[Q] Updating ROM, OS, Launcher, Kernel - settings retained? - General Questions and Answers

I have multiple upgrade/update questions and have searched exhaustively on this and other forums. Maybe there's no issue because in forum responses, the mechanics are never discussed. I see "just do a software upgrade", then "thanks, worked great", but not how to retain user configuration through an upgrade.
I have a Viewsonic G-Tablet (UPS300-2-2) and I have loaded CWM 0.8 and successfully flashed VEGAn-TAB GingerEdition STABLE RC1. This ROM has the beta VTL.launcher.
I've also spent several days loading music, video, wall paper, links, home-pages etc, and once I had it the way I liked it, backed up using CWM.
It all works fairly well, except I have problems with SDcard2 losing data, corrupting my partition, causing boot-loops, etc. So I avoid using the external SD slot. Should upgrades become available, I will want to try to fix this problem.
So my questions are (given all the time invested);
1) will CWM restore data as well as settings (will it restore downloaded apps, video & music stored on SDcard or SDcard2, or are these left untouched when ROM is flashed)? - answer; neither CWM nor Titanium will restore data such as downloads, books, videos, music or pictures. These will have to be copied over again. I found CWM to be a very effective backup and restore tool; all applications, settings, passwords, and vtl.launcher layouts. The advantage with Titanium is that you a) don't have to boot into APX mode, b) you can select all applications or individually to backup or restore, c) you can choose to backup just settings/data.
2) will VTL.launcher 1.6.2 retain beta launcher settings, my home page layouts (I'm required to uninstall beta VTL.launcher before installing 1.6.2)? - answer; both launchers can coexist, just flip between them by pressing home key. New launcher adds catalogs. New launcher does not use beta version settings, so home pages need to be reconfigured. To move settings from beta 1.5 to 1.6.2, I saved Launcher layout and settings (Menu-More-VTL Settings), then restored. The widgets didn't work right, but the layouts were fine, so I just reinstalled all the widgets under 1.6.2 and all is working fine. Note in this post that gojimi does not require beta uninstall before installing 1.6.2, and in fact beta cannot be uninstalled if included with ROM
3) Now that I see Android 3.0, can I update to that, or does this require a new ROM? I'm using v2.3 Android with VEGAn-TAB - answer; a new ROM will required to integrate the OS with the hardware. A ROM upgrade also appears to erase all data on SDcard, so externally stored backups are necessary. If re-flashing to root, CWM may also need to be reinstalled (see references in this thread).
4) What is a kernel (vs. a ROM)? why would I want to upgrade this? - answer; my ROM uses PERSHOOT's kernel, which has been updated since the ROM was released. Advantages are slight, but it may fix the standby problem (requiring reboot after x-min in standby), and other hardware specific enhancements.
5) If I upgrade a ROM (VEGAn-TAB RC1 to RCx for example), will I keep my old settings? - answer; no, updating a ROM (device specific Kernel + Android OS) will wipe everything on your internal SDcard. Use Titanium to selectively restore applications after re-imaging with new or updated ROM.
Thanks in advance.

Mecklenburg said:
I have multiple upgrade/update questions and have searched exhaustively on this and other forums. Maybe there's no issue because in forum responses, the mechanics are never discussed. I see "just do a software upgrade", then "thanks, worked great", but not how to retain user configuration through an upgrade.
I have a Viewsonic G-Tablet (UPS300-2-2) and I have loaded CWM 0.8 and successfully flashed VEGAn-TAB GingerEdition STABLE RC1. This ROM has the beta VTL.launcher.
I've also spent several days loading music, video, wall paper, links, home-pages etc, and once I had it the way I liked it, backed up using CWM.
It all works fairly well, except I have problems with SDcard2 losing data, corrupting my partition, causing boot-loops, etc. So I avoid using the external SD slot. Should upgrades become available, I will want to try to fix this problem.
So my questions are (given all the time invested);
1) will CWM restore data as well as settings (will it restore downloaded apps, video & music stored on SDcard or SDcard2, or are these left untouched when ROM is flashed)?
2) will VTL.launcher 1.62 retain beta launcher settings, my home page layouts (I'm required to uninstall beta VTL.launcher before installing 1.62)? - answer; both launchers can coexist, just flip between them by pressing home key. New launcher adds catalogs, but doesn't fix SDcard lost file problem. New launcher does not use beta version settings, so home pages need to be reconfigured. I reverted back to beta as catalogs offer me little advantage vs. the work to re-setup home pages
3) Now that I see Android 3.0, can I update to that, or does this require a new ROM? I'm using v2.3 Android with VEGAn-TAB
4) What is a kernel (vs. a ROM)? why would I want to upgrade this?
5) If I upgrade a ROM (VEGAn-TAB RC1 to RCx for example), will I keep my old settings?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant answer all your questions but I can answer some so to start a kernel is more changing the performance of your device and the rom is more for looks and feel. Now when you flash a kernel it wont change any settings or anything but a rom will change settings some wont but if you back up on clockwork I've noticed it saves everything even apps. and for the honeycomb deal well I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure they have a rom and kernel the same or similar you can flash.

Related

European Xoom - Backup, update and restore?

Hello!
I am still quite new to the Android environment and I do not yet know all the ins and outs of the operating- or file system (what can be found where? Where are settings stored? etc.)
Meanwhile, I rooted my Motorola Xoom following the guides in different forums and now, I’d like to receive access to the SD card reader by updating the system to Honeycomb 3.1.
I am confused about the following questions:
- what is the best way to backup all my installed applications including their specific settings?
- Where (in which folders/files) can I find all the installed applications and their specific settings (e.g. backup of the numerous settings in “K-9 Mail”)?
- Will I be able to simply restore my installed applications (including settings) after I have done the update to Honeycomb 3.1?
Someone of you may already have all the needed experience – will you provide me with some good and helpful tips?
Thanks and cheers!
deb
(my device: European Motorola Xoom WiFi + 3G)
i think most people use titanium backup, but you can use recovery to back everything up onto your SDcard and put it away safely incase the worst happens.
I havent done it though i find it just as easy to reinstall all the apps, I have them on my HD so i just sideload them quicker than downloading them. I just use recovery to update tiamat and hope it all goes well...LOL
Lordao

[GUIDE] How I Root, Recover and Optimize Stock 2.1

Hey guys,
Dont get me wrong, im pretty much a noob myself Nowadays alot of developement is going on with the new ROMS, till they are finished I needed a stable ROM and I have to admit nothing is better than good old stock 2.1, but to get it in useable condition you do have to do some tinkering. This guide is aimed at people who have just rooted their phones and want to know what they can do, or for people who want new ideas if they are going back to stock 2.1. Its just a collection of things I do, when I flash stock 2.1.
Please be aware, that although these instructions are accurate to my knowledge, sometimes there are problems, so do not try this if you dont feel comfortable with any of the instructions.
1. Which SBF?
The stock cincinnati bell 2.1 is the most current and the most updated version of all the SBF's. Unless you are uprading to a new ROM which require another type of base SBF this is the way to go for 2.1. It makes no regional differences that I know off, you may have to put in your APN settings. Reasons for using this SBF is, first its the most updated, most stable and reportedly has best camera quality of all the SBF's, plus it is set to 720 MHZ by default. The SBF code is:
Code:
STR_U2_04.1E.1_SIGNED_USASHLSTAB14P2XAPCNCBW039.0R_NACBW_P011_A006_HWp3_1FF.sbf
2. How to Root?
Once you have flashed your SBF, using either RSD lite in windows or sbf_flash in linux, the easiest way to root is using the universal androot app. Install the app on your phone, open the app and click the root button. A little heads up here, you need to be connected to either wifi or the data network before you use the app because to root the phone the app uses an exploit which requires wifi to be toggled. If it isnt on, it will not work. With the wifi on, press root and you're done. The newest stable UniversalAndroot can be found at this link.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/32033772/UniversalAndroot_1.6.1.apk
3. What can I do after rooting?
First of all you can install Open Recovery + Androidiani Recovery. What these are, are custom recoveries with which you can make nandroid backups, wipe reset your phone and cache and apply neat tweaks to make your phone work better on 2.1. To install open recovery download the openrecovery.apk from the following link.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/32033772/OpenRecovery.apk
Install the openrecovery app. And reboot your phone once. After the reboot, connect your phone to the PC and create a folder called nandroid and inside that creat a folder called openrecovery. And place it into the root of the SD card.
Code:
nandroid>>openrecovery
Disconnect your phone from the PC. Now open the openrecovery app. And press install recovery. A superuser request will appear. Allow it and open recovery will install on your phone and create the neccessary folders on your SD card. Now connect your phone to the PC its time to install androidiani recovery. Download the Androidiani recovery here.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/32033772/OpenRecovery-3_3.zip
Unzip the file. You will see one folder and one update file. Copy the folder and paste it into the root of your SD card. You will notice that the computer will prompt you because there is already an open recovery folder in your SD card. Allow the computer to replace, the old folder with the new one that you are pasting. Then copy the update.zip and just place it in the root of your SD card. You are all set and have installed openrecovery.
What can I do with Androidiani?
Turn off your phone. Now press the volume up button and keep it pressed, while pressing the power on button. The phone will boot into androidiani recovery. Use the volume keys to navigate up and down in the menu and use the camera button to select an option. You will see numerous options in androidiani. The first thing to do is go in the Eclair Modding menu.
I usually do the following things.
1) Install memhack: This moves your /cache folder and allow for lots of apps to be installed so your 173 mb app space will not limit you, which is usually why people want to move to froyo in the first place.
2) Install JITV7
3) Eclair Kernel Modification: This installs busy box and increases functionality.
4) Zipalign Apps. This allows less ram to be consumed when you use apps. I usually zipallign system wide.
Reboot your phone normally, after mods are complete.
4. System app removal?
Useless system apps can safely be removed to make space for more apps. I install titanium backup from the market and use it to uninstall apps. Here is the list of apps I usually remove safely.
1. Gestures.apk (Motorola sign gestures, useless app never used it)
2. Corporate Calender
3. Corporate Directory
4. Quickoffice Trial
5. Kickback
6. Soundback
7. TalkBack
8. MotoAccuweather.
5,6,7 are accesibility apps which can easily be redownloaded from the market. Accuweather isnt accurate and I have the stock AOSP geniewidget which is so much more sexier. Ill give the links to those.
GenieWeather & News 2.1: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/32033772/GenieWidget2.apk
Another app I install is the desk clock which is missing in 2.1:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/32033772/DeskClock.apk.
Okay once system apps are removed. What rooted apps can you use. There are many. Ill just state what I use when I newly Flash.
1) Root explorer, very good for navigation etc.
2) Market Enabler, i use it to install google+ and other apps not avaible in my country.
3) Battery Calibration, everytime you flash a new ROM its good reset your battery Stats.
5. Finally
You can just use your phone as usual. If your phone number format is different because of the US SBF, just choose a different language in keyboard and locale. Itll fix your dialer format.
I choose to not overclock. With wifi on 24/7 and autosync. A few odd phone calls, sms's, 1 hour of GPS when I walk, some gaming, and 2 hours of music. I get an average of 1.5-2 days battery life with this setup. My SD card is formatted completely to FAT32. After installing all my apps, and games. I have 102 MB remaining internal memory.
Hope this has been useful to anyone. Please feel free to make additions.
this is good. something ive been looking for. was on stock rom for a month rooted. very stable but was itching to try out cm6 so i did. ive tried deleting voice dialler with titanium backup but it was kind of not supposed to be deleted because android kept telling me "voice dialler force closed" and i couldnt do anything else so i restored it back. i dont need or want voice dialler. and it also keeps running as a service. any way to stop it?
eejin2 said:
this is good. something ive been looking for. was on stock rom for a month rooted. very stable but was itching to try out cm6 so i did. ive tried deleting voice dialler with titanium backup but it was kind of not supposed to be deleted because android kept telling me "voice dialler force closed" and i couldnt do anything else so i restored it back. i dont need or want voice dialler. and it also keeps running as a service. any way to stop it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you ever delete any system apps, you should use TB to freeze them first and see if once you do it causes any ill effects. If not, then uninstall but you can always back up so if you ever want it back, Viola there it is.

Rooted/Custom Rom'd my AT&T S4, now for some basic a

[Thread in wrong area! Mods please move to AT&T S4 under Q/A!]
I recently rooted/installed CleanROM for my S4, but now I have some basic questions regarding what actually happened in the process and how I could improve it. (First smartphone, first Android).
1. Is flashing the exact equivalent of installing a kernel/ROM/app in a recovery like TeamWin that is zipped in an SD card? All I did was select my zipped file and install--the guide says to use GooManager but I never used it. Also, does updating TWRP, kernel, or ROM (same application/kernel/ROM, but newer version) require that you delete the old ZIP, copy over the new ZIP, then install it? Is there a cleaner method (I feel that since we have to wipe to prevent old files from interfering with new ROM that maybe parts of the old version of a ROM may be redundant or may interfere with the new ROM?
2. Is there a way I can save the phone settings when dealing with one ROM and transferring these settings to another ROM? I really don't want to spend 20 minutes to go through all the settings and change it to my liking every time I install a new ROM.
3. With TWRP I could backup the entire ROM and also be able to install that backup ROM if I don't like the new ROM installed? What does Titanium Backup offer in regards to this aside from backing up app data and the ability freeze/uninstall system apps?
4. Does Titanium Backup leave any residual files? I see other apps designed to uninstall system apps and Titanium Backup seems like an all-in-one jack of all trades.
5. I thought I wiped everything and to me, that sounds like reformatting the entire drive. I only wiped system, boot, and data though (good enough for ROMs, according to what I've read). I was surprised when I saw my videos that I had already backed up to my PC accessible on the phone. Should I just wipe literally everything (I assume it would be cleaner) like cache, preload, EFS, modem, recovery, etc.? Will wiping literally everything be like reformatting my phone (since my phone was not reformatted because my personal videos was still there when I installed my custom ROM? If I were to install completely different ROMs cleanly and wanted to keep my personal files, I would only need to wipe system, data, and boot?
4. Do I have to use CASUAL again to install an updated TWRP?
5. Does backing up a ROM also backup its root? I'm going to assume this is a dumb question and the answer is no. I'm also guessing I have to block OTA updates from AT&T to ensure I keep my root. How would I go about doing this? Also, would my phone be "safe" if I stick to my ROM (no updates or anything) for 4+ years? I'm asking this as an extreme case because I feel like I'm missing out on AT&T security updates that could protect my phone and also I don't think the developer my ROM (CleanROM) will do frequent updates).
6. I had problems with my computer not being able to recognize my phone and my SD card in the phone after I wiped everything and before I installed a ROM. I literally had to take the SD card from the phone and use an SD card reader to transfer my custom ROM/loki then put it back into the phone. Was I missing a driver?
7. What are some must-have apps a newly rooted user would want?
8. I read that you only need 1 EFS backup and you don't need to back it up every time you are going to install a custom ROM. Can I get a confirmation?
9. What does Goo Manager do and would I want it?
10. Is it essential that I keep up to date with news about my custom ROM/phone to ensure my phone is secured?
**Not Root/ROM related--Is swiping an app away from the Recent Apps List (long-press home button) the equivalent of killing an app? I use the Recent Apps List often but I don't want to go about swiping apps away if means it is killing it, since I read that killing apps are bad and actually drains battery life. Also, is there a mod that lets you access the Recent Apps List by long-pressing the menu one? I only see a mod that kills the app if you long-press it.
Thanks. I'm hoping for many responses as I have more questions to ask but not a lot of free time (I will check back on this thread every several hours until there are no more responses on the thread.
I think you are in the wrong forum.
@work said:
I think you are in the wrong forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I clicked the edit/delete thread but can't find the delete button. Under reason for editing I told the mods to move it to AT&T S4 under Q/A. I'm new to XDA, what should I do?
otumsel and
just wait,someone will be along and move it.

[Q] Laggy performance after JB 4.1.2

Hello there..
I was on stock ICS.. i installed the stock JB and the performance was very laggy even worse than Honeycomb, i was advised to backup my apps via titanium backup, wipe cache and data from the cwm recovery and restore my apps again. I successfully did that and the performance was a little better but lots of apps crash and restart, the biggest problem is when i open any app specially a web browser or a game then go to home screen or use another app for a while and get back to the browser again its like i open it from the beginning "the browser tabs reloaded and if a game it restarts".. This problem was on honeycomb and was solved by installing Go Launcher and was fully solved by installing the ICS.. Is there a solution for the JB to get that performance back?
Arobase40 said:
JB is very good and much much better than HC or ICS...
So I guess your concern would be the backup/restore procedure...
When you restored from TB, did you do a full restore or just apps restoration ??? ^^
If you did a full restore : including system files and configuration, then this should be your issue...
Try to do a factory reset (no need to use cmw, just from your settings) and only restore your apps, and see if that helps ?!?!?!
As another option, use the Google or Samsung backup/restore procedure... ^^
I know, I know, Samsung Kies may suck sometime... But some other times, it may help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really appreciate u took time to read and answer so thank u so much
i backed up my apps and few system stuff like Bluetooth and wifi points and alarms.. i've been told that some apps may not be compatible with JB that's why it crash and close
so do u think i should do the backup again before the factory reset ?
Still i can't find an option to backup my apps by kies, i can only see few things to be backed like contacts and sms not the apps
and i dont know what is Google backup restore thing, i googled it but i only find apps on play store
There seems to be TRIM (or flash handling) bug in official firmware [SOLVED]
I had official ICS 4.0.2 firmware on my Galaxy Tab 7.7 phone (GT-P6800), but it becomes slow and sluggish and I was unable to do anything. Even popping up screen to accept phone call was so slow, the caller hang before I was able to do. Also writing on touch keyboard was really slow and unusable.
I tryed to reflash, I tryed Slim version of official firmware too with no luck. The system was faster, but even no apps were added (just system update through Google Play), the responsibility of the system become sluggish again (and even worse than before).
Then I recognized that even I pick firmware reset from CWM or from Settings (in Android system), my internal flash memory is not deleted and many (hidden) files remains there (one may think that internal flash was empty, because hidden files are not normally shown). As I had some applications making A LOT of (hidden) files (maps, geocaching, etc), the clues become visible to me. [I tryed to do factory reset from system and from CMW too, so there could be bug too]
To make story short, I manually deleted all files in internal memory (by running "My files", tap on Menu, and pick "Show hidden files"). This takes LOOONG and then the system become more usable, but still not enough.
And yes. There is legendary TRIM command which makes flash memory to know what portion of the flash memory is free to use. Without that even one deletes files, the flash itself does not know that the place is really free and keep data on it. When TRIM command is used, the internal FTL (Flash Translation Level) system in flash chip can use place marked by TRIM to spread writes and wear level writes to not destroy some parts of flash with excessive number of writes (they are limited to 10-100 thousands times or so). The TRIM allows FTL to breath. So what now? Android officially support TRIM since 4.3, but there is no 4.3 version of Android for Galaxy Tab 7.7 at all, only 4.1.2 (but only for East Asia officially). But this is better than nothing. Maybe Samsung put some support to 4.1 (backport?) as Samsung do for other features or (maybe) fix some other issues related to flash support? I don't know...
Then I decided to go to 4.1.2 from from here and wrote some info to the Wiki. And I reflashed, deleted cache, Dalvik cache (from CWM), then I fill up space in internal flash memory and then deleted all files from "My files". And viola! The speed is incredible again
To the end - maybe it is not necessary to go to 4.1.2, maybe just make sure you delete all files (including hidden ones). But I does not care about it. I have KIES_HOME_P6800DXMD3_P6800OLBMD3_1157844_REV00_user_low_ship.tar from URL mentioned above (no M3D DEODEXED was put on top of it). This is East region stock firmware and I happily use it in central Europe (SMS, normal call works, MMS was not tested yet). The only thing that seems to not work is support for 5GHz Wi-Fi (I don't see it in Wifi Analyzer) but I do not care and I'm enjoying full speed of my 7.7 again Sorry for long post. Just FYI.
---------- Post added at 12:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 PM ----------
egydreamer said:
Hello there..
I was on stock ICS.. i installed the stock JB and the performance was very laggy even worse than Honeycomb, i was advised to backup my apps via titanium backup, wipe cache and data from the cwm recovery and restore my apps again. I successfully did that and the performance was a little better but lots of apps crash and restart, the biggest problem is when i open any app specially a web browser or a game then go to home screen or use another app for a while and get back to the browser again its like i open it from the beginning "the browser tabs reloaded and if a game it restarts".. This problem was on honeycomb and was solved by installing Go Launcher and was fully solved by installing the ICS.. Is there a solution for the JB to get that performance back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happens when Dalvik cache contains data about more recent applications (ie. you install one with older time mark than was before). You have to go to CWM and delete Dalvik cache (in Advanced menu). As I wrote below, there could be bug even in CWM so you may want to try 6.0.3.0 (I have this now) see link.

Is a (ClockWorkMod) Backup any good after upgrading (to cyanogenmod)?

I'm about to do an upgrade from an stock ROM to Cyanogenmod on a phone I have a lot of apps and settings on.
I know the guides always say "back up before upgrading in case it fails, then upgrade, you'll lose all your previous data". And I know that's the normal way it goes.
I'm a noob to the android OS structure, but is it possible to manually take any parts of the pre-upgrade backup data and paste it in the new OS?
For example how you can copy a lot of programs and AppData (profiles, settings etc) from one installation/version of windows to another.
In my case it would take a lot of extra configuration work even after I use the play store to re-download all the apps. Not to mention some apps are from for ex fdroid or github. And then there's the xposed modules.
Cheers!
I guess I'll upgrade and then try to overwrite app data folders and see how that goes.
I know a lot of you here upgrade your ROMs like every week. Do you spend like 3 days customizing your phone back after each flash?
[EDIT] Found an answer. No thanks to you friendly community (why did someone rate my thread down without saying anything?).
- I found out that Titanium Backup can batch-store all your apps and app data - I wonder if it stores stuff like my Catapult Launcher screen layout and folders.
- Also if all you're doing is an OTA upgrade, you can do it without loosing root: http://www.howtogeek.com/192402/why-androids-ota-updates-remove-root-and-how-to-keep-it/
So flash the new ROM, Root, restore from Titanium (since CWM does a system(-based) image afaik).

Categories

Resources