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nandroidbackup - full NAND backup tool

This version is outdated, please get the latest version here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=459830
Hi,
In light of the fastboot flash method I was thinking of a way to be able to keep my current setup as a backup while i experiment with other images. For that I wrote a script that uses adb to dump the data for the boot, recovery, system and data partitions.
When this script is ran, it will dump these images in your current dir.
Boot into recovery mode (home+power) to use.
Requires RC30 v1.2 recovery.img - due to a bug the RC8 v1.2 there is no adb shell. (this script needs adb shell as root + busybox in recovery mode to work).
PLEASE NOTE: I haven't actually flashed the dumps back yet, I will be trying that tomorrow. Brave souls willing to test that do so at their own risk!
Bug reports or own improvements welcome.

infernix, how do i go about running this script from mac terminal?

Pretty interesting stuff.Two questions for you:
1. Where is the restore script...
2. Did you try restoring the created backup?
Thanks,
devsk

korndub said:
infernix, how do i go about running this script from mac terminal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On MacOS 10.5 I had to compile md5sum from http://www.microbrew.org/tools/md5sha1sum/ and then modify the script to replace the call for md5sum --check --status with md5sum --check - --status (note the additional - to specify stdin). After that everything seemed to work properly. Haven't tried flashing it back, however.

nand?
what is nand?
i'm thinking this must be huge because its getting a lot of attention from the big dogs such as JF. from reading, is it like the master software so you can completely wipe the phone then in a sense put everything back on or is that too drastic of a guess?
just curious...
hbguy

http://tinyurl.com/6cb6k8
but in all seriousness NAND is just the flash memory upon which all the system software is installed. This script lets you take a full backup copy of all the various partitions and then, in theory, restore them.

very cool
This is a big advancement wish I had this when I pooched my market app trying to move the cache, I got it to d/l 1 app using the sd as my cache but nuthin but force close on a few dozen attempts, I dunno what I did but I couldn't get the onboard caches to work so I had to hard reset and d/l 33 apps from the market before I went to bed and I'm still fixing sh1t, this would have made my restore much easier, was suprised when I got it that there was no type of backup other than syncing with goog.
I can't wait to see who has the biggest balls and will try to flash one back.
Thanks, I bet the OTA RC30s will be rerooted pretty soon at thus rate.
This is a great contribution.
(Hey google, why not get some of these xda guys on the payroll, this is where all the news about the G1 gets made, I don't think I have seen any G1 hack yet that didn't have its roots right here at xda-dev)
Bhang
Stupid part is I'm so egocentric I think somebody at google/android is gonna read it...duh

[Q] Help Running ROM on Emulator

Sup fellas. I am wondering if it is possible to run the custom ROM posted by Robbbit in a device emulator? I have tried the following, but it is not working.
1. Flashed the Rommmmit ROM
2. Did a Nandroid backup (Not sure if this is correct, but was the easiest way I knew to get the rom in a system.img format)
3. In CMD I CD to C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\tools
4. Got the Android 2.2 API level and ID by entering 'android list target' in CMD
5. Created the virtual device with 'android create avd -n Rommmmit -t 7' (I changed none of the hardware options and left them all as defaulted)
6. Copied the system.img from Nandroid to 'C:\Users\<user>\.android\avd\Rommmmit.avd
7. Attempted to run emulator with 'emulator -avd Rommmmit'
All of the steps appeared to work without issue. However, when the emulator launches it sits on the black screen with grey 'Android' text and becomes unresponsive. I have tried multiple times and even tried to launch from Eclipse by going to Windows/Android SDK and AVD Manager and selecting start, both have the same unresponsive result.
If I am doing something wrong in those steps please let me know. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, if there is a better way to convert the rom from the .zip to system.img I'd like to know that as well.
(BTW, props to Robbbbit for the first custom SGS4G ROM. If you haven't flashed it, what are you waiting for???)

Coworker was doing something similar. Ill ask him for you tomorrow and get back to you if i have an answer!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

Thanks. I'd rather test mods I try to your rom in the emulator than flashing and dealing with soft bricks

No dice... He was doing something completely diffetent.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

I need an easier guide...

To outline my situation, I have installed CWM to my phone, and flashed version 2.5.1.2 of Galaxy S i9000 (but the recovery boot doesn't show as CWM) on a Samsung InFuse 4G (this part I managed to find by scouring the forums) with Firmware version 2.2.1, Kernel 2.6.32.9, with Build FROYO.UCKH1. This is as far as I have gotten because I cannot seem to get a backup of my phone's ROM made. So, my question is can someone explain (without jargon, I haven't quite learned it yet) in simple steps how to resolve this issue and help me continue my way to flashing a custom ROM? I've checked and read so many other guides, but they are confusing because the steps aren't (sad to say) dumbed down for me. Here's an example of what I read:
1: dl CWM (actually had to go look this up and figure out what it was)
2: flash CWM (my phone model wasn't on the list, but after an extensive search found out that I could use the Galaxy S i9000 [supposedly])
3: boot into CWM Recovery (can't do it, for some reason it won't load on my phone.)
4: perform backup with CWM (as before, can't do it, read I could use Titanium backup but no depth was given)
5: dl a rom and place it on your sd card (this one is understood, short and to the point)
6: boot into CWM and flash rom
Unfortunately, when I start out on a new OS (already owning Windows and getting good at Linux) I tend to not even understand these so-called "Dummies Guides." I need something filled with minimal jargon that is short and sweet. Any information would be helpful
Also, I would like to know the likelihood of bricking my phone (based off of its specs) if it is possible to find out...

I'm a little bit confused here. How come you've flashed an i9000 (Galaxy S) firmware onto an Infuse? I think we can work out your backup problems though

I mean that I flashed the Galaxy S i9000 version of CWM Recovery to my phone because there wasn't an InFuse option. (according to one thread, it said that the i9000 version was compatible with the InFuse)
However, I flashed the Recovery, but when I booted into recovery mode, I was still in the stock recovery. Any explanation for this and everything else?
I don't really know anything about the Android system yet, but I hope to be good enough to become a developer one day.

DeltaOps said:
I mean that I flashed the Galaxy S i9000 version of CWM Recovery to my phone because there wasn't an InFuse option. (according to one thread, it said that the i9000 version was compatible with the InFuse)
However, I flashed the Recovery, but when I booted into recovery mode, I was still in the stock recovery. Any explanation for this and everything else?
I don't really know anything about the Android system yet, but I hope to be good enough to become a developer one day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. Sounds like the recovery hasn't flashed properly. Did you have the phone rooted before flashing the recovery?
Here is an awesome thread with video guides on just about everything you could need. Here is another. I take it you've already followed at least one of these to get the recovery flashed, so it might pay to try the 3E recovery instead and see if that works.
You may need to go right back to stock and start over. If you do, AdamOutler has got you covered right here.
I'll stay subscribed in case you need anything else, best of luck mate

My phone was rooted with SuperOneClick. Superuser was still intact. I read on a thread that the CWM Recovery could "fake flash" and that it would still be accessible by selecting "boot into recovery" but it doesn't show.
It says 3E in my recovery mode, is that the modified or is it actually stock?
I downloaded CWM from the market (method 2) but for some reason have update.zip on my phone (method 1). Any explanation? I don't exactly remember downloading a .zip file...

DeltaOps said:
My phone was rooted with SuperOneClick. Superuser was still intact. I read on a thread that the CWM Recovery could "fake flash" and that it would still be accessible by selecting "boot into recovery" but it doesn't show.
It says 3E in my recovery mode, is that the modified or is it actually stock?
I downloaded CWM from the market (method 2) but for some reason have update.zip on my phone (method 1). Any explanation? I don't exactly remember downloading a .zip file...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may have 'fake flashed' and not worked at all. Both stock and modified recovery will say 3E, the difference is in the version numbers although I can't picture them off the top of my head. If CWM had worked, you would not be seeing 3E, you would see the typical array of CWM options. The modified 3E does not give you the same options CWM does, it just gives you the option to flash an 'unsigned' image from Recovery.
I have never had any luck with ROM Manager personally, although a lot of people swear by it. I found it especially flaky flashing recoveries to any device, very hit-and-miss. I personally prefer, and recommend, flashing recoveries manually via ADB. A little trickier, but a lot more trustworthy.
That said, try flashing recovery through RM again before taking any further steps. Flashing a recovery over a recovery won't hurt

I've tried three separate times to install the CWM recovery, but all were unsuccessful. What's this about ADB? I remember seeing the ADB Daemon in the SuperOneClick rooting process. And how tricky is it exactly, does it require code?
I have the Titanium Backup app on my phone, and I have backed up all the system and app data, but they are all separate files instead of a single (what, .md5?) file. I remember reading another thread that said you could back up a ROM via TB but I can't find a back up ROM option. Is there a particular way to do this or do I have to have the Premium/Pro version of TB? Or have I pretty much done all I can do with TB?

DeltaOps said:
I've tried three separate times to install the CWM recovery, but all were unsuccessful. What's this about ADB? I remember seeing the ADB Daemon in the SuperOneClick rooting process. And how tricky is it exactly, does it require code?
I have the Titanium Backup app on my phone, and I have backed up all the system and app data, but they are all separate files instead of a single (what, .md5?) file. I remember reading another thread that said you could back up a ROM via TB but I can't find a back up ROM option. Is there a particular way to do this or do I have to have the Premium/Pro version of TB? Or have I pretty much done all I can do with TB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB is a command-line interface between your PC and your phone. You enable USB debugging and connect the phone via USB to the computer. Once you have the correct drivers installed, you can then use ADB (part of the Android SDK available for download) to send commands to your phone, as well as push and pull files. This requires full root, which you already have.
For example you can grab the recovery.img for CWN on the Infuse and tell ADB to 'flash recovery recovery.img' and actually ensure it flashes.
There are some excellent ADB tutorials floating around, this one in particular got me started. Make sure you do a bit of reading first though: the wrong command can royally screw you.
After you're familiar, you should be able to use ADB to push a recovery to your phone, whether it be unsecured 3E, or CWM.
I'll stay subscribed for any queries you may have

How close is the ADB interface to other command-line interfaces like Linux or Windows? I use both operating systems on my laptop and I have familiarized myself with both of them (mostly). What am I supposed to be expecting when I use it? Also, I can't seem to find the recovery.img file, what folder would that be under?

DeltaOps said:
How close is the ADB interface to other command-line interfaces like Linux or Windows? I use both operating systems on my laptop and I have familiarized myself with both of them (mostly). What am I supposed to be expecting when I use it? Also, I can't seem to find the recovery.img file, what folder would that be under?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know about Linux, but ADB works through a Windows command prompt so its pretty much the same. You will need to have ADB, Fastboot plus whatever you wish to flash (recovery.img) in a 'working' directory, then run a command prompt from that directory.
You will probably need to download the recovery.img file.from XDA. It may be zipped up (they usually are).
Sent from my Galaxy Note using XDA Premium

I've successfully got ADB started in the command prompt (not that bad :]) but when I try to pull the directory map from my phone, it says: remote object "xxxxxxxxx" does not exist. And what's this about Fastboot? Edit: Did a bootloader command test, worked just fine. No success on pulling directory
Command I used: "adb pull -s xxxxxxxxxxx C:\"

DeltaOps said:
I've successfully got ADB started in the command prompt (not that bad :]) but when I try to pull the directory map from my phone, it says: remote object "xxxxxxxxx" does not exist. And what's this about Fastboot? Edit: Did a bootloader command test, worked just fine. No success on pulling directory
Command I used: "adb pull -s xxxxxxxxxxx C:\"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that's the correct format to pull directory structure. I'll have to read up on that one
Fastboot is another tool you can use to flash bootloaders, radios, recoveries etc through the command prompt.
Sent from my Galaxy Note using XDA Premium

You're right, tried using the <remote> variable as a file instead of the device serial. Typed:
adb pull .. files
prompt skitzed out after that. I know it won't damage anything since it's a copy procedure but I'm looking for the file and it's not there. it said it's pulling everything after skipping "special files"
Edit: It just finished, said it couldn't create the file because for some reason it was trying to copy the files from the phone to the phone

DeltaOps said:
You're right, tried using the <remote> variable as a file instead of the device serial. Typed:
adb pull .. files
prompt skitzed out after that. I know it won't damage anything since it's a copy procedure but I'm looking for the file and it's not there. it said it's pulling everything after skipping "special files"
Edit: It just finished, said it couldn't create the file because for some reason it was trying to copy the files from the phone to the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you'll have to give it a target directory, I think it's like this '.\sdcard' to write them to the SD card?
Sent from my Galaxy Note using XDA Premium

If that's the case, then how do I make the file copy to my HDD? The drive doesn't show up on my computer (does it)?

DeltaOps said:
If that's the case, then how do I make the file copy to my HDD? The drive doesn't show up on my computer (does it)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure that with the correct command, you will be able to pull the structure to your hard drive. I'm not sure if it's .\C:/ or not, I'll have a look when I'm on a proper rig and can do a proper search
Sent from my Galaxy Note using XDA Premium

Thanks! You've been great so far
That noob video was right, XDA is full of awesome people!
Edit: Got it Thanks for the pointers. Now I need to find out how to back up the entire ROM... :/

DeltaOps said:
Thanks! You've been great so far
That noob video was right, XDA is full of awesome people!
Edit: Got it Thanks for the pointers. Now I need to find out how to back up the entire ROM... :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got it and glad to help. There are a hell of a lot of good people here If there's anything else you need, feel free to PM me.
Good luck buddy!
Sent from my Galaxy Note using XDA Premium

Is there perhaps any way to perform a ROM backup with ADB?

DeltaOps said:
Is there perhaps any way to perform a ROM backup with ADB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooh good question. I don't think so, but I'm not sure. I know you can pull directories like /system/ and whatnot, but as for repackaging them into a working backup, that may be a bit more involved. I would use ADB to.push a working CWM and do it that way, but it sounds.like you're a bit better at the command-line stuff than I so you may be able to work it!
Sent from my Galaxy Note using XDA Premium

[Solved!] Difficulty updating to 1.63.531.2 without setting up from scratch

Initial phone stats: DS Mod 1.55.531.3, hboot 1.45.0013, s-on/unlocked via HTC unlocker.
I'm trying to update my own phone to 1.63.531.2 via the PG59IMG.zip file found here, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17424340&postcount=24 , but I'm running into problems applying this update and keeping it after restoring a Nandroid backup. It would be a huge amount of work to set up my phone from square one, and I'd like to avoid the process if at all possible.
The steps I've followed (twice, now, with no joy) are the following:
* apply the update through the PG59IMG.zip
* flash CWM 5.0.2.7
* flash Superuser
* restore most recent Nandroid backup
* flash 1.63.531.2 boot image (for wi-fi fix)
And this puts me back at my starting point, with the 1.63.531.2 update not applied.
I know I'm going about this the wrong way, but I can't figure out the correct method to make this work. The fact that I flashed the DS Mod 1.55.531.3 ROM back after unlocking might have something to do with this, however, I just can't nail down why. Really could some help to make this work.
TIA for any suggestions --
--
KingCheetah

hey, real quick, after flashing the 1.63.531.2 update, instead of restoring your full nandoid of 1.55.531.3, go to 'advanced restore', choose that nandroid, and choose only 'restore data'. that will put all your apps and data onto the new update, rather than flashing you all the way back to what you had before.
you could also backup and restore your data with an app called Mybackup Root, or some people use Titanium Backup. I personally like using the advanced data restore in CWM, or else Mybackup.

Yogi, I thought your suggestion would be a smoking gun. However, I'm having the same problem as described in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25431819#post25431819
Might you have any suggestions for addressing the md5 problem? I'm coming up empty...
Thanks for your help --
--
KingChetah

yeah, come to think of it, I've had that problem before as well. did you try what xmc suggested? also, perhaps try the Modaco 4.0.0.9 version of CWM to do the advanced data restore... if my memory serves me, I have had more success overall with that version. unfortunately that's about all I got!
the other sugestion would be to flash your full nandroid, then use Mybackup Root to back everything up. then after updating, DL the app again and restore.
good luck and keep us posted!

yogi2010 said:
yeah, come to think of it, I've had that problem before as well. did you try what xmc suggested?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and for the backup I want to restore, all the md5s are the same between the files and what is listed in the nandroid.md5 file. So, the method XMC suggested really doesn't do anything.
yogi2010 said:
also, perhaps try the Modaco 4.0.0.9 version of CWM to do the advanced data restore... if my memory serves me, I have had more success overall with that version. unfortunately that's about all I got!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, okay, I'll give that a try. Weird that CWM 5.0.2.7 has this problem. Also frustrating.
yogi2010 said:
the other sugestion would be to flash your full nandroid, then use Mybackup Root to back everything up. then after updating, DL the app again and restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll keep this as the last resort, because I'd rather not have to download an app for just this purpose. Nandroid backups have served me fine so far. Call me a minimalist.
I'll try Modaco and see what happens. Thanks much for the idea to try.
--
King Cheetah

Sadness
Using Modaco didn't work. Although the Advanced Restore sees the file and appears to run successfully, it says it can't find a data.img file and an Android.img file, so it doesn't restore the info.
So, I guess it's down to trying Mybackup Root and see what happens. Getting tired of redoing this process over and over.
Why can't things "just work" in these situations?
--
KingCheetah

check the other thread....problems with restoring backup
---------- Post added at 05:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 PM ----------
or actually...just flash the data.img through fastboot....its ten times easier
but the data.img in the same directory as adb and fastboot....then run the two commands with your phone in the bootloader
fastboot erase data
fastboot flash data data.img

xmc wildchild22 said:
or actually...just flash the data.img through fastboot....its ten times easier
but the data.img in the same directory as adb and fastboot....then run the two commands with your phone in the bootloader
fastboot erase data
fastboot flash data data.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with this is the file "data.img" doesn't exist in a Nandroid backup. As I stated in my previous message, the Advanced Restore process tossed up a message that the file didn't exist (which is correct).
The files within a given Nandroid backup folder are the following:
.android_secure.vfat.tar
boot.img
cache.ext4.tar
data.ext4.tar
nandroid.md5
recovery.img
system.ext4.tar
From the Advanced Restore problem thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624319):
xmc wildchild22 said:
then take the system.img from the 1.63 update and put in replace of the nandroids one....then redo the md5 checksum for the system.img like i had showed before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to try this, but since the 1.63 update is a PM59IMG.zip, I can't open it with a zip file manager--it throws up a "central directory not found" error. Unless there's another program besides 7zip that's needed to handle this type of zip file...
Edit: I just realized that, as you can see from the file list above, a Nandroid backup also doesn't have a "system.img" file--it has a "system.ext4.tar," but not "system.img." So being able to pull anything from a PM59IMG.zip file is a moot point at this juncture.
Banging one's head against the keyboard does little constructive good, but it's really tempting at this point --
--
KingCheetah

just try opening it with a plain windows explorer

xmc wildchild22 said:
just try opening it with a plain windows explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using the "Explore" option from the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer gives the following error: "The Compressed (zipped) Folder is invalid or corrupted." (Since archive files on my laptop are associated with 7zip, this is the only method by which I can access Win XP's native archive file handling.)
This has been the case with all PM59IMG.zip files--they don't register as normal zip files.
Thanks for the suggestion, though --
--
KingCheetah

hmm...maybe tht zip is corrupted because it works for me....DL this --> http://tinyw.in/Mzg2

Nope, not corrupted because it works just fine to update my phone to 1.63 (as stated before, I've done this twice now). Also, that's the exact same source from whence I downloaded my copy of the file. The PM59MG.zip for 1.55.531.3 gives exactly the same error, and I used that without difficulty as well.

KingCheetah said:
Nope, not corrupted because it works just fine to update my phone to 1.63 (as stated before, I've done this twice now). Also, that's the exact same source from whence I downloaded my copy of the file. The PM59MG.zip for 1.55.531.3 gives exactly the same error, and I used that without difficulty as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use winrar to open the PG59IMG.zip files - that's what I used to make all the custom ones with, and also what I used to open the leaked ones we started from.
You won't be able to edit existing leaked ones, because they are locked and have an HTC signature.
Sent from a digital distance.

Thanks for the pointer, Blue, and I'll keep this in mind. But as I added to my previous post (#8), I realized that a Nandroid backup doesn't have a "system.img" file--it has a "system.ext4.tar," but not "system.img." So being able to pull anything from a PM59IMG.zip file is a moot point at this juncture.
I think I'm going to have to wait for a 1.63 ROM that can be installed through CWM rather than the PM59IMG.zip method. The DS Mod 1.55.531.3 worked well for me, and all apps/data were just there after I flashed it. Maybe I just got lucky with the process I followed previously, who knows? (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1508406&page=4 post #39)
At any rate, I've got a truly mean headache from working on this all day. Time for a break with a bit of ice on ye old cervical vertebrae.
Thanks again for chiming in --
--
KingCheetah

No prob, didn't read through and shot from the hip on the last post I saw, out at dinner and skimming the forums on smoke breaks
Sent from a digital distance.

does anyone know the deal with the implementation of tar backups? I think that came into play at some point, and I wonder if that has anything to do with anything.
I just checked a backup I made with the Modaco CWM, and the files in it are all .img files, including data. and I know for a fact I have done backups and advanced data restores with that recovery. it would be a hassle, but if you get re-energized you might make the backup and do the restore with Modaco. definitely would be a hassle if it didn't work, but you could also make a backup with Mybackup, and have that ready too, as well as probably have a data.img to try and flash thru fastboot like xmc suggested.
anyway, hopefully we'll get this all sorted out. take it easy!

well .tar are used ever since cwm started working with ext4....maybe imgs are only ext3 or lower or its just inefficient

On that note, I did use the modaco 4.0.0.9 recovery to make the nandroids I pulled the system images from to get the bases from which I de-odexed, and when finished I uploaded to my host and they are the de-odexed bases I posted in dev.
I am pretty sure I went with modaco recovery for that because cwm 5.0.2.7 output tar files and it just saved a step in the process.
If you are working with the .tar files then jump on linux to unarchive them if that's what you are trying to do.
I just ran the deodex process using windows, because the first working deodex tool I found was a windows tool.
Generally I use modaco .9 for nandroids I want to work with in windows, and cwm 5 for nandroids I want to work with in linux.
We're probably leaving the restaurant soon, if we split up I'll actually read back through the thread when I get home and see if I have anything else to add.
Sent from a digital distance.

Yogi, you're brilliant!
yogi2010 said:
I just checked a backup I made with the Modaco CWM, and the files in it are all .img files, including data. and I know for a fact I have done backups and advanced data restores with that recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[facepalm] Of course! This is why my Advanced Restore attempt with Modaco failed--because I used the CWM 5.0.2.7 backup, which did not have the files Modaco would have referenced. Duh! I wasn't even thinking along the lines of a file type mismatch between the two recoveries. Baka baka baka...
yogi2010 said:
it would be a hassle, but if you get re-energized you might make the backup and do the restore with Modaco. definitely would be a hassle if it didn't work, but you could also make a backup with Mybackup, and have that ready too, as well as probably have a data.img to try and flash thru fastboot like xmc suggested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, not a hassle, but the best chance to accomplish this thing with a minimum of fuss and bother. I'll give this a shot right after a bit 'o java. Thank you, Yogi, for highlighting something that should have been obvious to me when Modaco gave the error message that "data.img" didn't exist. Oy!
However, this still leaves unanswered the question of why CWM 5.0.2.7 is tossing up the md5 mismatch error when one tries to use Advance Restore, and that files aren't seen by CWM via Advance Restore until one accesses regular Restore. Paperskye is having the exact same problem in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624319 . Should this be brought to the attention of the CWM devs? It really seems like a rather show-stopping error for CWM...unless Advanced Restore isn't really used with 5.0.2.7 and the MT4GS. There just doesn't seem to be a good reason for the observed behavior.
Many thanks for your encouragement. I'll report back with results on the next try with Modaco --
--
KingCheetah

It's a beautiful thing!
Using Modaco for my backup prior to the update, then Advanced Restore of data afterward = perfect restore of my phone environment with 1.63 on board. Done with as little fuss as I was hoping to encounter. Yogi, you get the prize. The only thing I had to manually put back was my custom boot animation, but that's trivial.
I think I'll just leave Modaco on as my recovery for now, since AR is functional with it and CWM 5.0.2.7 is not. Makes me wonder, from just an everyday backup standpoint, is there any real advantage of CWM over Modaco? I wish there was more information on how the recovery module functions on the CWM website--I'd like to read up on it for educational purposes. Guess I'll do a Google to find more.
So ridiculously happy right now. In a stew of things going wrong, at least something went right.
Big rumbling purr of gratitude --
--
KingCheetah

Problem with PhilZ recovery!

Hello,
I thought of myself as a pretty experienced user, but you never learn enough!
However, I flashed some roms (lollipop) that, probably due to my mistakes, screwed up my file system, to the point that my recovery (latest PhilZ) wasn't able to find its backup anymore. Eventually I solved the problem as I was able to find my backups and use them to revert my phone to the rom I wanted to run (Carbon 4.4.4). But I was really annoyed by the fact that my file system was a bit off and still I was having problems with the recovery. So I decided to begin investigating the possibility to restore my phone to factory default. Before going with it, I tried the soft approach, i.e. I used the soft factory reset available from the settings menu. It all seemed fine and I re-flashed a lollipop rom that suited me.
Now the problem is that, after all the ordeal, I decided to make a new backup and so I did. It appears all fine, my recovery can actually "see" it, but I cannot identify it using a root browser! It seems to have disappeared unless I open the recovery and then I see it there. It is located in a folder that I can, of course, access, but,when I do so, I can't find the file!
I tried to put on my phone an old backup (always a PhilZ one), but when I try to put it on the phone I can't find the Backup folder in the Clockworkmod folder!
Anyone has any idea of what is going on and can give me a suggestion on how to overcome the problem?
Thanks
Luca
PS An alternative would be suggesting how to do a restore from a sideload: I thought I saw a similar option, but I can't seem to find it anymore within the recovery's options! I tried also restoring via NRT, but although all seem to go fine and the software return no failure notice, I can't find the backup file that should have been pushed (successfully) on my device!

Its not a recovery issue. Its an L issue.
Best thing to do would be to wipe data and storage then fastboot flash userdata.IMG
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2938749

rootSU said:
Its not a recovery issue. Its an L issue.
Best thing to do would be to wipe data and storage then fastboot flash userdata.IMG
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2938749
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your help.
How can I find the img. file to flash?
Would it be ok to just go ahead and start from 0 using this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/tutorial-how-to-flash-factory-image-t2513701
How can fastboot flash an image file? I've never done that before! As I said, been doing this for a while, but never done this before...I think!
Luca

Alas, after reading your post on one-click toolkits, I'm afraid I'm one of those who thinks they can do things, but rely on simple tools to do them. However, I never (almost never) forgot to make a nandroid backup before flashing a new rom and, to be honest, I'm not a flashoolic. I never, ever bricked my phone (got a few bootloops). If I find a rom that suits my need, I stick with it for as long as I can.
The changes between KK and L are such that are beyond my comprehension, but I try hard to solve the problems I have without bugging everyone at the first obstacle. But now, after fidgeting with my phone for 2 days, I had to give up. With a few words, you singled out the reason why I couldn't come on top of this: things change and I was not informed of how much they did!
Luca

Problem partially solved..I think! Now I can see the folder and found my backup!!
I used the restorecon command you suggested. I couldn't make it work using terminal emulator (just did not accept the su command: why I don't really know). Then I thought about using adb shell via pc and, I really surprised myself; I was able to pull it through. I'm not totally brain damaged as I felt when I couldn't even reproduce the command you indicated. It is probably the application that doesn't work. It was my first time with adb shell, so a new thing learned.
However, now I would like to ask you: if I place in the proper folder the backup folder I saved on my pc, will I be able to restore the nandroid backup? I just need some data that I forgot (trivial things, such as text messages and a few app data, like passwords and stuff) but it would be useful.
Thanks once more for your help.
Luca