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[Q] ?'s about backing up phone.

So I have managed to flash several different roms and feel good about that. I think I am going to use the one I am using now. But when I do flash back to a previous rom all my user data is gone. for example contacts and stuff like that. Is there a way i can backup everything on my phone so that if i flash a rom i don't like i can go back. I use rom manager and I think this is how you do it, but just need some advice. Also when I make a backup can i copy and paste it, then put it on my desktop just incase i have to use it again? If I choose this method of saving my backups, would i just boot into revovery if ever needed? Sorry this is long winded but I am just tired of having to tired of having to go and fetch my contacts.

I've been reading a lot on this site, but would also like to know if it's possible to port data between rom installs. Particularly contacts, apps installed & text messages. is it simply a matter of restoring a portion of an previously back-up rom?
And yes, i think you can move stuff to your desktop as that's what I've been doing. I keep a copy of the stock EVO/Sprint rom on my SD card as well as the latest Cyanogen rom (with wimax) in case other roms don't work out.
Slowly but surely I'll get this.

Newbie questions before changing ROM on Desire S

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Q] Partially Restore CWM backup?

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!
Click to expand...
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
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

Which backup tool to choose?

Hi there! I've been reading (a lot) around here the last months and that's been really helpfull. Went from stock GB on my locked XPS through just about all ROM's available for XPS to CM10 now. Thanks XDA, thanks all!
Still a real lot to learn. One of the things that really keeps me wondering is which method (besides a Nandroid) I shld use for backing up. Google takes care of my contacts and settings automatically. But what is the best tool to backup and restore my apps (question 1)? I've used Astro, Go Backup and several others I can't even remember. And if I use one, do I still need Gapps all the time or is that doing a double job (question 2)?
My last question: I understand doing an upgrade of your custom rom you don't need to swipe, so your data stays. But if you do need to, when can you do a data restore after installing a new ROM (question 3)?

1. For backing up and restoring apps, I use Titanium Backup and I think most people would swear by it ( it's worth the donate for the extra features ). For sms though, GoSMS's backup feature is the best working one for me.
2. I'm pretty sure you still need to flash Gapps, but I'm not sure. Been off Cyan for a while. Besides, I think flashing Gapps is faster than restoring through most backup apps.
3. It depends on the rom and you should read the ROM's thread, but I always wipe between updates just in case ( I have an SGSII ). If you mean restore data by Titanium or another app, I think after letting the phone sit for 10 minutes on initial new ROM boot, you can start restoring apps. If you mean selectively restoring just data through nandroid though, I'm not sure if that should even be done, or how exactly to minimize issues.
Hope that helps.

DIMENSIONAL said:
1. For backing up and restoring apps, I use Titanium Backup and I think most people would swear by it ( it's worth the donate for the extra features ). For sms though, GoSMS's backup feature is the best working one for me.
2. I'm pretty sure you still need to flash Gapps, but I'm not sure. Been off Cyan for a while. Besides, I think flashing Gapps is faster than restoring through most backup apps.
3. It depends on the rom and you should read the ROM's thread, but I always wipe between updates just in case ( I have an SGSII ). If you mean restore data by Titanium or another app, I think after letting the phone sit for 10 minutes on initial new ROM boot, you can start restoring apps. If you mean selectively restoring just data through nandroid though, I'm not sure if that should even be done, or how exactly to minimize issues.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tx DIMENSIONAL!
Late night yesterday I ran into this app here on fxp: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1859261 Maybe that might become (be) handy? Not for me yet, due to problems with XPS for this app at the moment
2. Gapps.... Gapps is faster for sure. But not off course not exactly the things you want.... But there's something out to make your own zip.file with all your apps and/or other data and system files in it I think. Stopped reading when it got to complicated for me to try without much feedback at that moment. Sorry I forgot to mark the thread. Lost it for now.
3. I did this data restore thing once after reading a tip in a thread for a particular ROM here somewhere.

VincentKnife said:
tx DIMENSIONAL!
Late night yesterday I ran into this app here on fxp: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1859261 Maybe that might become (be) handy? Not for me yet, due to problems with XPS for this app at the moment
2. Gapps.... Gapps is faster for sure. But not off course not exactly the things you want.... But there's something out to make your own zip.file with all your apps and/or other data and system files in it I think. Stopped reading when it got to complicated for me to try without much feedback at that moment. Sorry I forgot to mark the thread. Lost it for now.
3. I did this data restore thing once after reading a tip in a thread for a particular ROM here somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
edit: installed titanium backup; needs a lot of reading agai,n but looks great! tx again!

Another vote for titanium & the pro key here. I prefer"appextractor“ from the play store for my sms/mms restore & I also use the contact restore feature, since it also takes care of my call log (both of these features use data from nandroid), since I have given up on using titanium to restore sms & get the time accurate.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Is it possible to backup settings and data before custom rom?

Good morning to everyone.
I have a stock One S, but now the S-off is possible, I would like to install a custom rom.
My question is: after rooting the phone and before installing the custom rom, is there a way to save\backup all the settings\achievements of the apps and system programs that I used in these 6 months?
Thanks in advance

Alan Slade said:
Good morning to everyone.
I have a stock One S, but now the S-off is possible, I would like to install a custom rom.
My question is: after rooting the phone and before installing the custom rom, is there a way to save\backup all the settings\achievements of the apps and system programs that I used in these 6 months?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is possible. I used an app called Carbon (free in Play Store) to backup my apps and their data. Carbon also has a feature to backup sms and call log but for me it messed up received times and dates of my messages. So use some other app to backup those... That might have been fixed in newer versions though. Be careful with system app backups especially if you plan to go to an AOSP based rom. They might cause problems in your new rom.
Sent from my One S. Hit thanks if I helped

Titanium Backup as well. Not easy for newbies, but choose backup -> backup all systemdata, then uncheck all and check those with the titanium icon. A backup of data/app with all your apps and settings is a standard function of titanium.
You can see an example on the attached pic.

Keep in mind that unlocking bootloader erases all your apps and their data (mass storage stays untouched). So your data will be erased before you can root your phone. Carbon works on stock unrooted phones as well as it's basically the same as doing an adb backup from your pc. Titanium is way better when you get your phone rooted...
Sent from my One S. Please hit thanks if I helped.

zaak00 said:
Yes it is possible. I used an app called Carbon (free in Play Store) to backup my apps and their data. Carbon also has a feature to backup sms and call log but for me it messed up received times and dates of my messages. So use some other app to backup those... That might have been fixed in newer versions though. Be careful with system app backups especially if you plan to go to an AOSP based rom. They might cause problems in your new rom.
Sent from my One S. Hit thanks if I helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what an AOSP based rom is, but I wanted to try the ViperOnesS because I don't want to lose the Sense.
With my previous Nokia I was used to backup everything[/U ]with a simple click, using the Nokia Pc Suite.
With this Carbon app do you think I'll be able to do the same thing?
Thanks guys.
So I have to download Carbon and save all the system settings?
I have some applications on the phone memory, and others in the internal storage. Is it a problem?

Alan Slade said:
I don't know what an AOSP based rom is, but I wanted to try the ViperOnesS because I don't want to lose the Sense.
With my previous Nokia I was used to backup everything[/U ]with a simple click, using the Nokia Pc Suite.
With this Carbon app do you think I'll be able to do the same thing?
Thanks guys.
So I have to download Carbon and save all the system settings?
I have some applications on the phone memory, and others in the internal storage. Is it a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carbon let's you select the apps that you want to backup. And I believe it also has an option to select everything at once... When you have your custom rom up and running you can then either restore everything from the backup or restore only the apps that you want. Apps being in phone/internal memory shouldn't matter.
Sent from my One S. Please hit thanks if I helped.

zaak00 said:
Apps being in phone/internal memory shouldn't matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But when I install a new rom, they will be erased, right?

Alan Slade said:
But when I install a new rom, they will be erased, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. When you flash a new rom it is usually required to do a factory reset (meaning erase your personal apps and data). That's where backup apps come in handy. When in custom rom, install the backup app (Carbon or Titanium) and it will see backups of your apps and let's you restore them.
Sent from my One S. Please hit thanks if I helped.

Yes, but its advised to not restore system data due differences in frameworks,etc.