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Need a few clarifications prior to attempting to flash my first custom ROM...

Hello All,
I've already successfully rooted and installed CWM touch.
I have also spend hours and hours reading the forums before actually attempting to flash my first ROM. To which the process seems straight forward.
But after all I have read, I still have some questions and need some clarifications on few things. I hope someone can take the time to answer them for me.
CWM nandroid backups only backup the current ROM. No apps, settings, or personal data.
Titanium backups contain all the Apps and their settings.
Questions regarding Titanium Backups:
- Do the "settings" backups include login credentials (username/password)?
- Does it backup system type settings? WiFi hotspots, keys, sync accounts, etc? I noticed Wifi in the backup list, but wanted to confirm.
- What, if any, system/app settings are not included in a Titanium backup?
Non-Titanium Backup Questions:
- What is used to backup pics, music, downloads, and other personal data?
- Is a full factory reset suggested/recommended when switching between ROMs (i.e CM9 to SkyICS)? Or is this an overkill, and wiping is enough?
- If I ever chose to perform a full factory reset. Do I just restore everything from Titanium Backup?
- Are there any backup items which I should avoid restoring?
- Is there anything which won't be restored?
Basically I don't want to be caught with my pants down and find out I lost XYZ should something go wrong, or should I ever do a factory reset.
Thanks in advance for any information/guidance anybody can provide.
Best Regards,
Gavin

Nandroid:
Backs up everything on your phone.
All you data, settings, apps, personal data. EVERYTHING.
TB:
Backs up apps+ App data
It also backs up your wifi settings and sync account info.
If you install a fresh ROM you can use TB to reinstall your apps +app data and other things you select.
As for your pictures, music, download, ext. You don't need to worry about these. You can do a factory reset and you will still have all your music, pictures, ext.
Rom:
Every ROM has it's own method of instillation and updating.
Standard method:
1. Factory Reset/Wipe Data
2. Wipe Cache
3. Advance Settings -> Wipe Dalvik Cache
4. Mounts and Storage -> Format /Data
5. Mounts and Storage -> Format /System
6. Mounts and Storage -> Format /Cache
Now your safe to install a fresh new ROM.

Thanks!
Sounds like switching between ROMs isn't as painful as I thought.
I've been wanting to, but dreading to because of all the configurings I thought I would have to redo.

I use titanium backup as well as mybackup pro for holding onto senstive info for reinstallation on new roms. They are a power combo for apks, contacts, sms logs, bookmarks, etc. The list goes on, but they've gotten me through a few tough spots!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Nandroid backs up everything EXCEPT the radio (modem). You'll need to flash a radio after a nandroid restore IF you want a different radio than what is currently on modem partition.

Coming from a relatively new Android/linux user with a background firmly rooted in Windows, I assure you that the process of flashing is definitely much less harrowing than it sounds.
Reading + discretion = winning!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Shankre said:
Thanks!
Sounds like switching between ROMs isn't as painful as I thought.
I've been wanting to, but dreading to because of all the configurings I thought I would have to redo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've read everything (which it seems like you have) and you're careful to follow the dev's instructions to the letter, it's really easy. The whole process only takes about 10 minutes from backup to rebooting the new ROM once you're used to it.

robcore said:
I use titanium backup as well as mybackup pro for holding onto senstive info for reinstallation on new roms. They are a power combo for apks, contacts, sms logs, bookmarks, etc. The list goes on, but they've gotten me through a few tough spots!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Titanium backup not save sms, call logs and such?
What does mybackup pro do that Titanium doesn't? Is it for redundancy/peace of mind?
How do people backup personal data, pics, downloads, music, etc? I like to have backups in case the phone is ever lost or broken.
Thanks!

Shankre said:
Does Titanium backup not save sms, call logs and such?
What does mybackup pro do that Titanium doesn't? Is it for redundancy/peace of mind?
How do people backup personal data, pics, downloads, music, etc? I like to have backups in case the phone is ever lost or broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't speak to Tibu saving call logs, etc., because I'm not sure. I don't restore system data (unless I'm having a stupid moment), as it can cause problems that force a re-wipe and re-flash.
I can tell you that the easiest way to back up personal data etc. is to move it off of the phone/SD card and onto your computer ASAP. That's how I do it.

I am still on AT&T GB 2.3.5.
Looking for a daily driver that's stable and good on the battery. Basic apps ok, but no carrier bloat.
Preferably JB if they are stable, otherwise ICS is fine.
Any ROM suggestions to start with first. There seem to be so many out there... Dont know which to try. The nexus mod and unnamed seemed interesting but were abandonded. CM10? Skyics (margerine)? Other?
Also, why would I want or need a different/modified kernel?
Thanks again everyone for the very helpful info!

T.J. Bender said:
I won't speak to Tibu saving call logs, etc., because I'm not sure. I don't restore system data (unless I'm having a stupid moment), as it can cause problems that force a re-wipe and re-flash.
I can tell you that the easiest way to back up personal data etc. is to move it off of the phone/SD card and onto your computer ASAP. That's how I do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, its as easy as plugging in a usb cord then dragging and dropping to your pc ( dont ask me about macs...). And titanium backup is primarily an apk backup/restore/freeze application, including system apps.
The other info just isnt an included feature in TB, youd have to ask its developer why.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Shankre said:
I am still on AT&T GB 2.3.5.
Looking for a daily driver that's stable and good on the battery. Basic apps ok, but no carrier bloat.
Preferably JB if they are stable, otherwise ICS is fine.
Any ROM suggestions to start with first. There seem to be so many out there... Dont know which to try. The nexus mod and unnamed seemed interesting but were abandonded. CM10? Skyics (margerine)? Other?
Also, why would I want or need a different/modified kernel?
Thanks again everyone for the very helpful info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No rom suggestions try them yourself as asking for a best rom is not accepted by our moderators
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Illnevertell said:
No rom suggestions try them yourself as asking for a best rom is not accepted by our moderators
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't ask for a "best", since I know each ROM has its pros and cons.
Was hoping for some direction based on the needs/preferences mentioned.
Also was inquired as to the stability of current JB releases, as well as opinions for some ROMs which I had already identified as possibilities for my needs.
Were my questions that unreasonable that I shouldn't ask the more experienced users of this community?

Shankre said:
I didn't ask for a "best", since I know each ROM has its pros and cons.
Was hoping for some direction based on the needs/preferences mentioned.
Also was inquired as to the stability of current JB releases, as well as opinions for some ROMs which I had already identified as possibilities for my needs.
Were my questions that unreasonable that I shouldn't ask the more experienced users of this community?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are unreasonable in the sense that it creates lots of problems as no one rom is better than another and its based on usage I will ask that you avoid the question the moderators don't want to see endorsement of individuals work over another so try them out for yourself and see what you like
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Illnevertell said:
They are unreasonable in the sense that it creates lots of problems as no one rom is better than another and its based on usage I will ask that you avoid the question the moderators don't want to see endorsement of individuals work over another so try them out for yourself and see what you like
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood. That was not my intention at all.

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] What should i use for backup and restore instead of TiBu?

i was just reading the CM10.1 nightlies thread, and most posters there have been saying that using TiBu to backup and restore apps is a *bad* thing when doing a fresh install of the latest nightly ROM build.
so, uh, what should we be doing to backup and restore data?
i'd like to keep my call logs and SMS data. i also have some savegames from game apps i'd like to keep. TiBu seems to have some specific options as to backing up SMSes and call logs. is that safe to backup and then restore to a new ROM install?
what about user apps? i'm fine with just reinstalling most apps, but there are some apps that have saved data that i'd really like to keep!

there are apps specifically for backing up sms and call longs
the reason that people dont like Tibu as much is some of the cache it restores can conflict with newer builds and android is pretty good at restoring most of the things on its own

People have different preferences. My general preference with CyanogenMod is the cwm recovery. Either the sk8 version ( which is brilliant) or the regular one that comes with CyanogenMod.
I always get into cwm recovery and do a back up to external SD. Then wipe and clean and install the new cm, no reboot yet and go to advanced restore option of the backup and then restore ONLY the data portion of the backup.
All your customizations, apps, app data, app saved data, logs, SMS, phone log ... Is there to be restored.
Reboot and you're done.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

fightinfilipino said:
i was just reading the CM10.1 nightlies thread, and most posters there have been saying that using TiBu to backup and restore apps is a *bad* thing when doing a fresh install of the latest nightly ROM build.
so, uh, what should we be doing to backup and restore data?
i'd like to keep my call logs and SMS data. i also have some savegames from game apps i'd like to keep. TiBu seems to have some specific options as to backing up SMSes and call logs. is that safe to backup and then restore to a new ROM install?
what about user apps? i'm fine with just reinstalling most apps, but there are some apps that have saved data that i'd really like to keep!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Helium from the maker of CWM is free and super simple. They could've included an option to only backup an apps data but oh well it's still great. :good:

Commodore 64 said:
People have different preferences. My general preference with CyanogenMod is the cwm recovery. Either the sk8 version ( which is brilliant) or the regular one that comes with CyanogenMod.
I always get into cwm recovery and do a back up to external SD. Then wipe and clean and install the new cm, no reboot yet and go to advanced restore option of the backup and then restore ONLY the data portion of the backup.
All your customizations, apps, app data, app saved data, logs, SMS, phone log ... Is there to be restored.
Reboot and you're done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ty, that makes sense.
i'm on an older version of CWM (6.0.1.0, i believe). am i able to just flash a new version of CWM (sk8's or whatever) from my current CWM? i can't seem to find a straight answer on the forums or from googling...

Yea you can. Just flash the sk8 and then under advanced choose reboot recovery after install and you're going to be in the new recovery mod
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Thanks for asking!
fightinfilipino said:
so, uh, what should we be doing to backup and restore data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for asking! I've been wondering something along these lines, but I wasn't even sure what to ask. I think you've formed the question better than I would have.
But I guess I'm not seeing a consensus either. I was under the impression that there everyone else knew the best way to do it and it was so obvious that no one ever even bothered to speak of it. That, or people just enjoy losing their saved games, call logs, etc.
So to be clear, here's what I've gathered from this thread:
You can restore just apps and their data
One way is to backup and restore the /data partition
Another way is though custom apps
One such app is Helium
Did I miss anything?

Trinition said:
Thanks for asking! I've been wondering something along these lines, but I wasn't even sure what to ask. I think you've formed the question better than I would have.
But I guess I'm not seeing a consensus either. I was under the impression that there everyone else knew the best way to do it and it was so obvious that no one ever even bothered to speak of it. That, or people just enjoy losing their saved games, call logs, etc.
So to be clear, here's what I've gathered from this thread:
You can restore just apps and their data
One way is to backup and restore the /data partition
Another way is though custom apps
One such app is Helium
Did I miss anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never restore anything. I backup my call logs and texts to gmail, but I don't restore them. Why would you?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Trinition said:
Thanks for asking! I've been wondering something along these lines, but I wasn't even sure what to ask. I think you've formed the question better than I would have.
But I guess I'm not seeing a consensus either. I was under the impression that there everyone else knew the best way to do it and it was so obvious that no one ever even bothered to speak of it. That, or people just enjoy losing their saved games, call logs, etc.
So to be clear, here's what I've gathered from this thread:
You can restore just apps and their data
One way is to backup and restore the /data partition
Another way is though custom apps
One such app is Helium
Did I miss anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe that you can backup to the cloud, with Helium and others. But except for that i think you've got it covered.

Commodore 64 said:
People have different preferences. My general preference with CyanogenMod is the cwm recovery. Either the sk8 version ( which is brilliant) or the regular one that comes with CyanogenMod.
I always get into cwm recovery and do a back up to external SD. Then wipe and clean and install the new cm, no reboot yet and go to advanced restore option of the backup and then restore ONLY the data portion of the backup.
All your customizations, apps, app data, app saved data, logs, SMS, phone log ... Is there to be restored.
Reboot and you're done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just as a quick update, i did exactly this (using sk8's CWM recovery) and it seems to have worked like a charm. did a clean wipe (factory reset/format cache, data, system, dalvik's) and then installed Cyanogenmod 10.1 N15. then before rebooting i restored just the data. worked pretty well!

fightinfilipino said:
just as a quick update, i did exactly this (using sk8's CWM recovery) and it seems to have worked like a charm. did a clean wipe (factory reset/format cache, data, system, dalvik's) and then installed Cyanogenmod 10.1 N15. then before rebooting i restored just the data. worked pretty well!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good for you. But that is almost the same as a dirty flash.
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rushi.1986 said:
Good for you. But that is almost the same as a dirty flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh, that is SO helpful of you.
well if that's not the best way to backup and restore WHAT IS?
seriously, i wish there was a "no thank you" button for useless, insulting posts like yours! >:[

fightinfilipino said:
oh, that is SO helpful of you.
well if that's not the best way to backup and restore WHAT IS?
seriously, i wish there was a "no thank you" button for useless, insulting posts like yours! >:[
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't restore anything.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

fightinfilipino said:
oh, that is SO helpful of you.
well if that's not the best way to backup and restore WHAT IS?
seriously, i wish there was a "no thank you" button for useless, insulting posts like yours! >:[
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no best way because there's always a risk it will cause issues. Either accept the level of risk involved or do what's recommended, you can't have your cake and eat it too in this case.
Personally I use android tuner pro as a backup solution. I know the risks involved and I don't post and complain when it doesn't work I find the problem and fix it or I do what I'm supposed to do.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

mtdew said:
There is no best way because there's always a risk it will cause issues. Either accept the level of risk involved or do what's recommended, you can't have your cake and eat it too in this case.
Personally I use android tuner pro as a backup solution. I know the risks involved and I don't post and complain when it doesn't work I find the problem and fix it or I do what I'm supposed to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the problem is that "what's recommended" varies wildly, even here. some people in this thread recommended i restore the data partition from a nandroid backup. other users recommended i use Helium. now some users are simply saying not to restore anything at all.
and some persons (rushi.1986) are posting completely unhelpful, snarky things without even understanding the context of the thread.
let me ask a more granular question: if i backup and restore specific game apps that are user apps, sms data, and call logs, and nothing else, will this reduce my risk? if i wanted to do these particular things, what is the better tool to do so?
and i have a wider question: is it really that custom rom users now simply don't keep certain data when they upgrade or switch their rom?

fightinfilipino said:
the problem is that "what's recommended" varies wildly, even here. some people in this thread recommended i restore the data partition from a nandroid backup. other users recommended i use Helium. now some users are simply saying not to restore anything at all.
and some persons (rushi.1986) are posting completely unhelpful, snarky things without even understanding the context of the thread.
let me ask a more granular question: if i backup and restore specific game apps that are user apps, sms data, and call logs, and nothing else, will this reduce my risk? if i wanted to do these particular things, what is the better tool to do so?
and i have a wider question: is it really that custom rom users now simply don't keep certain data when they upgrade or switch their rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His answer was far from snarky and was actually correct the method stated is just a dirty flash with more steps and is more risky.
It's recommended not to restore anything but if you must be ready to accepted the consequence if there are any. Typically with android tuner I don't have issues.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

fightinfilipino said:
the problem is that "what's recommended" varies wildly, even here. some people in this thread recommended i restore the data partition from a nandroid backup. other users recommended i use Helium. now some users are simply saying not to restore anything at all.
and some persons (rushi.1986) are posting completely unhelpful, snarky things without even understanding the context of the thread.
let me ask a more granular question: if i backup and restore specific game apps that are user apps, sms data, and call logs, and nothing else, will this reduce my risk? if i wanted to do these particular things, what is the better tool to do so?
and i have a wider question: is it really that custom rom users now simply don't keep certain data when they upgrade or switch their rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am yet to encounter any issues restoring user apps and user data using titanium backup. However, ppl who know better say its bad. Since I have not had any issues, I do it anyways.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

rushi.1986 said:
I am yet to encounter any issues restoring user apps and user data using titanium backup. However, ppl who know better say its bad. Since I have not had any issues, I do it anyways.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
99% of the time you won't but with all of the changes recently all precautions needed to be taken. Like I said I normally don't have too many issues, every once in a while though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Restoring user apps will not mess up your ROM. Unless it is root related y would it? If the app doesn't work after install then install it from the market.
Restoring system apps can effect your ROM. Most system apps are different based on the ROM that you use. Example being restoring them from cm 10 to cm 10.1, or even different nightlies.
Titanium backup is the way to go. Chronium aka helium is supposed to be good, its a preference thing IMO.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

rushi.1986 said:
I am yet to encounter any issues restoring user apps and user data using titanium backup. However, ppl who know better say its bad. Since I have not had any issues, I do it anyways.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good way to go.. If it works for you, then you have your solution. Thing is, everyone's phone has had different experiences with different apps, ROMs, settings, etc. and what works for one may not work for another.
Personally, I prefer the backup feature in ROM Toolbox pro. Easy to use, bulk features, and I had fewer issues than on TiBu. BUT, with all the recent app updates trying to keep up with Rom changes, I've found it to be far more stable to just reinstall from the Play store. It seems to also be prudent to get rid of any app that may be redundant to native ROM features (in my case). Just keep it simple.
Contacts and calendar data syncs with Google.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using XDA

[Q] titanium backup not working with new beanstalk

just got the new beanstalk and my titanium backup stays at 0% when i try to restore apps. I have never had this problem before what do you think?

Same if you try to restore apps individually? Picking at random?
Got busybox installed? Pressed the "problems?" Button in titanium?
-----------------------
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I do NOT reply to support queries over PM. Please keep support queries to the Q&A section, so that others may benefit

I tried all of those things and it still will not work

Same here.
Somebody please help :S
EDIT: I figured out how to fix it.
Install SuperSU from the play store by chainfire.
Open SuperSU, update binary if it asks.
Run titanium, it might say Your device isn't rooted if so, go into SuperSu, go to settings and untick "respect CM root settings"
Hope this helps.

How To Restore App+App Data from a KitKat Nandroid Backup to Lollipop

I have searched so many times and I have no clue how to do this. I have tried just using nandroid manager to restore but it ends up just restoring the app, not the app data..
Is the only true solution to this would be restoring the kitkat nandroid and using titanium backup all my apps?
Thanks for the halps.

_ASSASSIN_ said:
I have searched so many times and I have no clue how to do this. I have tried just using nandroid manager to restore but it ends up just restoring the app, not the app data..
Is the only true solution to this would be restoring the kitkat nandroid and using titanium backup all my apps?
Thanks for the halps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need Helium from the playstore. Save out your apps and data before you do your clean install.

DJW6927 said:
You need Helium from the playstore. Save out your apps and data before you do your clean install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm already on lollipop, I am trying to restore from a nandroid backup made in TWRP.

_ASSASSIN_ said:
I'm already on lollipop, I am trying to restore from a nandroid backup made in TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't do that. The right way to to do it is to backup your apps with Titanium or Backup+ before changing ROMs and then you can restore after flashing.

I wouldn't ever recommend restoring App data from an earlier android version such as 4.4 to 5.0.
Sure some might turn out OK, but why not take the extra time and upgrade with some care and patience. There is no "official" Lollypop firmware for our device yet so given the bugs already present plus the ones you are most definitely going to add if you restore old data, how do you think your experience is going to be?
Also, this is a development forum, how will you troubleshoot issues with new builds or features when you haven't started fresh.
Now there's always exceptions to the rule, I have no idea what type of apps or why it must be so important to not do this clean.... So I won't say its lazy LoL, but something to consider.

nadiros said:
I wouldn't ever recommend restoring App data from an earlier android version such as 4.4 to 5.0.
Sure some might turn out OK, but why not take the extra time and upgrade with some care and patience. There is no "official" Lollypop firmware for our device yet so given the bugs already present plus the ones you are most definitely going to add if you restore old data, how do you think your experience is going to be?
Also, this is a development forum, how will you troubleshoot issues with new builds or features when you haven't started fresh.
Now there's always exceptions to the rule, I have no idea what type of apps or why it must be so important to not do this clean.... So I won't say its lazy LoL, but something to consider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's nothing wrong with restoring user app data across Android versions. I've done it countless (yes, countless) times Ann's I've never had an issue. It's system settings and data that can't be restored when changing Android versions or even ROMs.
"Old" user app data has never, ever, caused a single bug for me and I've done it thousands of times.
Transmitted via Bacon

OK, although it may not affect the android system, apps force closing and then being reported in development threads as a bug does have a measurable affect.
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nadiros said:
OK, although it may not affect the android system, apps force closing and then being reported in development threads as a bug does have a measurable affect.
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Like I said, in the thousands of times I've restored apps+data I've had zero problems. No force closes. None. Nada. Zilch. Zip. Honestly, 90% of "problems" and "bugs" that are reported on XDA are caused to user error because that user has no idea what they're doing.

nadiros said:
I wouldn't ever recommend restoring App data from an earlier android version such as 4.4 to 5.0.
Sure some might turn out OK, but why not take the extra time and upgrade with some care and patience. There is no "official" Lollypop firmware for our device yet so given the bugs already present plus the ones you are most definitely going to add if you restore old data, how do you think your experience is going to be?
Also, this is a development forum, how will you troubleshoot issues with new builds or features when you haven't started fresh.
Now there's always exceptions to the rule, I have no idea what type of apps or why it must be so important to not do this clean.... So I won't say its lazy LoL, but something to consider.
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Because I play games. I prefer not to sink so many more hours like I already have.

ROM Toolbox also allows you to restore apps+data from nandroid backups so you could give it a shot.

get app backups from a TWRP nandroid
I have Titanium backup pro. In it's menu is the option to 'extract from nandroid backup'
the best solution i tested and working just fine