Searched and didn't find this specific question or anything close - so I'll post
I've been flashing roms a lot now that I've got the hang of it, but I think I was creating a problem for myself with titanium backup, which I think I've maybe now solved, but I'm not absolutely sure.
On the last couple of nighlies of CM that I've flashed I've been getting unfixable FC of the phone app (rom manager fix permissions didn't fix it and neither did wiping dalvik cache).
So I flashed ns-collab and I like it, but today I got the same FC problems and had to restore my nandroid to get the phone working (I was at work).
NS-collab is meant to be stable so I was starting to think that it's not the roms that are at fault but something I'm doing, and I had a feeling it was what I do with TB. So here is exactly what I do when I flash a new rom.
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I have TB set to "backup all user apps". That's it - no system data.
Before flashing the rom (even if it's just an update) I clear data, cache, and dalvik cache.
When I've got the new rom flashed I do not allow google backup to restore my stuff as I want it done with TB.
In TB restore I run "Restore all apps with data". When I do this I select the app+data checkbox in TB before clicking "Run the batch operation".
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So, I had a look at the apps that get restored when I run TB "Restore all apps with data", and I noticed there is quite a lot of android stuff in there like the dialler and lots of other services that are part of the android os and don't need restored with TB really.
I've just flashed the updated version of ns-collab and I removed all these android services from the TB restore before I ran it so I'll see if any problems crop up now.
But my question is, was I causing the phone to be unstable by allowing these android services to be restored by TB. Remember I did not select to restore system data, but I am wondering if system data was restored anyway because there were android apps in the list and I had the app+data option selected.
Hope the above isn't confusing and any advice will be appreciated.
Lot of information but I say you found your problem yourself.
I have not had issues in the past restoring: bookmarks, contacts/calls storage, SMS/MMS/APN Dialer storage, SMS/MMS PREFS etc.
I do think you are giving yourself a little extra work than needed. It is not necessary to do a data wipe before updating a ROM, wiping cache and dalvik cache should be sufficient and a lot of people don't even do that. Of course a good clean wipe every now and then is good and gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside like after you change the oil in your car
In general, I do not recommend a full batch restore like restore all apps and data. I find when restoring with TB it is a good time to clean up and only restore the apps your really want back on your phone. I also do a batch restore, de-select all and just go down the list and pick out the stuff I HAVE to have.
irishrally said:
I have not had issues in the past restoring: bookmarks, contacts/calls storage, SMS/MMS/APN Dialer storage, SMS/MMS PREFS etc.
I do think you are giving yourself a little extra work than needed. It is not necessary to do a data wipe before updating a ROM, wiping cache and dalvik cache should be sufficient and a lot of people don't even do that. Of course a good clean wipe every now and then is good and gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside like after you change the oil in your car
In general, I do not recommend a full batch restore like restore all apps and data. I find when restoring with TB it is a good time to clean up and only restore the apps your really want back on your phone. I also do a batch restore, de-select all and just go down the list and pick out the stuff I HAVE to have.
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I think you are right about me giving myself work. Because I'm still a noob I'm still over cautious I think.
Maybe I'll try doing it your way. Sounds sensible.
Anybody know definitively whether me restoring everything via all apps and data would have contributed to the FCs I have been getting?
buachaille said:
I think you are right about me giving myself work. Because I'm still a noob I'm still over cautious I think.
Maybe I'll try doing it your way. Sounds sensible.
Anybody know definitively whether me restoring everything via all apps and data would have contributed to the FCs I have been getting?
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Did you try fixing permissions? I only use the batch for Backup all user apps.
Backing up bookmarks.. I use BookmarkSB and SMS (i know theres a app for that) but i use GVoice so i dont need it
I've never had a problem restoring user apps with data. Instead of restoring all, choose restore missing user apps with data or something like that.
Although, I've had problems restoring SMS and certain data for system apps on the NS. Can't figure out why it doesn't work but whatever.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I would suggest you install app2sd & move your application to the sd-card. Each time you flash a new rom just wipe the /cache, dalvik-cache and battery stats. This is all you would ever require.
Thanks for all the replies. Quite a few suggestions there which I will try out.
Didn't have any FC problems at all at work today, so I'm hoping my more cautious restore last night might have done the trick.
buachaille said:
Thanks for all the replies. Quite a few suggestions there which I will try out.
Didn't have any FC problems at all at work today, so I'm hoping my more cautious restore last night might have done the trick.
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Yeah FCs happen when you backup system apps / bookmarks etc. It could interfere
Related
I have been running titanium backup but I'd like to have some insight as to what the correct settings are when flashing a new nightly and gapps. Basically can someone tell me if the right way is in the batch settings and which one it is? Or should I just select apps one by one? What about data, should I back that up as well or leave that out.
I ask because I hate having to go through and reinstall all my apps and have been reluctant to restore from TB for fear of having some left overs in there that don't belong that will break the new rom or the gapps files.
Any help will definately be appreciated. If this has been answered before, and I'm sure it has but I searched and couldn't find it, then I appologize.
I'm not sure if it's the right or best way, but I just do a batch backup of all user apps + system data. That way if something is messed up in the new flash I can at least get back to what I had before. Plus, I figure I can always just restore only user apps and data if I need to do a full wipe.
Batch backup all user apps. Restore missing apps + data.
I do that every time and no issues.
This is my method for a full wipe
1. I batch backup apps and system data..
2. Then i restore only missing apps with data..
3. Then i go to restore system data menu DESELECT ALL then only check user dictionary to keep entries in it it the same so t diesnt have to learn each time
You can also try restoring widgets as well then reboot and ya widgets can come back on ya home screen but that is a bit hit and miss to be honest
Sent from my mind control device
Thanks!
I had been only doing an apps backup, but this time I did an apps+data along side in a new folder. I figured that way I could try both ways and see which works best. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't restoring the wrong sort of data and messing up the changes that Team EOS has been building into the nightlies.
I appreciate your responses and insight into the process.
Hey Guys!
So I've been around the place for a while, usually passive. I rooted my phone a few months back, and left it at that coz i was too scared of bricking my new phone . But now getting tired of waiting for the official ICS (Not the buggy leak) has got me thinking of getting a custom Rom (cant decide between Victory or Romulus).
I've just installed CMW, and my phones backing up as we speak. My question is this, is it possible to restore a partial backup? Im hoping that once i get the custom rom up and running, i can restore my contacts, texts and apps onto my new rom. I know titanium backup can restore apps but i assume all that is gone once i format before installing the rom, right?
Thanks guys any help appreciated!
fire_fist_ace said:
Hey Guys!
So I've been around the place for a while, usually passive. I rooted my phone a few months back, and left it at that coz i was too scared of bricking my new phone . But now getting tired of waiting for the official ICS (Not the buggy leak) has got me thinking of getting a custom Rom (cant decide between Victory or Romulus).
I've just installed CMW, and my phones backing up as we speak. My question is this, is it possible to restore a partial backup? Im hoping that once i get the custom rom up and running, i can restore my contacts, texts and apps onto my new rom. I know titanium backup can restore apps but i assume all that is gone once i format before installing the rom, right?
Thanks guys any help appreciated!
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Click to collapse
When you install any new ROM, you (usually) need to perform a full wipe through CWM including: wipe user data/factory reset, wipe cache, wipe Dalvik, then flash. Now, that will delete ALL of your stuff, contacts, texts, apps, etc. However, if you have access to WiFi, when your ROM flash has completed, you will be prompted to re-enter your Google account and, at which time, your contacts will re-populate (give it some time). Though, be sure you sync with Google's servers prior to your flash, so that any new contacts will be re-added once your account has been added after the flash. Also, if on WiFi, when your account has been entered, go to Google Play Store, and click the "my apps" button, and again after some time (depending on the number of apps you had) they too will re-populate. As far as texts, you could try a text backup app -not too familiar with this, as I don't ever have a need to save any texts- and you should be good. Word of warning: DO NOT use Titanium Backup to restore ANY application data, only the apps themselves. Also, another good alternative to TIB is App Backup & Restore. Hopefully, this clears up any doubts you have with your "stuff" and how to retrieve it after a flash...
Apex used capital letters in "do not restore app data" with good reason. Only a handful of times have I not followed those directions and every time I got weird fc's and an overall more unstable system. It's a shame there isn't a good way to do it but it only leads to heartache. Always keep a solid backup. I keep two. One original and another after a couple days on a new rom so that I'm able to experiment down the line.
I hope you have a good experience with your new system and learn a bit. It gets a little addicting.
Sent from my MB865 using Tapatalk 2
Apex_Strider said:
When you install any new ROM, you (usually) need to perform a full wipe through CWM including: wipe user data/factory reset, wipe cache, wipe Dalvik, then flash. Now, that will delete ALL of your stuff, contacts, texts, apps, etc. However, if you have access to WiFi, when your ROM flash has completed, you will be prompted to re-enter your Google account and, at which time, your contacts will re-populate (give it some time). Though, be sure you sync with Google's servers prior to your flash, so that any new contacts will be re-added once your account has been added after the flash. Also, if on WiFi, when your account has been entered, go to Google Play Store, and click the "my apps" button, and again after some time (depending on the number of apps you had) they too will re-populate. As far as texts, you could try a text backup app -not too familiar with this, as I don't ever have a need to save any texts- and you should be good. Word of warning: DO NOT use Titanium Backup to restore ANY application data, only the apps themselves. Also, another good alternative to TIB is App Backup & Restore. Hopefully, this clears up any doubts you have with your "stuff" and how to retrieve it after a flash...
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So, once i clear everything and flash, to get back my apps all i have to do is reinstall "App Backup and Restore" then I can restore any saved apps? Because looking at the play store, the list in my apps (Not Installed) is too long, and contains apps that i simply installed to try and immediately removed.
One more thing as well, well actually 2. I was watching a video by mastermind278 on youtube on how to install custom Roms. He installs a rom by selecting restore from cmw recovery, so my question is, does that restore method work for installing most Roms, say for example, the Romulus rom? And finally, are the separate mods installed in the same way?
fire_fist_ace said:
So, once i clear everything and flash, to get back my apps all i have to do is reinstall "App Backup and Restore" then I can restore any saved apps? Because looking at the play store, the list in my apps (Not Installed) is too long, and contains apps that i simply installed to try and immediately removed.
One more thing as well, well actually 2. I was watching a video by mastermind278 on youtube on how to install custom Roms. He installs a rom by selecting restore from cmw recovery, so my question is, does that restore method work for installing most Roms, say for example, the Romulus rom? And finally, are the separate mods installed in the same way?
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Click to collapse
You can 'manually' select which apps you'd like to restore from within this app, so if there are some you'd rather forgo restoring, you can pick and choose.
As far as the flashing method through CWM, you'll just have to read and understand each of the ROM's flashing methods, as some of the GB ROM installs are different (flash or CWM restore). All of which are detailed in the threads for these ROM's. Along with that, any mods you'd like, you'll just need to refer to the install instructions for each...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
If I backed up apps and data on an AOSP ROM and want to restore them on a JB ROM, for example, is it safe to restore app data through Titanium Backup? For whatever reason, Titanium Backup doesn't seem to offer an option to batch restore apps WITHOUT data, it only has "restore all apps with data." I've heard that this isn't advised, but I don't want to have to restore all of these apps individually. Seems odd that the top-selling root app doesn't have this option... waste of money if you ask me.
Keep in mind this isn't system data, as I only ever backup user apps.
ive done it without problems.
just dont do system data as you said.
Restoring apps with data is kind of the point of titanium backup. Feel free to do it across Roms, even phones.
If you don't want to restore data, there's a real button option after you choose 'restore missing apps with data' so you can just do apps.
I would avoid restoring system data. Especially when going from AOSP to TW or vice versa.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Sometimes it can be a problem. Just try it.
I use Go Backup and just restored a bunch of apps from my DINC2 running ParanoidAndroid, I also restored my WiFI passwords and ringtone just fine. I think it might depend on the app.
Many people have said its not safe to restore system apps and data when switching between different ROMs. HOWEVER, what about when switching between versions of Cyanogen?
For instance I have been following the Release Candidate Versions for CyanogenMod 10.1.0. Right now I am on RC5. However, it is quite annoying to reset all of my system settings each time I flash the updated version. I'm wondering if because it is just a different version of the same ROM, if it would be advisable to backup and restore system apps+data when I flash to a new version.
Thanks
You might have to since there are likely to be changes from the previous version to the next version of the same ROM.
Restoring apps with data is generally fine. There will be some apps that may not work correctly and will require you to uninstall and reinstall from the playstore (ex, words with friends, notifications break on tibu restores), but in general is fine. Tibu will automatically not install apps that the system will reject (system or stock apps).
As far as system data goes, in general never do it. Just tap the batch restore of system data, uncheck all, and select a few basic items to restore. Choose xml format. What generally works across all roms is: call log, messages sms/mms, Wi-Fi access points, and Bluetooth access points. Those are the 4 you really only need, as it takes about 5 min to set up your main system settings. Main system settings vary to much between builds to restore safely, things will break. Full system data restore is only useful if wiping and installing the exact same rom, which almost never happens!
Thank you! Those were really the only 4 I care about...
My 2 cents..
It all comes down to whether the android version, system version, stock ota base, touch wiz vs aosp, gapps, launcher grid size etc changed when you switched roms. Also if app permissions change you can get apps that force close, most of the time you can fix this by fixing permissions via recovery or script command. If the app has been zipaligned then you'll have to wipe dalvik cache to get the app to rebuild its cache in some cases. In general, user apps are ok because most problems that may happen can easily be fixed.
Sorry this is a complex question with a lot of variables and I generalized a lot in my post.
Surge1223
Restore Apps with Filter
Quacker said:
If I backed up apps and data on an AOSP ROM and want to restore them on a JB ROM, for example, is it safe to restore app data through Titanium Backup? For whatever reason, Titanium Backup doesn't seem to offer an option to batch restore apps WITHOUT data, it only has "restore all apps with data." I've heard that this isn't advised, but I don't want to have to restore all of these apps individually. Seems odd that the top-selling root app doesn't have this option... waste of money if you ask me.
Keep in mind this isn't system data, as I only ever backup user apps.
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It was mentioned earlier in the post but in case you missed it (I did the first few times using TiBU), you can hit the "Restore All Apps + Missing Data" and when you go to run that batch, you will come to a screen with all the apps checked. Just hit "unselect all" and then check the user apps you want to restore. That was you restore all your missing apps and the data for all apps except for the sys apps. Works like a charm!
lazarus0000 said:
It was mentioned earlier in the post but in case you missed it (I did the first few times using TiBU), you can hit the "Restore All Apps + Missing Data" and when you go to run that batch, you will come to a screen with all the apps checked. Just hit "unselect all" and then check the user apps you want to restore. That was you restore all your missing apps and the data for all apps except for the sys apps. Works like a charm!
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I always select "restore missing apps with data" and that's all user stuff. I don't back up system either so I don't have to worry about it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Just don't mention that you did this in the support thread for the ROM you're using
My understanding of backing up a nandroid is that it creates an exact backup of your phone, as is, which can then easily be restored.
As advised, I have been trying out a couple of different ROMs to see which is best for me and with the advice of many of you, Ive mostly figured that process out.
But where I am struggling is figuring out how to optimize my use of Nandroids to streamline this. Heres the specific issue:
I flashed a ROM and then set everything up. I created my desktop screens, shortcuts to key contacts and apps, widgets, etc. Loaded pictures into my photo app, labeled favorites...usual stuff.
I then created a backup.
When I went to restore this backup, I ran into a bunch of issues. For example, the contact shortcuts were still in my launcher (Apex), but if I click on them they either pull up an incorrect contact or say "no such contact exists". So in the end, I need to go through and create all of these shortcuts again from scratch. Similar experience when I open the photo app (JustPictures) where all of the favorite labeled pictures are now gone. Other examples include apps that were on the device, but now no longer appear.
None of this is hard to fix, but it is very time consuming and makes it hard to use backup/recovery as a way to seamlessly flash and move between configured ROMs.
Am I doing something wrong? Any advice on how to optimize this so I can make this process manageable and not a barrier to trying something new but easily reverting when necessary?
You must he doing something wrong. I have never had any issues restoring a backup. And have never seen anyone else post about such things. You need to explain every step you took. It literally should be as simple as rebooting into recovery, clicking "Backup", let it do its thing, flash some other ROM, go play around with it, dislike it, refrain from posting in the ROM thread something like "tried out this ROM but didn't like it so I'm restoring a backup," reboot back into recovery, select "Restore", choose your backup, let it do its thing, and BOOM, back to the way it was.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using xda app-developers app
If you're not "wiping clean" system,data,cache , before restoring backups , do it ... or you'll face the problems you mentioned ... Actually you should never install or restore anything without formatting all those 3 areas..
Use also a good recovery , sk8witski 14.6 latest one ...
mahanddeem said:
If you're not "wiping clean" system,data,cache , before restoring backups , do it ... or you'll face the problems you mentioned ... Actually you should never install or restore anything without formatting all those 3 areas..
Use also a good recovery , sk8witski 14.6 latest one ...
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Thanks! I went back and tried re-doing this step and it helped.
A related question: I use Apex Launcher and have a desktop customized with shortcuts to most used apps and contacts.
When I am flashing a NEW ROM (not restoring) - what is the best way to restore the desktop and shortcuts without having to manually redo it for each new ROM I try? This is definitely the biggest barrier for me in testing new ROMs as it takes a lot of work to redo each time and, without redoing it, its hard to simulate the same usage and experience when I move to something new.
If I just restore Apex with Titanium after flashing, often all the links/shortcuts/widgets are broken and need to be redone. Is there an order with which I need to reload/restore things? Is there a better way to backup and restore Apex settings so that they will come back and properly link to the underlying contacts and apps on a new ROM?
Thoughts?
Isn't there an option within the Apex settings to save your current configuration, or backup data, or something like that? Check there and try that.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using xda app-developers app
Yes now I see that. I had been backing up via Titanium and restoring Apex using "restore App + Data".
I will play around with those, see what works or doesnt and report back in case its helpful to others.
Thanks.
I'm not a big ROM tester and pretty much remain on stock. I do have root, custom recovery and unlocked bootloader on my GS3 (4.1.2 stock).
When you guys switch ROMs and a clean flash is required, what exactly are you all doing to backup and then restore your data?
Are you just backing up "all user apps" with Titanium and then immediately installing Titanium on the new ROM and restoring the backup?
What about system settings? You just run through those one at a time and set them to the way they were? What about custom contact ringtones and other customizations?
Sounds like a lot of work to me, but maybe I'm missing something.
Is there a better way to do this?
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I'm really trying to figure out how you guys are ok with doing a full wipe so frequently.
I am by no means a "constant ROM'er", but I have tried it a few times on a few different devices. Here is generally what I do:
1. Back up apps and data with Titanium Backup. I usually back these up to a folder on my external SD card just to be safe. Even though a factory reset shouldn't erase your backups on your internal memory, I just like to be safe.
2. After flashing a custom ROM I install TB as the very first app. ***HINT: If you have your phone setup to automatically restore apps thru Google, apps will automatically begin to download and install. This can slow down the whole process of restoring your apps and data. To keep this from happening, you can either disable the automatic restore OR don't sign in to google when you first set up the phone (that way google won't know which apps to begin to restore).
3. Run TB's restore apps & data BUT RESTORE SYSTEM APPS/DATA AT YOUR OWN RISK. In most cases from my own experiences and others, system apps and data do NOT restore well after flashing a new ROM.
Again, I am no expert and I simply follow the guides and advice of those much smarter and more experienced than I on these forums. Something I said above could be wrong so please correct me if anyone sees a fallacy.
I appreciate the reply. That's pretty much what I though. It's still a lot of work to tweak all the system settings back to the way they were. Ringtones, custom contact ringtones, various system settings, etc.