 to work propriely.
Virtuous is a good rom with sense for old hboot
All rom are universal instead of MIUI,you can choose any language.
If you have other question,you can pm me in italian
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

fbcyborg said:
Hello,
I have few questions to ask before changing my ROM. Many of these already should have an answer but it's better to ask for me, even if I've already searched the forum.
Data on SD Card: as far as I understand, flashing a new ROM doesn't affect the SD card data. Isn't it? In this case, old applications that have been moved to the SD card continue to stay there. Do you think it's the case to make a cleanup of those applications before flashing?
I've done a backup using ClockworkMod into the SD Card. I've read that somebody had problems restoring such a backup in case of necessity. Is this so risky? If I launch the backup restore through CWM, does it restore my previous ROM (the official one in my case) with all my previous settings without any problem?
SMS Backup: I think I can use an application like "SMS Backup & Restore" without any problem even the ROMs are different. Isn't it?
Contacts and Calendar appointments: I use Funambol to sync my contacts and appointments with. What I need once I've flashed the new ROM is simply to install Funambol on the device and start the synchronization? I guess the answer is yes of course, here.
Applications installed using the Android Market: what does it happen when I login with my gmail account? A massive install starts? My applications should be restored automatically without any risk to loose my application on the Android Market on the web? I hope this is true also for AppBrain.
I saw this is the last 3.5 Sense ROM. Is this stable and safe to flash?
May I select Italian language for the new flashed ROMs or they are only English?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Data on SD card will not be affected. However old apps on SD card will not be recognized any more. You can use Titanium to backup and then restore your apps.
2. In case of fail on ROM restore, you can use RUU to fallback to your official ROM. Just go to Settings\About phone\Software information to write down your ROM version so that you can find appropriate RUU later.
3. Yes, I think. Or you can use My Backup Pro to backup.
4. You can sync Contacts and Calendar to your Google account and restore them later.
5. If you add your Google account right after 1-st booting, the phone will do a massive install from the Market, and this could lead your phone to hang and may cause to fry an eMMC. Just let it boot as normal without adding Google account, and you can add later in the Settings/Account & Sync.
6 and 7. I have no idea.

Thank you very much guys!
kylon said:
you ll not need to reinstall all app,unless you don t format data.
Market downlods automatically all your previous downloaded apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
vndnguyen said:
5. If you add your Google account right after 1-st booting, the phone will do a massive install from the Market, and this could lead your phone to hang and may cause to fry an eMMC. Just let it boot as normal without adding Google account, and you can add later in the Settings/Account & Sync.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These two things make me confused. As far as kylon says and as far as I understand, if the /data directory wiping is not performed, I will automatically find all the application installed on the new ROM, but only as regard the applications on the NAND. Even this sounds me a little be strange but possible, so is this something that avoid me to reinstall all the applications using the Android Market as vndnguyen says at point 5?
kylon said:
Sense 3.5 need hboot 2 to work propriely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you suggest to install that hBoot after or before flashing the 3.5 Sense ROM?
Thanks a lot.

you should wipe all partition before installing new ROM, this is mandatory, so the only way you can restore your installed apps is via Titanium backup (for 3rd party apps or apps from unknown source) or Market (for apps from Google Market).

If u install a rom without wipe anything the rom will wipe only /system,so when you boot the rom all your apps will be there and the new system is installed
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

So it seems there are two contrasting opinions here. Despite that I've seen that it is suggested to always wipe all partitions maybe I'll do.

kylon said:
If u install a rom without wipe anything the rom will wipe only /system,so when you boot the rom all your apps will be there and the new system is installed
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, but it is not recommended, if you don't want any unpredictable fault.
fbcyborg said:
So it seems there are two contrasting opinions here. Despite that I've seen that it is suggested to always wipe all partitions maybe I'll do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plz follow a guide here:
Guide to Flash a Rom in a Perfect Way...
It is recommended that you wipe all partitions before flashing new ROM.

vndnguyen said:
yes, but it is not recommended, if you don't want any unpredictable fault.
Plz follow a guide here:
Guide to Flash a Rom in a Perfect Way...
It is recommended that you wipe all partitions before flashing new ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn t recommend anything.
I told him that in this case(without wipe) he ll not lose any app.
Anyway i do full wipe.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

OK, thank you. It is all clear now.
By the way. I've seen that ROMs like the Virtuous have the overclock.
I don't want the overclock damage my Desire S, so I would like to know what do you think about that and if it is recommended to install the patch mentioned in the "Important Notes" anyway.

I don t like overclock but sometimes can help
Personally i m using set cpu 998/192 smartass
I actived jit and other tweaks to improve performances so my phone is fast with a low cpu(teted 850mhz fully working)
I don t use any patch
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

[Q] How to save data before ROM upgrade

Hey guys,
so, I have already flashed my ROM from stock to something else. That was a year ago.
But this ROM got old, ICS is out, and I want it.
Is there a way to save all my data? I have some games, that have progress that I dont want to loose.
I have contacts that I dont want to loose. Messages and pictures that I still need.
What is the right procedure for me to upgrade ROM to newer one? I'm upgrading to Fallout v2 if that matters.
Thank you for answers
Regards, Anze

You need to read up about Nandroid backups that you take from recovery (cwm or 4ext) these are extremely useful if you wish to revert the device after you've flashed a new one rom as they take a snapshot of the devices partitions.
You should ensure that you take one of these before flashing a new rom.
I'd recommend that you sync your contacts with google (in the cloud) that way they'll always return to your device following a clean install
Otherwise the best application is titanium backup which enables you to make backups of your applications and there associated data, which is useful to reinstall your applications after a rom upgrade.

You may also wish to restore data with apps together selectively after flashing a new rom due to possible data incompatibilities with versions resulting in FC. If so, within TB you could try PREFERENCES > RESTORATION SETTINGS > MIGRATE SYSTEM DATA or leave out data only restoring the app.

[Q] Best Back up app?

I would like to change to a cooked rom so I would like to extract, back up or zip my entire OEM rom as it is right now in the event I want to put it back on the phone.
I have browsed around but I am unsure what the best method for doing this is. All the backup apps I find just back up apps and settings. I want to back up and save the entire rom, if possible with settings and all intact as it is currently on the phone...
Any suggestions on what I can use and the correct method to do this.
Thanks

jessepatty said:
I would like to change to a cooked rom so I would like to extract, back up or zip my entire OEM rom as it is right now in the event I want to put it back on the phone.
I have browsed around but I am unsure what the best method for doing this is. All the backup apps I find just back up apps and settings. I want to back up and save the entire rom, if possible with settings and all intact as it is currently on the phone...
Any suggestions on what I can use and the correct method to do this.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into TWRP, backup data and system and whatever else you want, wipe data, flash new rom. Success!

Anyone tried OrangeBackup?

This is a question and belongs in Q&A, and to answer your question, Titanium Backup has never failed me :good: