[Q] Format SD-card? - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys, ive got little space left on my sd card in my nexus.
Can i format it? What do i do with the clockwork folder?
Thank you

If you do not intend to flash a new ROM then no you can't. I'm pretty sure you can if you flash a ROM, but remember to backup your photos and music first.
Is there a reason why you can't just delete some of your media or photos? If you've done a few nandroid backups in CWM you can delete any old ones in the app.
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Actually, after a few more seconds thought, if you've copied your music and photos onto your computer, I'm pretty sure you could do this:
1) do a complete nandroid backup
2) locate it, copy the entire directory to your computer
3) make a note of where it came from (the directory tree)
4) format your sdcard
5) copy your nandroid backup back to your sdcard making sure the directory structure is the same as before
6) restore your nandroid backup
There may be important catalogue files in the CWM directory, so it may be better to copy the entire CWM backup directory tree from its root.
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Ive tought the same thing. I deleted my old backups, then i backup music and photos (7gb~) theni copy the whole clockwork folder back to the telephone?

elinho said:
Ive tought the same thing. I deleted my old backups, then i backup music and photos (7gb~) theni copy the whole clockwork folder back to the telephone?
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Click to collapse
To restore from a nandroid from complete stock just create a folder called clockworkmod. Inside that folder create another called backup. In that folder paste your old backup file. If you format the whole sd card some files and settings will be missing when you restore.
IMO its easier to copy all the files you want to your pc, then just go through your phone and delete all the files you don't use on a regular basis
Sent from my illuminated black thing

elinho said:
Ive tought the same thing. I deleted my old backups, then i backup music and photos (7gb~) theni copy the whole clockwork folder back to the telephone?
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Click to collapse
I just did that, and it worked fine. Everything was te same as before the format. I only had 2gb of photos though. Maybe you should go through yours before copying back to your phone and weed out any you don't need.

I use the instant upload with G+ (WiFi Only) and as I take photos, they get uploaded to a private album. Once they're uploaded I delete them from the phone. Saves space .

ka24e said:
I use the instant upload with G+ (WiFi Only) and as I take photos, they get uploaded to a private album. Once they're uploaded I delete them from the phone. Saves space .
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Click to collapse
Does it keep them at full Q? Been thinking about it but was waiting for G+ to allow Google Apps accounts

Related

Backing up CWM6 backups

I have CWM 6.0.1.0 as my recovery and I have a good number of backups saved on my sdcard spanning a number of different roms (mostly cm10 official nightlies). I understand that the newer CWM backs up roms using a different method than before. When I look in my Clockworkmod directory on the sdcard, I see a BLOBS folder and a BACKUP folder. The latter contains the backups, but they are very small in size. So do I understand correctly that the bulk of the backup information is in the BLOBS folder?
Assuming that's true, how do we safely:
1) Delete individual backup? If I delete a backup from the BACKUP folder, how will it know what to delete from the BLOBS folder? Do we have to actually delete the backup from within recovery in order for it to delete the proper BLOBS info? Or can I delete an individual backup from the BACKUP folder from Root Explorer? If I do that, won't the BLOBS folder continue to grow in size with outdated information?
2) Back up the CWM backups to my PC? I assume I have to back up the entire BLOBS folder to my PC, right? And then I can just back up individual backups from the BACKUP folder, right? But I would need BOTH the individual backup and the entire BLOBS folder back on my phone to restore a backup, right? If so, then I revert back to question 1 and ask how to I pare down the BLOBS folder without messing up individual backups?
Thanks!
You can delete backups from Rom Manager or if using the newest version of cwm you can delete it from recovery. As far as backing it up. I just deleted all but the one(s) wanted and copy the cwm folder to my computer. Hope that helps.
ren274u said:
You can delete backups from Rom Manager or if using the newest version of cwm you can delete it from recovery. As far as backing it up. I just deleted all but the one(s) wanted and copy the cwm folder to my computer. Hope that helps.
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Click to collapse
So we have to delete old backups using Rom Manger or from within Recovery? I delete some of them from Root Explorer, so does that mean the Blogs info will still retain old data. Or will it know to clear that space simply because the old backup files are missing?
Travisimo said:
So we have to delete old backups using Rom Manger or from within Recovery? I delete some of them from Root Explorer, so does that mean the Blogs info will still retain old data. Or will it know to clear that space simply because the old backup files are missing?
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure how the blog info works. I just assumed if you delete from cwm it knows whats the data incorporated with the specific backup and it deletes it with it.
Wow, I tried copying the Clockworkmod folder to my PC via USB and it took over an hour just to index and then it just stopped and failed. I imagine because there are so many individual files in the Blobs folder that it causes Windows indexing to crash. I deleted all the old backups I didn't need, did the free up space thing in CWM and it's still impossible to copy to my PC. I have 3 backups left (from different roms), so I supposed the Blobs folder is going to be pretty large.
So I can see how this backup method works out good on the phone itself because it makes backups easier and faster. But trying to back them up to PC is ridiculous. The old way where I could just copy over an individual backup was much easier.
Isn't there a better way? Someone suggested zipping the Blobs folder up on the device first and then copying to PC, but zipping the Blobs folder is taking forever as well...

Extract CWM nandroid backup

Hey all,
I used CWM to make a nandroid backup. I am trying to extract data from it specifically the sdcard/DCIM where all my pictures are. I tried to just perform a restore of the nandroid backup but it fails the md5 checksum. Been there done that, got the t-shirt and I just can't fix the md5 checksum. So my next option is to just extract the sdcard/DCIM from the nandroid backup. I looked in system.ext4.tar and its not in there. Also checked data.ext4.tar and its not in there. Only other place it could be is in boot.img or recovery.img. Let me know if I am wrong about this! Anyways, I tried using unyaffs.exe and the command code "unyaffs.exe recovery.img" to extract and I get a "bad image file" error. I tried with all my backups even the ones I know work and they all give me the error so all my backups can't be bad so something either I am doing wrong or unyaffs.exe does not support newer versions of .img?
As of right now I am out of options. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can extract/recover my sdcard/DCIM folder from my CWM nandroid backup?
Thanks!
JDubbed said:
Hey all,
I used CWM to make a nandroid backup. I am trying to extract data from it specifically the sdcard/DCIM where all my pictures are. I tried to just perform a restore of the nandroid backup but it fails the md5 checksum. Been there done that, got the t-shirt and I just can't fix the md5 checksum. So my next option is to just extract the sdcard/DCIM from the nandroid backup. I looked in system.ext4.tar and its not in there. Also checked data.ext4.tar and its not in there. Only other place it could be is in boot.img or recovery.img. Let me know if I am wrong about this! Anyways, I tried using unyaffs.exe and the command code "unyaffs.exe recovery.img" to extract and I get a "bad image file" error. I tried with all my backups even the ones I know work and they all give me the error so all my backups can't be bad so something either I am doing wrong or unyaffs.exe does not support newer versions of .img?
As of right now I am out of options. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can extract/recover my sdcard/DCIM folder from my CWM nandroid backup?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A nandroid backup will never have your internal data backed up in it. It backs up your system and the data incorperated with apps and and all that stuff. Pictures, music, video, etc. does NOT get backed up every time you do a backup (thank God!). That stuff is ALWAYS still there unless you do a wipe data/factory reset on the phone. I'm sure someone else will chime in here but I'm almost 100% positive I'm right. If you are looking for your pictures just boot your phone and hook it up USB to your computer. Open up the drive on your computer and look in the DCIM folder, your pics will all be there.
copene said:
A nandroid backup will never have your internal data backed up in it. It backs up your system and the data incorperated with apps and and all that stuff. Pictures, music, video, etc. does NOT get backed up every time you do a backup (thank God!). That stuff is ALWAYS still there unless you do a wipe data/factory reset on the phone. I'm sure someone else will chime in here but I'm almost 100% positive I'm right. If you are looking for your pictures just boot your phone and hook it up USB to your computer. Open up the drive on your computer and look in the DCIM folder, your pics will all be there.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that. Unfortunately my phone came back from Samsung after a storm fried my phone and they wiped my phone crystal clean. I thought that was one of the points of a nandroid backup was that it also backed up or at least gave you the option of backing up your personal files like music, pictures and so forth. I was under the impression this whole time that my files were safe in my nandroid backups now I cannot believe all my irreplaceable pictures are gone. Years of pictures lost. Maybe a recovery software could bring it back?
Nope they gone bro let it go if it fried the phone and SD card
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Suggestion...
From here on out... I would install Google+ and instant upload that stuff or PicasaTool or something... That is what I do... I have them set as private unless I want to share it. It's the best form of picture backup, unless you plug your phone into your computer on a daily basis and transfer them...
I would go for the instant upload method in the future... does pics and videos....
Sorry man... they are gone...Factory doesn't mess with that stuff... If your phone got fried, its a different board inside and the internal SD is on the "motherboard" of the phone...
It also doesnt hurt to just backup your memory card(s) files to your pc every so often, via good 'ol fashioned drag and drop.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
onealvideo said:
From here on out... I would install Google+ and instant upload that stuff or PicasaTool or something... That is what I do... I have them set as private unless I want to share it. It's the best form of picture backup, unless you plug your phone into your computer on a daily basis and transfer them...
I would go for the instant upload method in the future... does pics and videos....
Sorry man... they are gone...Factory doesn't mess with that stuff... If your phone got fried, its a different board inside and the internal SD is on the "motherboard" of the phone...
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Click to collapse
Yes. Another option is Dropbox, which you can also set to automatically upload pictures. Then, they sync with the Dropbox folder on your desktop.
If nanbackup backed up your SD card every time, people would run out of space in no time. Especially if you keep more than one backup handy. This is why I would encourage OP to use an external SD and be sure to physically take it out of the phone before wiping, flashing, anything like that. Multiple redundant backups, bro.
Thanks for the replies. Yeah I am just going to let it go. Probably a new internal SD card anyways like suggested. I still think there should at least be an OPTION in CWM to backup full internal SD card and make it default no. I have a 32GB card and having 1 to 2 concurrent FULL SD and nandroid backups wouldn't dent it. But it is what it is.
Since I want everything backed up not just pictures and videos I think the infamous old fashion drag and drop method is the best option. I'll store the data on my PC HDD or something for safe keeping.
If anyone discovers an app that not only backs up nandroid but complete internal SD or selectable internal SD folders as well please post it here. Between Titanium Backup and CWM it still does not backup everything. Maybe a 3rd app is needed to cover my ass with internal SD data or an all-in-one backup tool is yet to be created.
:good:
If you ask sk8tr I am sure he would try to integrate it....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

[Q] What's on my SD Card?

I wanted to start this thread because I am having trouble, (and I assume other noobs are as well), understanding what's on my SD Card and how to navigate through it.
I've attached what I see when I open my device and check the internal storage.
My main reasoning for trying to understand all that's on my SD Card is because it's important! And because I'm trying to figure out where all my apps are stored. I recently installed the venom custom ROM, and since then have lost the knowledge of where my .apk files are stored. That's really what I'm after trying to find those files. I've searched every folder but still no dice. I used Titanium Pro to backup all my files but there is nothing located in the Titanium folder.
Can anybody help me identify where my .apk files are located?
I also have a few .apk files I wish to install on my phone. From what I've gathered the way to do this is to add them to where the other .apk files are located and then Fix Permissions. If I cannot locate my .apk files is there another file path I could save it to?
Lastly I have these two files I have not recognized before, BUGSENSE and .profig
What are these files?
So if you're downloading the apks off a website they'll be in the downloads folder if you downloaded then through Google play..they won't be on your sd unless you manually backed up them up through titanium
a box of kittens said:
So if you're downloading the apks off a website they'll be in the downloads folder if you downloaded then through Google play..they won't be on your sd unless you manually backed up them up through titanium
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Click to collapse
Right okay, so if I choose to back them up onto the SD card then my .apk file paths should appear? Because as you can see now I have no app folders on my phone (sd card) currently.
I've backed up my phone via titanium still nothing in there is an .apk file.
I'm also interested in keeping my phone clean of useless things (another reason for this thread).
As file explorer. Settings allow up to root allow root. Go up from sd card. System/data folder
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Boom. That's what I was searching for. Thanks.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
dmcin23 said:
I've backed up my phone via titanium still nothing in there is an .apk file.
I'm also interested in keeping my phone clean of useless things (another reason for this thread).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go to titanium backup location on sd card and open it you will find what you looking for. Its pretty easy to restore backup in titanium app itself.....also a true backup should be done in twrp recovery as it backs up everything (file partitions,kernel,radio,apps) it will save a copy (known as a nandriod backup) on your sd card that you can recover if your rom won't boot or you just need to restore .
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Make sure you enable writing to the root folder as well. System apps are in system/app.

Nandroid backup, navigation, contents and accessibility?

I'm really out of my depth here, so I figured I'd ask you all for help! My Samsung Galaxy S2 sgh-I727 recently got stuck in a boot loop (most likely due to a faulty power button), and I have a new phone coming in on Monday to replace it (as it's quite outdated). I was able to use ODIN to flash CWM onto the phone, which I used to make an Nandroid Backup onto my SD Card. I then put the SD card into a friend's phone, then transferred them onto my computer, merged the files together (data.ext4.tar.a and data.ext4.tar.b and the system.ext4's), then used winrar to explore the resultant file folder.
I am mainly looking to get my contacts back, and, if possible, various media, such as pictures, music, videos, etc. From my poor Google-fu, i noticed that many people mentioned that Nandroid does not backup sdcard, but I was unsure whether that meant external sd card or the sdcard storage directory (sdcard0 and such). If it does not backup pictures, music, videos, etc., is there possible a way to use CWM or such to backup these files?
Also, I found a .com that looks like it might contain contacts, maybe, but I'm not sure how I would access them to find it.
If I can clarify this in any way, I will try! If this might also do in a better place, just let me know! I'd appreciate any possible help!
Seruthei said:
I'm really out of my depth here, so I figured I'd ask you all for help! My Samsung Galaxy S2 sgh-I727 recently got stuck in a boot loop (most likely due to a faulty power button), and I have a new phone coming in on Monday to replace it (as it's quite outdated). I was able to use ODIN to flash CWM onto the phone, which I used to make an Nandroid Backup onto my SD Card. I then put the SD card into a friend's phone, then transferred them onto my computer, merged the files together (data.ext4.tar.a and data.ext4.tar.b and the system.ext4's), then used winrar to explore the resultant file folder.
I am mainly looking to get my contacts back, and, if possible, various media, such as pictures, music, videos, etc. From my poor Google-fu, i noticed that many people mentioned that Nandroid does not backup sdcard, but I was unsure whether that meant external sd card or the sdcard storage directory (sdcard0 and such). If it does not backup pictures, music, videos, etc., is there possible a way to use CWM or such to backup these files?
Also, I found a .com that looks like it might contain contacts, maybe, but I'm not sure how I would access them to find it.
If I can clarify this in any way, I will try! If this might also do in a better place, just let me know! I'd appreciate any possible help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put the backup back in the folder fr where you go it and reboot into cwm and restore it. Now the Nandroid backup doesnt copy your external files, It backs up your current system state like contacts call logs all the apps. You cant simply extract files from there. You to restore it to get your system state back with all the apps and everything.
Sent from my XT1033 using XDA Free mobile app
Malyaj said:
Put the backup back in the folder fr where you go it and reboot into cwm and restore it. Now the Nandroid backup doesnt copy your external files, It backs up your current system state like contacts call logs all the apps. You cant simply extract files from there. You to restore it to get your system state back with all the apps and everything.
Sent from my XT1033 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whelp, guess I'm screwed there then. That would help if the phone wasn't stuck in a bootloop. Thanks anyways!

Full Backup using the TWRP Backup Tool program

Good afternoon,
My question is as follows,
1. The Backup Tool program creates a unique file when it generates the complete backup by the computer, different from the one created by TWRP, if it only needs to restore a single item has?
Note: I use the Backup Tool to be able to back up directly to the PC because I do not have enough memory card to fit the DATA folder.
2. With the complete backup, I read in some topics in the forum, that do not go type information, photos, downloads, etc. Is this right? If so, why in full backup is this information missing?
Thank you.
costafabiof said:
Good afternoon,
My question is as follows,
1. The Backup Tool program creates a unique file when it generates the complete backup by the computer, different from the one created by TWRP, if it only needs to restore a single item has?
Note: I use the Backup Tool to be able to back up directly to the PC because I do not have enough memory card to fit the DATA folder.
2. With the complete backup, I read in some topics in the forum, that do not go type information, photos, downloads, etc. Is this right? If so, why in full backup is this information missing?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use twrp to pc and copy your internal storage off. Just drag and drop the folders you want from internal to your pc. No need to do a back up of it
godkingofcanada said:
You can use twrp to pc and copy your internal storage off. Just drag and drop the folders you want from internal to your pc. No need to do a back up of it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good afternoon,
Are you telling me that when I connect the phone to the PC via TWRP and all the folders appear, if I copy them, is it the same as doing a full backup by TWRP?
Because if so, what caught my attention is that, folders total 700 mb and backup 6 gigs.
No what he's saying is that TWRP only backs up the system content. So your ROM, apps, app settings, customisation etc is all saved in the TWRP backup.
But it doesn't save "loose" user files, so things like photos, downloads, etc saved to your SD or internal storage aren't included in the TWRP backup.
So for a complete backup, you want a TWRP backup + copy the photos, downloads, etc folders via PC onto your desktop.
Copying the folders is NOT going to be equivalent to a TWP backup, as you don't see any system/firmware files in PC.
What to use to Backup Complete phone Firmware, pictures and Everything on the phone??? So if it crashes you caab restore phone back to like it was before Crash? Thanks

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