[Q] Working with Zune back-ups: custom ROMS and VMs? - Windows Phone 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've just put a custom ROM on my Omnia 7 and I'm very pleased with it.
But I left some stuff back on my old installation, which I backed-up fully before I updated (using Windows Phone Back-up Tool 1.9). I'm sure I've read that there are complexities when working with back-ups and custom ROMS.
What I'd like to do is get my photos and videos off the old install, as well as my old non-syncable OneNote notebook.
Can anyone advise? I don't suppose I can load the backed-up image into a virtual machine somehow?
Thanks

Backups are device-specific; you can't even restore one to another device of the same model. Why you would re-imag eyour phone without first syncing off pictures and such, I really don't know, but if you did and you want to access them, the only way to do so is to restore that backup to the device it was made from. People have been trying to crack the backup files for about as long as the OS has existed. We may succeed some day, but this is probably not that day.

So moreover, can I use Zune to back-up the phone as it is now (with a custom ROM on it, identifying it as a Nokia even though it's not)? I'm after a way to jump between the two images really, as I still don't know how to get the local OneNote data but I want to keep using 7.8 for a bit to test it out.
Thanks

Related

How can I create a "disk image" of my device?

Greetings everyone! First off, thank you for a wealth of information on this site as well as the coolest apps and ROMs. I'm glad I came across this site.
I've been trying out different ROMs by different developers. They're all great! I feel like a dude driving a different sports car every week! My question is, how can I create a "disk image" of my current setup? Is there a program for WM6 like PQDI or Norton Ghost?
Thats a good question... this is what we need... than ill test more roms ^^
This part is tricky.
There are two major backup utilities: Sprite and SPB backup.
Trouble is that while they both create a full backup including registry, messages and apps you can not deploy this backup on a different ROM (specially if it is different AKU version or different OS 5 / 6) without serios side effects.
This is because some internal structures (like PIM.VOL) and registry settings are different in these ROMS.
Thats why it is recommended that you backup your contacts, emails and stuff to outlook then sync and reinstall all the apps on the new ROM.
Alternatively, both apps allow you to manually select what is backed up. You can play with that option to only backup "generic" stuff.
Understood.
What I was hoping to find is a utility that takes a snapshot of my current setup and creates one file, or one EXE. It's kinda like swapping hard drives with each having a different OS's. I'd have one "favorite" ROM though (with my personal settings, including keyboard layout, ringtones, contacts, WiFi key info, voice commands, etc) and if I'm done testing someone else's ROM, I can reload that 'favorite' one to continue on with my day, all with one flash.
problem is that many difference between roms also is what registrys are set to what
so if you take that with you some optimezes could be lost
Really?
I've used an old program called PQDI (just like Norton Ghost) and what I'd do is after doing a fresh load of OS on my PC, I'd start to load some of my favorite software like Premiere (I do video editing) and Sonar (I also do music). Then, I create a disk image of my hard drive. Months later, after installing tweaks and stuff, and if for some reason (and this has happened before) I screw up my registry, get a virus, or my PC starts to run slow because of junk that have collected over the months, I'd reload that image and the very next time I turn on my PC, it would have a fresh load of OS with Premiere and Sonar, and nothing else, it's just as if I had bought a new computer.
I was hoping it would be the same on my 8525. There is a feature right now called "Clear Storage" (installed on every WM device) that clears up every things and reloads the ROM. But that erases all the tweaks you've done and starts you off with a fresh load of ROM. :/
Ok, there is one thing you don't seem to be clear on:
On PC stuff you install and OS all can be treated the same because they all reside on an HD and if you can take and image of that you can restore it all whenever you want.
But on devices like the 8525 this is completely different. The ROM on each device is stored and encrypted in a different matter, and needs to be written in a special way so there can be no "generic" tool for ROM flashing. This is also why there are no apps that take complete image of a device (ROM + user apps and data).
Thanks for the clarification. It would have been great if there was, huh? That would make beta testing and reporting much more efficient. Oh well. I'll move on. Thanks again! (Hmm...now what ROM should I try next...)

Best Back Up? Question

After two weeks... and several soft resents and only two hard resets... I now have everything set up and working well and smooth on my TP2 (Sprint). All my email, preferences and setting are exactly what I want themn to be.
My question is. What is the best way to back ALL of this up. Is there a programs that can save this 'state' and created a sort of restore point; so that is everything goes kablooey, I can get the device back to this exact state easily? Freeware preferable, but not a must.
I know I am noob, but I am trying to learn so thanks. It was a long time coming and WinMo 6.1 is a so different to me that the Palm system I was using until now.
Please let me know... It is greatly appreciated.
Matt
As far as I know, you have 5 options
1) PIM Backup - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=299705
FREE
Really good at backing up ALL your text messages, contacts, appointments, etc. It can run automatically if desired. I've had issues when trying to restore emails and email accounts to my phone, but those aren't that hard to setup without it.
2)Microsoft MyPhone - http://sn1-p3.myphone.microsoft.com/mkweb/Start.po
FREE
Service works well. It backs up your info (Text, contacts, appointments, email) to the "cloud". It will even backup your files too, like photos and songs. You can also have this run on a schedule as well. Also has tools to locate your phone if you lose it (GPS location, make your phone rings even if it's on silent) but you gotta pay for them.
3) Flexilis Mobile - https://beta.flexilis.com/
FREE
Same as Microsoft MyPhone, but it's all free. They're still working on the GPS location function for the TP2, however their "scream" function is pretty cool, even works of the phone is set to silent too.
EDIT: forgot to mention, I wouldn't advise setting up the firewall on this program, I've had issues when trying to connect to ANY wifi spot (even my home's) when the firewall is on.
4)SPB Backup - http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/backup/?en
$24.95
Haven't actually tried this one but from the looks of it, it can backup "System Data" which I think means system preferences.
5) Resco Backup - http://www.resco.net/pocketpc/backup/
$19.99
Looks like it will backup EVERYTHING, the new version will also upload your backup to the FTP server of your choice. Haven't tried this one yet either
Also I know there is a program floating around the Rhodium forums that will re-installed ALL your programs. I forgot the link though.
I use MS MyPhone and SPB Backup... SPB is pretty easy to use, but so is MyPhone, but with MyPhone there have been some glitches in the past (which I experianced, like the contact restore issue) but those seem to be resolved now at least ( I know I havent had the issue again since getting the new version). SPB costs money, MyPhone does not. Both are simple, and easy to use. I would suggest trying them all, find the one you like best and stick with it.
I use SunnySoft BackupManager 4.x.
This software will restore you to whatever point in time it was when you did the backup. This software can be customized to backup the whole device or just parts of it.
I tried SPB on previous winmo phones and did not like it.
I also have had no issues with getting the software from 1 phone to the other. All it took was an email with my new phones key sent to them to get a new code for the new phone.
+1 for SPB its worth the money backs up and saves everything.
Sprite Backup isn't bad. Used it a lot on my MotoQ9c with no issues.
huntm856 said:
Sprite Backup isn't bad. Used it a lot on my MotoQ9c with no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, just make sure you use the same version for restore as you did while backing up. Tried to restore my roommates palm treo (a couple years ago) and the program didn't want to because it said that the version I backed up with was to old.
+1 on SPB Backup. And when they say it backs up everything, they mean everything. Data, apps, the works. Great program and well worth the money IMHO.
I've tried Sprite Backup but it gave me problems. I tried doing a backup, reflashed my ROM, and when I tried to restore the file wouldn't work. All my data was gone. So -10 for Sprite Backup.
Sprite works for me
I've used Sprite on my Wizard and on my Fuze/Raphael.
This is the copy I'm using now, copied from my Fuze, and it is working fine:
http://www.mediafire.com/?jnxk4wzojh3
One thing you might find is that it usually works best to restore to a device that is factory fresh, i.e. hard reset to factory specs, or to your base ROM whatever that is. If you have a stock ROM you may get an error when you try to run the restore file directly.
I keep a copy of the Sprite Backup.CAB on my storage card, and load it after the hard reset, then use it to open the backup file.
If you have a cooked ROM you probably can just run the exe backup file.
colorado_al said:
If you have a cooked ROM you probably can just run the exe backup file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am think about this... but I have not the first clue on how to flash a new ROM, where to find one that is right... is there a faq on this whole process.
I just want a nice stable system...
My vote is with SPB backup.
It makes backups on schedule, I do one every day, then automatically copies the backups to my desktop when I connect it by activesync.
Smooth, reliable, I've restored 1/2 a dozen times without a problem.
Worth the money.

How to backup developer unlocked WP7 with Win7x64 and the latest Zune version?

I'd like to know how to backup developer unlocked WP7 with Win7x64 computer and the latest Zune version?
I've now tried:
- WP7 Easy Updater -> didn't work. Gives me an error message and leads me to Microsoft's support site.
- Windows Phone 7 backup v.1.9 -> didn't work. Gives mw an error message "the input string was not given in the correct order..."
I've tried Zune4.7 dll for the later one -> same thing, didn't work
Is there a way to make a full backup of your unlocked/developer unlocked Windows Phone 7 with any (other) software? I'd need to replace the micro-SD card of my Dell Venue Pro from 32Gb to 64Gb and wouldn't like to loose the music I have in the isolated storages of some Marketplace apps. I've even tried Isolated Storage Spy tool but it doesn't allow to access to the isolated storages of Marketplace apps.
Any help is highly appreciated! Thanks a lot in advance!
Sensonic said:
I'd like to know how to backup developer unlocked WP7 with Win7x64 computer and the latest Zune version?
I've now tried:
- WP7 Easy Updater -> didn't work. Gives me an error message and leads me to Microsoft's support site.
- Windows Phone 7 backup v.1.9 -> didn't work. Gives mw an error message "the input string was not given in the correct order..."
I've tried Zune4.7 dll for the later one -> same thing, didn't work
Is there a way to make a full backup of your unlocked/developer unlocked Windows Phone 7 with any (other) software? I'd need to replace the micro-SD card of my Dell Venue Pro from 32Gb to 64Gb and wouldn't like to loose the music I have in the isolated storages of some Marketplace apps. I've even tried Isolated Storage Spy tool but it doesn't allow to access to the isolated storages of Marketplace apps.
Any help is highly appreciated! Thanks a lot in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just gone through the onerous process of trying to export my SMS messages from an original HTC Trophy (WP7.0) with Chevron unlock.
Things like SMSBackup don't work (target a higher version of Windows Phone, and hacking the xap manifest at best got the app deployed but not running). Backup programs like the ones you listed did nothing. Something called WPV App Data Backup at least connected and created a bunch of folders but they were all empty.
In the end (after literally years of on-and-off attempts) I gave up on the SMS messages and let Zune do its update. Turns out that Zune does a backup to "C:\Users\JohnCitizen\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Phone Update" (or your equivalent) before it applies any updates. It's not a FULL backup in the sense that I'd understand the term, but it includes the isolated storage of apps which seems to be your main concern.
If your phone is already up to date I'm not sure if there's a way to fake an update or force Zune to do a backup as if it were preparing for an update but that might be your best bet.
Side-note: the pleasant surprise was that I didn't need the backups anyway. I've applied 5 cumulative updates to bring the phone to WP7.10.7720 and it still has the SMS messages and app data (meaning I could apply the interop unlock and get my SMS messages out with SMSBackup after all!).
FerretallicA said:
I've just gone through the onerous process of trying to export my SMS messages from an original HTC Trophy (WP7.0) with Chevron unlock.
Things like SMSBackup don't work (target a higher version of Windows Phone, and hacking the xap manifest at best got the app deployed but not running). Backup programs like the ones you listed did nothing. Something called WPV App Data Backup at least connected and created a bunch of folders but they were all empty.
In the end (after literally years of on-and-off attempts) I gave up on the SMS messages and let Zune do its update. Turns out that Zune does a backup to "C:\Users\JohnCitizen\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Phone Update" (or your equivalent) before it applies any updates. It's not a FULL backup in the sense that I'd understand the term, but it includes the isolated storage of apps which seems to be your main concern.
If your phone is already up to date I'm not sure if there's a way to fake an update or force Zune to do a backup as if it were preparing for an update but that might be your best bet.
Side-note: the pleasant surprise was that I didn't need the backups anyway. I've applied 5 cumulative updates to bring the phone to WP7.10.7720 and it still has the SMS messages and app data (meaning I could apply the interop unlock and get my SMS messages out with SMSBackup after all!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice but the phone is already WP7.8862 so it cannot be updated anymore. But I've tried both of the aforementioned apps and neither of them seem to work
Another possibility I've been thinking is a sort of "blind copy" of micro-SD if that's possible if the backup of Marketplace apps (and their isolated storages) is not possible. Well, I'm willing to try just about everything to save the music that I have in my phone. It'd be really painstaking and time consuming to download all that music (once again) to my phone after replacing the micro-SD card.
Speaking about your phone, why haven't you installed a custom ROM to it? I've installed custom ROMs to my HTC 7 Pro (Dynamics 2.2) and to my Nokia Lumias (Lumiatrix, don't remember the version right now). And my LG Quantum I've unlocked with the registry code. Makes a life a whole lot easier. Too bad no-one has found a way to port a custom ROM to Dell Venue Pro since I already would've done it. Well, developer unlock will do then...
Sensonic said:
Speaking about your phone, why haven't you installed a custom ROM to it? I've installed custom ROMs to my HTC 7 Pro (Dynamics 2.2) and to my Nokia Lumias (Lumiatrix, don't remember the version right now). And my LG Quantum I've unlocked with the registry code. Makes a life a whole lot easier. Too bad no-one has found a way to port a custom ROM to Dell Venue Pro since I already would've done it. Well, developer unlock will do then...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Originally because I wanted to backup/export my SMS messages. Now I've finally worked that out I don't really care about the phone. Windows Phone is a horrible pile of sh** compared to what Windows Mobile was, much less what Android is now, is so I have no desire to waste any more time on it.
FerretallicA said:
Originally because I wanted to backup/export my SMS messages. Now I've finally worked that out I don't really care about the phone. Windows Phone is a horrible pile of sh** compared to what Windows Mobile was, much less what Android is now, is so I have no desire to waste any more time on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're right. Android is much closer to Windows Mobile than Windows Phone is.
But the reason why Windows Phone and iPhone are so closed systems, is their information security.
Android is quite open system compared to those two aforementioned ones.
I do have some Android devices but I've still decided to stick with Windows Phone. It's the best (well at least for me) OS for business purposes.
Just looking for a Windows Phone 8.x device with the physical QWERTY and possiblity to jailbreak it...
Back to subject: I'd really appreciate if someone could give me a hint how to get those two already mentioned backup apps to work with the latest Zune version, WP7.8 & WIN7 x64.
RE: SMS BACKUP Application
i need SMS backup xap file for lumia 710 dev unlocked mobile.
software version 7.8, make: nokia.
i cannot flash or try interop unlock methods, i tried loading xap files by removing INTEROPSERVICE in capabilities, app loaded successfully, but raised exception when app is loaded n crashed.
please suggest if any registry/policy editing steps through windows phone device manager or if any steps...
Any help is highly appreciated! Thanks a lot in advance!

Smartphone dummies needs help deleted video recovery

Hi,
I just deleted a video by mistake couple of days ago, I loved that video clip a lot it was my baby boy first year old birthday video I downloaded many recovery software, (recuva, Jihosoft, Dr. Fine etc) they either could not found out the deleted data or problem with rooting. I don't know what is rooting, but I set my cell phone is now developer version now. Can anyone recommend me a software that work?
Keep your phone turned off. When a file gets deleted its space is marked as available, and larger spaces gets to be overwritten first. Longer you use your phone, more there is a risk of the file getting damaged.
Edit: Since You are not rooted, anything you do on your phone has a great possibility of overwriting the video file. On an android phone without root file recovery apps are your best bet, but I dont know if anything good exists in the android ecosystem.
On my previous rooted phone, I took a full disk image incase the files got overwritten, I would have backups. Then I used photorec on my computer, or some other apps to recover as much as I can.
You cant take a full disk image or let the software on your PC to access your phone since Android uses this dumb MTP thing for file transfers.

Android Backup directly to PC

Hello everyone,
i searched for this topic and found several threads without an answer, but all of them were years old, so heres my hope that things have changed over the years (And that Android finally catches up with what i would consider basic functionality and damn, even iPhones can do it...)
Im looking for a backupsolution directly to my PC. A tool for either my PC (Both Windows of Linux would be fine) or my phone (which is a rooted LG G4 with the last, and therefore very old, official Lineage OS (i intend to upgrade to something newer.) I want to backup every app including appdata, my contacs, sms and mediafiles.
I dont have a lot of space left on my phone which rules out any backupsolution that backs up to my phone. Which means Titanium Backup (which besides looking ugly and not very userfriendly by my usual standards for a user interface but the Pro version can apparently otherwise do everything i want) or Nandroidbackups (assuming that they dont fully backup my phone including the rom and therefore would be unusuable for migration to a new Rom) are out. Also the need to manually copy this over after the backup smacks me as slighly cobbled together, but well that might be just me.
I also dont want to use any internetbased solution. Both for ideological and paranoia reasons. Its my data and i dont intend to giving it to others. Therefore any cloudbased services are out.
Which leaves me with backing up directly to my PC. When i started looking for such a soltion i thought that would be easyly solved since it is such a basic usecase. But oh boy how wrong i was.
What i have found so far:
Syncdroid: Cant backup Apps+Appdata.
Helium: endless spinning wheel while checking root (even though i triplechecked, helium HAS root) and without root i cant backup two thirds of the apps i want to backup like all my instant messaging apps). Apparently the issues with root are known but the Devs are silent.
Apowersoft ApowerManager: Is supposedly able to do what i want BUT doesnt have a trial so i could test it (the free version only allows backups but no restore or anything which comes down to a trust issue) and its simply to expensive (20$ per month with the current superduperspecialpricejustforyouandjustnowoffer) to just buy blindfolded. Also again Trustissues for a tool this expensive without a way to fully try before...
So in conclusion: Do i have to throw away my LG G4 and switch to an iPhone to get this basic functionality or did i just overlook something (maybe a hidden feature in Titanium Backup)?
Bonuspoints if this works over wifi and can be automated (like PC is running, PC suite pings phone, finds phone and updates the backup)

Categories

Resources