lose everything every time ROM reinstalled? - myTouch 3G, Magic Android Development

I notice that a lot of people on here continually update to the latest build of Cyanogens ROM and they may reinstall their ROMS several times a day perhaps.
when these people do this do they lose everything?
im only asking because im having the most difficult time deciding which ROM to go with because i dont want to have to keep flashing a new ROM every time i find out theres a problem or issue with the ROM i have installed etc and then having to redownload all my apps again and contacts etc.

nextelbuddy said:
I notice that a lot of people on here continually update to the latest build of Cyanogens ROM and they may reinstall their ROMS several times a day perhaps.
when these people do this do they lose everything?
im only asking because im having the most difficult time deciding which ROM to go with because i dont want to have to keep flashing a new ROM every time i find out theres a problem or issue with the ROM i have installed etc and then having to redownload all my apps again and contacts etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you upgrade within a ROM type (ie. CyanogenMod 3.9.8 -> 3.9.9.1) you dont need to wipe first unless you run into problems.
If you switch between ROMs (not just an updated version of the same one) You can restore your personal data (settings, smss, call history, etc) by flashing the data.img that you backup before flashing. To do this you need to have the engineering SPL http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=529019. Then you need a recovery with nandroid backup.
Before you flash your ROM, do a nandroid backup. Copy the newly backed up data.img file to your computer. Do a wipe and flash your new ROM, reboot and make sure you like the ROM. Then boot the phone into fastboot mode (Back+Power) with the phone connected to your computer. Then type
Code:
fastboot devices (to ensure the phone has been recognized)
fastboot flash userdata data.img (the one you backed up previously)
fastboot reboot
When you reboot all of your data should be restored.
Let me know if you have any other questions.

The thing for me that takes up most time when I flash a new ROM is redoing all my folders, home screen icons and widget setup. Am I right in thinking there's nothing that'll back such things up and restore them?

Loccy said:
The thing for me that takes up most time when I flash a new ROM is redoing all my folders, home screen icons and widget setup. Am I right in thinking there's nothing that'll back such things up and restore them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the post above you. If you
Code:
fastboot flash userdata data.img
you will get all of that back.

I use My Backup to save home screen layouts including folders. Its on the market.
I've heard that Backup For Root Users has that functionality as well but ive not tried it yet.
HTH

bcrook said:
Read the post above you. If you
Code:
fastboot flash userdata data.img
you will get all of that back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't work:
Code:
sending 'userdata' (22972 KB)... OKAY
writing 'userdata'... INFOsignature checking...
FAILED (remote: signature verify fail)
This is a data.img from a fresh Nandroid backup taken just before the new ROM was flashed.
Anyway, I'd always assumed that flashing the userdata got you the data (i.e. text messages, contacts - which I get back from the Google cloud anyway - and so on) but not the settings (i.e. icons, email configuration, etc).
Edit: doesn't work doing it from an adb shell in recovery console either, i.e.
Code:
cd [to nandroid backup dir]
flash_image userdata data.img
seems to work but gives a reboot loop on Drizzy's 1.3 Full Hero build.

Start asking your questions in the right sub-forum (Q&A) (Theme) or even in (General), or i will be forced to ban you for 3 days or till you learn.
Thanks
Thread Trashed!!

Related

Hello all - real quick question for rom extract and update build

I have been messing around with a G1 I have had on loan for a little bit and just bought the Google Magic / Ion from ebay the one release from dev convention but anyway I want to start messing around with that one for a little and was wondering how I would be able to pull the current build from it and turn into a update.zip or img that i would be able to flash back and will also post online to try other builds and so forth. This one seems like is speical for that phone as has a custom boot screen and so forth not really sure about the rest of features or anything. and also already being fully unlocked is nice if I want to stay with T-Mo or bounce ship but also to get a start on software dev. Any help on how to pull the build and package in an update file would be very helpfull and like I said if it can be done and you guys want I will post it online too.
YES i would like to know too how to create the update.zip from a nand backup. thanx
I think after doing more research I should be able in theory to follow haykuros guide and obtain root and pull the files with adb but that would be like a rooted backup then I guess. I think that should work. But was wondering about just like a stock backup of possible.
I think it is impossible to make a non-root backup from what I have seen, as the backup process itself is only made possible by having root access.
The reason why it was not possible is that, if you are able to backup the whole thing, you may be able to crack the apps downloaded from app market (considering that they are java programs, and consider how -easy- to crack java programs).
On further tests without doing mods to phone it is capable of fast boot I know I can pull system and data imgs for different aspects would it be possible to pull recovery and maybe or how I might be able to turn that to a nbh
Well I was able to find recovery files from htc at the following address:
http://www.htc.com/www/support/android/google-io-device.html
But I am pretty sure that this does not include the spl. Is there a way I can pull it from the phone.
This also may be moot as I was looking thru the rooting files. Does not look like the bootloader is replaced at all but yeh if anyone can say how to backup I will post for all as well.
I do not know if I understood what you all want
but you dont need to make a update.zip from your nand backup
just put the files of your nandroid backup - the img files - into your tools folder of the android sdk
open your windows cmd
change to the tools folder of your android sdk
start your phone in fastboot (the one with the skaterboards)
connect your phone to the pc
and enter the following commands
fastboot erase system -w
fastboot erase boot
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata data.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot reboot
with this you will put the files from your nandbackup on your phone and everything is restored
Yeh I have nandroid backups of my g1 muliple times and was never really worried about it. This great community has had 3 different versions of the SPL on the pages. I was looking to try and make a full nbh file of it like for rc29 on dream or a way to pull the bootloader as well. All other default images, radio, system , data, is pulled with adb and then also can be downloaded from htc but do not include spl at all. Not sure if rooting it will change the spl but would like to pull anyway to see what can tweak on it.

[HOW TO] Keep all your stuff after flashing hero.

Ok, so this is my first Informative thread..so bear with me.
Im a VERY regular hero flasher, and to me, it always seems frustrating to do the whole routine of
Backup>Wipe>Format>Flash>Setup Process>Restore Backup.
especially after you get used to a Rom and you have some stuff that cant be backed up.
Well, i came up with a solution-type thing.
Some people might have tried it out..not sure.
You need:
Nandroid
Android SDK ---> Get it Here
First, do a nandroid backup..(you need it for this to work)
type this into adb
adb shell
echo /dev/block/mmcblk0 > /sys/devices/platform/usb_mass_storage/lun0/file ---->to mount SD in recovery..(or you could just reboot and mount or use an SD reader..whatever)
go to the nandroid folder, and recover the data.img file from your most recent backup. copy it somewhere on your computer.
Start up adb and type
adb shell
rm -r /system/sd/app_s
rm -r /system/sd/app-private -->to prevent bootloops
then wipe, and flash new Rom.
reboot and let the device go into setup process, then power off.
boot device into fastboot mode by holding the camera button + Power button.
open cmd, and cd to your android sdk directory. (or however you do it in linux)
now, type in
fastboot flash userdata <chosen path>/data.img
fastboot reboot
Thats it..all done. Now you have all your stuff from previous hero..and dont have to re-enter loadz of information...and also the benefit of having new stuff like "secret optimized apk's" and what-not.
if you have problem with touch-flo force-closing, go to
settings>applications>manage applications.
choose touch flo
choose clear data.
you should have ahome or some other type of home rplacement program because it seems touchflo DEFINATELy force-closes. and you'll need other home replacement to go into settings.
Or you could just assign a shortcut to settings by going to settings>applications>quick launch selecting what u like.
Hey, I really like the idea behind this approach, but being not as savvy as I'd like, lemme ask this:
Could I achieve the same thing by:
1. performing a nandroid backup.
2. Go thru all the steps to flash a new Hero rom.
3. perform another nandroid backup.
4. copy the data file from the first backup to the appropriate location in the new backup, replacing the newer data file with the old.
5. Perform a nandroid restore with the the newly modified backup file. Et voila!
Or not? If not, would someone mind explaining to me the difference in as layman's terms as possible. A clear explanation could likely go a long way towards teaching me alot about many things that I'm not quite clear on.
Thanks!
would this work with a non-Hero ROM? Or going from a Hero back to a cupcake (or whatever it's called?!)
Thanks!
kjdiehl said:
Hey, I really like the idea behind this approach, but being not as savvy as I'd like, lemme ask this:
Could I achieve the same thing by:
1. performing a nandroid backup.
2. Go thru all the steps to flash a new Hero rom.
3. perform another nandroid backup.
4. copy the data file from the first backup to the appropriate location in the new backup, replacing the newer data file with the old.
5. Perform a nandroid restore with the the newly modified backup file. Et voila!
Or not? If not, would someone mind explaining to me the difference in as layman's terms as possible. A clear explanation could likely go a long way towards teaching me alot about many things that I'm not quite clear on.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that would work, because it's the same thing but rather than just flashing data.img with fastboot, you're reflashing data + everything from your current setup. If that makes sense. You could just use fastboot...
sorry double post..
jomtones said:
would this work with a non-Hero ROM? Or going from a Hero back to a cupcake (or whatever it's called?!)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont think so, dont think there is a data partition in google based ROMs, all your apps are in the system partition. I'm not entirely sure about that, but I expect you'll get a bootloop.
kjdiehl said:
Hey, I really like the idea behind this approach, but being not as savvy as I'd like, lemme ask this:
Could I achieve the same thing by:
1. performing a nandroid backup.
2. Go thru all the steps to flash a new Hero rom.
3. perform another nandroid backup.
4. copy the data file from the first backup to the appropriate location in the new backup, replacing the newer data file with the old.
5. Perform a nandroid restore with the the newly modified backup file. Et voila!
Or not? If not, would someone mind explaining to me the difference in as layman's terms as possible. A clear explanation could likely go a long way towards teaching me alot about many things that I'm not quite clear on.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, that should work. sems abit more straight forward...especially for those who dont use adb
kjdiehl said:
Hey, I really like the idea behind this approach, but being not as savvy as I'd like, lemme ask this:
Could I achieve the same thing by:
1. performing a nandroid backup.
2. Go thru all the steps to flash a new Hero rom.
3. perform another nandroid backup.
4. copy the data file from the first backup to the appropriate location in the new backup, replacing the newer data file with the old.
5. Perform a nandroid restore with the the newly modified backup file. Et voila!
Or not? If not, would someone mind explaining to me the difference in as layman's terms as possible. A clear explanation could likely go a long way towards teaching me alot about many things that I'm not quite clear on.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude that's perfect! I like your style of thinkin!
kjdiehl said:
Hey, I really like the idea behind this approach, but being not as savvy as I'd like, lemme ask this:
Could I achieve the same thing by:
1. performing a nandroid backup.
2. Go thru all the steps to flash a new Hero rom.
3. perform another nandroid backup.
4. copy the data file from the first backup to the appropriate location in the new backup, replacing the newer data file with the old.
5. Perform a nandroid restore with the the newly modified backup file. Et voila!
Or not? If not, would someone mind explaining to me the difference in as layman's terms as possible. A clear explanation could likely go a long way towards teaching me alot about many things that I'm not quite clear on.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds kinda round-about to me... You'd have to make a nandroid... flash... then nandroid again... those nandroid backup/restores take much longer than flashing a simple userdata from fastboot. Using fastboot, you could flash it in what... a minute vs another 7-8minutes, but I guess its alright for those terrified of a command prompt...
EDIT: Forgot. Instead of doing the long echo command to mount your sdcard in recovery, you can just type:
Code:
adb shell ums_enable
to start the service and
Code:
adb shell ums_disable
to unmount it from your computer
Thanks for the responses, folks. It's much appreciated.
Yeah, I'm still getting the hang of adb. I don't typically mess around in Terminal, (I'm on a Mac,) so I'm not used to it or the lingo. That doesn't stop me from trying very clear directions, and I do learn a little bit, but the drag-n-drop world makes more sense to me, at least for now.
For instance, when given instructions like this:
"open cmd, and cd to your android sdk directory. (or however you do it in linux)
now, type in
fastboot flash userdata <chosen path>/data.img
fastboot reboot"
I THINK I understand most of it, but I don't know what "cmd" or "cd" means or if it's a typo or what. Also, I think most instructions don't make it clear after what lines I should hit enter and what not. I know that stuff is old hat to most of you guys, but I'm still trying to get the hang of it.
Anyway, thanks for the help!
Drizzy NewVision
Does this work for Drizzy's NewVision? Does it back up the ext3 partition so you dont have to wipe it and get rid of all your apps??

MTD Custom Partition Sizes (resize System, Cache, and Userdata)

In case anyone want's to resize their System, Cache, and Userdata partitions on their EVO. This may be useful for some of the newer ROMs that require a larger system partition.
Default partition sizes for EVO are 350MB for System, 160MB for Cache, and 427.625MB for Userdata.
I did not create this. It was developed by FireRat who's account is now inactive on XDA. I started looking into it because I wanted to resize my Boot partition from 2.5M to 3M because I have bad NAND blocks in my Boot partition and can't flash ANY Sense-based Gingerbread ROM, even the leaked official one from HTC. I get the following error when debugging by flashing the boot.img using Fastboot:
FAILED (remote: image update error) ...
With all that said, it doesn't work to resize your Boot partition. I modified the source to make it resize Boot partition as well, it passes the parameters to the kernel correctly, but the system does NOT like it and gives a bunch of errors about unsupported block addresses. If you want to read more about this issue, see my post: here
How This Works
This is simple a shell script that extracts the recovery and/or boot images and modified the commandline passed to the kernel so that it recognizes different partition mappings for the NAND partitions.
Warnings
First of all, there is no brick risk if you have Fastboot access (.76 ENG HBOOT). That said, I'm not in anyway responsible if something happens and your device gets bricked. Two things could potentially go wrong:
* Recovery Flash Corrupt - This happened to me a few times when I was playing with trying to get the Boot partition to change sizes, but never when I was just attempted to resize System, Cache, and Userdata.
Easiest way to fix is to re-flash the recovery.img from Fastboot. You may also be able to re-flash the recovery via your ROM using ROMManager.
* Corrupt System, Cache, and Userdata partitions - This will happen if you don't wipe the three partitions after you do the resizing. You need everything removed from them because their start points are being remapped.
To fix this, you can use Fastboot:
Code:
fastboot erase system -w
You can also use your recovery (advanced menu) and manually wipe System, Cache, and Userdata.
I Understand What Has Been Said, Let's Get Started
1. Before you begin, you need to create a file on the root of your sdcard called mtdpartmap.txt. This file is where we set the partition sizes we want. To create this file, you can use adb shell or a terminal program on your phone. Simply type:
Code:
echo "mtd 350 160" > /sdcard/mtdpartmap.txt
Replace 350 and 160 with the sizes you want your System and Cache partitions. Your Userdata partition is automatically given the remained. For example, if I used "mtd 300 100" I would be gaining 110MB on my Userdata partition ((350-300)+(160-100) = 110). Your sizes must be divisible by .125.
2. Make a nandroid backup. After we modify the partition sizes for the recovery, you can restore it, or you can flash a whole new ROM.
3. The next step is to Flash a file in recovery. I recommend you Flash the recovery-v1.5.9-Alpha3-CustomMTD_TESTRUN.zip. This will NOT perform any changes, only make sure everything looks good. If you get no errors here, you can then proceed.
4. Wipe System, Cache, and Userdata. This is very important. You have a nandroid backup.
5. Flash recovery-v1.5.9-Alpha3-CustomMTD_R.zip, This will make the changes to your recovery.img and re-flash it to your phone. All it's doing is adding kernel commandline parameters so that the recovery knows where your System, Cache, and Userdata partitions start.
6. Reboot recovery. This is easier in CWM than RA. CWM offers a menu option for it. In RA, I normally just select the menu item to power off. Then restart the phone and hold volume down, then select Recovery from the Bootloader menu.
7. Nandroid restore or flash a new ROM.
8. Very important! Flash boot-v1.5.9-Alpha3-CustomMTD_S.zip. This does basically the same thing as in Step 5 but instead of changing the kernel commandline for recovery, it does it for your boot.img.
9. Reboot.
Important Notes
If you ever flash your recovery to a new version, or change recoveries, you must redo step #5 so that your new recovery has the partition sizes and start points passed to it.
If you ever flash a new ROM, you must perform step #8 again so that the ROMs kernel has the partition sizes and start points passed to it.
Reverting/Backing Out
1. Make a nandroid backup if you want to keep your current ROM. If not, or you will be restoring a previous nandroid backup, you can skip this step.
2. Wipe System, Cache, Userdata. This is very important.
3. Flash recovery-v1.5.9-Alpha3-CustomMTD_REMOVE.zip. This will remove the kernal commandline from the recovery and boot partitions.
4. Reboot recovery.
5. Nandroid restore or flash a new ROM.
6. If you restored a nandroid backup that had custom partitions mapped to it, you must re-flash recovery-v1.5.9-Alpha3-CustomMTD_REMOVE.zip at this point so the restored boot.img has the kernal commandline removed.
6. Reboot.
Other Thoughts
If anyone has any ideas on how to resize the Boot partition, let me know.
You know Calkulin has already posted a custom partition mod based off of Firerat's work, right??
Apparently not, or I wouldn't have wasted my whole morning writing this up.
fldash said:
Apparently not, or I wouldn't have wasted my whole morning writing this up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe you shoulda searched first...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=855424
I did search using Google and limiting it to the XDA site but it never came up. Only FireRat's original thread and a few others, but none in the Supersonic forum. Oh well, sorry for wasting your precious time. Just ignore the thread and move on...
At least the OP has newer links.
This never really caught on with the EVO since there is a2sd in almost every ROM and the default space was enough for most... and if not 2.2. allows at least some apps to be moved.
Back on my HeroC ... it was a blessing
I didn't even know this was an option OP. So thanks for educating me and a few others at least.
Sent from my Infected EVO using XDA Premium App.
O.M.J said:
maybe you shoulda searched first...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=855424
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haters gonna hate. Thanks for the info. Wouldn't have known about it otherwise.
There are tons of people posting about ways to root and unroot and many of them are basically writing about the same method but in different words so why is there a problem with the OP writing about Custom Partition Sizes? I cosign with not knowing about Caulkin's post either. Is it because the OP has a small "Thanks" meter? Caulkin has extremely helpful posts and threads but other people can post helpful threads as well.
Good write up!
Thanks
~ I'm a fungi
interesting...another good subject that I never know existed.
I actually want to thank you OP because I was thinking just today to try the Virus Kingdom REVOlution and was wondering the way to do this so, THANK YOU!!!!
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
I use this because of Calk's write up. I like the idea of having more internal space. I hear it helps the rom function better but who knows. However, I found your thread because I was still searching for some answers. One thing I am noticing, is how well this works on non sense roms, but how I can't even get past the splash screen on a sense rom like synergy and merge. So, I found your thread very informative because you explain the math behind the science. I think I will go back to Calk's thread, and use some of what I learned here to see if a few tweaks in the mtdpartmap.txt makes a difference. I will report back. If you have any advice along these lines, I am all ears.
cns
Might wanna add in the nandroid not to backup recovery...some people might not know this... Thanks for the write up. Thanks button hit.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium

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

TWRP backups

So I tried my first Nandroid backup today using TWRP and a howtogeek - "How to Back Up and Restore Your Android Phone with TWRP" guide I found off a quick google search.
Basically TWRP, backup(boot,system,data), reboot to android, shut down, twrp-restore then reboot.
When I would reboot after TWRP-restore, it shows the typical bootloader corrupt error msg.
Shuts down again, shows the bootloader msg, then goes into TWRP, asks for my decrypt password, then begins to run an openrecovery script (I think?) of some sort. I then go to reboot my phone again, bang factory reset mode.
I hope I'm not alone here.:cyclops: I'd just really love to be able to backup/image my phone entirely so I can try out a few custom roms, and for general knowledge sake.
thanks!:silly:
mark7807 said:
So I tried my first Nandroid backup today using TWRP and a howtogeek - "How to Back Up and Restore Your Android Phone with TWRP" guide I found off a quick google search.
Basically TWRP, backup(boot,system,data), reboot to android, shut down, twrp-restore then reboot.
When I would reboot after TWRP-restore, it shows the typical bootloader corrupt error msg.
Shuts down again, shows the bootloader msg, then goes into TWRP, asks for my decrypt password, then begins to run an openrecovery script (I think?) of some sort. I then go to reboot my phone again, bang factory reset mode.
I hope I'm not alone here.:cyclops: I'd just really love to be able to backup/image my phone entirely so I can try out a few custom roms, and for general knowledge sake.
thanks!:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version of TWRP have you been using? I understand, RC2 has issues with properly restoring a backup. (RC is release candidate and is not considered fully stable, however, works well enough to flash custom roms and such).
The partitions on the pixel are set up in a more complex way than previously seen on many android phones, which is why there's no perfectly stable version of TWRP yet. You could try using RC1 to see if you get better luck backing up and restoring, however, you should assume that you may run into other issues and be prepared to deal with them should they arise.
exad said:
What version of TWRP have you been using? I understand, RC2 has issues with properly restoring a backup. (RC is release candidate and is not considered fully stable, however, works well enough to flash custom roms and such).
The partitions on the pixel are set up in a more complex way than previously seen on many android phones, which is why there's no perfectly stable version of TWRP yet. You could try using RC1 to see if you get better luck backing up and restoring, however, you should assume that you may run into other issues and be prepared to deal with them should they arise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 3.1.0-0RC2 so maybe I'll try RC1. Normally I'd just go off and try everything but unfortunately I'm not in a situation I can simply play with my Pixel and potentially brick it leaving me without a phone for who knows how long.
I don't think there would be any harm with playing with RC1 but I'll research a little bit more into it and see what I can find out first. I heard the partitions are split for redundancy(?) for firmware upgrades and dual-booting. That's something all else on it's own as I've REALLY wanted to get my phone ultimately on a Multi-Rom setup but it seems way too complicated for me at the moment to try on my own even though I'm generally good with this stuff..
Thanks exad for the insight. Any other help is greatly appreciated.
mark7807 said:
I'm running 3.1.0-0RC2 so maybe I'll try RC1. Normally I'd just go off and try everything but unfortunately I'm not in a situation I can simply play with my Pixel and potentially brick it leaving me without a phone for who knows how long.
I don't think there would be any harm with playing with RC1 but I'll research a little bit more into it and see what I can find out first. I heard the partitions are split for redundancy(?) for firmware upgrades and dual-booting. That's something all else on it's own as I've REALLY wanted to get my phone ultimately on a Multi-Rom setup but it seems way too complicated for me at the moment to try on my own even though I'm generally good with this stuff..
Thanks exad for the insight. Any other help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say use RC1 too. I've used it and never had a problem with it other than the occasional failure to decrypt which is no big deal. Just reboot back into recovery. I would add though, instead of backing up system, backup system image. Also vendor image. If you back up system instead of system image you'll more than likely run into battery drain problems. I'm not sure what causes it but it'll cut your battery life down to only several hours. Using system image doesn't cause that problem.
If you should happen to accidentally backup system instead of system image it's not a huge deal to fix it though. If you're on stock just download the factory image that you are currently on, extract the system.img file and flash it using fastboot. If you're on a custom rom, a dirty flash of the rom will fix it.
mark7807 said:
I'm running 3.1.0-0RC2 so maybe I'll try RC1. Normally I'd just go off and try everything but unfortunately I'm not in a situation I can simply play with my Pixel and potentially brick it leaving me without a phone for who knows how long.
I don't think there would be any harm with playing with RC1 but I'll research a little bit more into it and see what I can find out first. I heard the partitions are split for redundancy(?) for firmware upgrades and dual-booting. That's something all else on it's own as I've REALLY wanted to get my phone ultimately on a Multi-Rom setup but it seems way too complicated for me at the moment to try on my own even though I'm generally good with this stuff..
Thanks exad for the insight. Any other help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RC1 and backup system image, vendor image, data and boot.
robocuff said:
I would say use RC1 too. I've used it and never had a problem with it other than the occasional failure to decrypt which is no big deal. Just reboot back into recovery. I would add though, instead of backing up system, backup system image. Also vendor image. If you back up system instead of system image you'll more than likely run into battery drain problems. I'm not sure what causes it but it'll cut your battery life down to only several hours. Using system image doesn't cause that problem.
If you should happen to accidentally backup system instead of system image it's not a huge deal to fix it though. If you're on stock just download the factory image that you are currently on, extract the system.img file and flash it using fastboot. If you're on a custom rom, a dirty flash of the rom will fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheBurgh said:
RC1 and backup system image, vendor image, data and boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again guys,
I ran a
fastboot boot twrp.zip to boot to what I thought was like a "live cd" version of twrp
with the rc1 .img and .zip in the sdcard directory I installed the .zip
booted my phone and it forces to recovery everytime now.
did I upset something?
I mean at this point, I could factory reset the google pixel all from the very beginning of time. boot/system the whole shabang, but I think this could be a good lesson from me if I could boot back to system out of this..
Okay. I have RC1 on here and have backed up to USB. I'm extremely tired and going to bed. I'll report back on how the restore goes. THANK YOU ALL!!!
mark7807 said:
Thanks again guys,
I ran a
fastboot boot twrp.zip to boot to what I thought was like a "live cd" version of twrp
with the rc1 .img and .zip in the sdcard directory I installed the .zip
booted my phone and it forces to recovery everytime now.
did I upset something?
I mean at this point, I could factory reset the google pixel all from the very beginning of time. boot/system the whole shabang, but I think this could be a good lesson from me if I could boot back to system out of this..
Okay. I have RC1 on here and have backed up to USB. I'm extremely tired and going to bed. I'll report back on how the restore goes. THANK YOU ALL!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so, I stayed up a little late and tried a restore. I got this error near the end of the restore "extractTarFork() process ended with error: 255" in which resulted in corruption of files and a failed restore. Was I supposed to unmount data? Is there any reason I can't backup all partitions?
mark7807 said:
Okay so, I stayed up a little late and tried a restore. I got this error near the end of the restore "extractTarFork() process ended with error: 255" in which resulted in corruption of files and a failed restore. Was I supposed to unmount data? Is there any reason I can't backup all partitions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure where to direct you at this point. I have always used RC1 and backed up system image, vendor image, data and boot and never had a problem restoring. Someone with better knowledge will come around.
TheBurgh said:
Not sure where to direct you at this point. I have always used RC1 and backed up system image, vendor image, data and boot and never had a problem restoring. Someone with better knowledge will come around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah very strange I did exactly what you told me to do as well. Any changes to partitions I backup if my phone is rooted by chance??
mark7807 said:
Yeah very strange I did exactly what you told me to do as well. Any changes to partitions I backup if my phone is rooted by chance??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I am aware of. Mine is rooted and backups have been smooth sailing.
I recently attempted creating a nandroid backup via TWRP on my rooted Pixel and I'm consistently getting an error: 'cannot create [path]\backup file" message from TWRP. Is there a permission issue that I've overlooked here or does anyone have any thoughts as to why my rooted Pixel would be denying TWRP authority to create the backup?
Thanks
What version of twrp ?
I only use rc1, never seen this.
Yep- RC1. I'm thinking it's in 'read only' mode or something because as soon as it attempts to create the folder/file- no-go.
pstgh said:
Yep- RC1. I'm thinking it's in 'read only' mode or something because as soon as it attempts to create the folder/file- no-go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you boot into TWRP did it ask for your unlock PIN? If it doesn't/didn't, either keep rebooting into recovery or turn the phone off and go back into recovery until TWRP does ask for your encryption PIN. Sometimes TWRP doesn't ask, and without the PIN being entered, it can't write to the internal storage.
If you click "Install" in TWRP and see a bunch of gobbledygook it's because the internal storage is still encrypted so TWRP can't do anything with it.
You could probably use USB OTG through the USB-C connector, though, to do a backup to it, if you need to.
Tried it again and it worked flawlessly.... it seems sort of buggy in that sometimes it presents the 'pattern' security lock that I use and sometimes it doesn't. After booting up in the bootloader and fastbooting the TWRP boot image slowly and methodically, the security pattern came up and all is perfect- thanks.
---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:36 PM ----------
Now I'm wondering how to best move that backup folder (or a copy of it) over to Google Drive? I have root explorer, but not sure if it is capable of mounting to Google Drive.. any thoughts on best practices here would be appreciated.
Thanks
pstgh said:
Tried it again and it worked flawlessly.... it seems sort of buggy in that sometimes it presents the 'pattern' security lock that I use and sometimes it doesn't. After booting up in the bootloader and fastbooting the TWRP boot image slowly and methodically, the security pattern came up and all is perfect- thanks.
---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:36 PM ----------
Now I'm wondering how to best move that backup folder (or a copy of it) over to Google Drive? I have root explorer, but not sure if it is capable of mounting to Google Drive.. any thoughts on best practices here would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't confirm since I've yet to do a successful backup but... Flashify Pro version looks like an option???
also
Anyone know when TWRP 3.1.0-0 will be out for Pixel? Looks like it addresses boot slots which off first glance seems like quite a fundamental feature no?
Thanks... I'm thinking I'll just adb pull the file over to my desktop... not sure.
pstgh said:
Thanks... I'm thinking I'll just adb pull the file over to my desktop... not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root Explorer does have support for Google Drive. In Root Explorer touch the plus sign in the lower right corner and in the menu that opens choose Google Drive tab.
Can get Root Explorer to connect to Google Drive, but when I select all of the backup files from my Pixel's TWRP backup folder, my only choices are to cut or copy them- so I tried both and then RE creates this little clipboard icon that you presumably click on to paste them once you've opened the proper GD folder.... so I tried that and in both cases (cut and copy) it says 'fail'.... ? Thoughts? I've given RE permission to manage folders and files in GD.
pstgh said:
Can get Root Explorer to connect to Google Drive, but when I select all of the backup files from my Pixel's TWRP backup folder, my only choices are to cut or copy them- so I tried both and then RE creates this little clipboard icon that you presumably click on to paste them once you've opened the proper GD folder.... so I tried that and in both cases (cut and copy) it says 'fail'.... ? Thoughts? I've given RE permission to manage folders and files in GD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you've got the right idea. Cut will move the files, copy will do just that. You choose one of the two and browse to the Google Drive tab, find the folder you want to use and then use the little clipboard thing to transfer the files to that folder. If that's what you're doing, the only thing I can think of right off the top of my head would be that you don't have enough space left on Google Drive for the size of the files you're trying to transfer. Try a picture or something and see if it takes that. If so, I'd suspect lack of Drive space is the reason it fails.

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