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[Q] Best method for backing up?

So my stock Infuse 4G is now Infused 2.1 and I LOVE it. So happy with the change. With that said, what is the number one BEST option to backup the phone in case I do anything stupid? I'm usually very thorough but sometimes I act too quickly.
I'm assuming booting in Recovery and doing the backup there is a good step, is there anything better? Never used Titanium but I see it mentioned a good deal but it seems that you can use it for some things yet not others. I just want a verified safe and secure method.
Also, another question if I may. Since I didn't do any type of backup to begin with, is it safe to assume I can't get back to Froyo at this point? Not that I really want to but I'd like to know either way.
Thanks!

Kadin said:
So my stock Infuse 4G is now Infused 2.1 and I LOVE it. So happy with the change. With that said, what is the number one BEST option to backup the phone in case I do anything stupid? I'm usually very thorough but sometimes I act too quickly.
I'm assuming booting in Recovery and doing the backup there is a good step, is there anything better? Never used Titanium but I see it mentioned a good deal but it seems that you can use it for some things yet not others. I just want a verified safe and secure method.
Also, another question if I may. Since I didn't do any type of backup to begin with, is it safe to assume I can't get back to Froyo at this point? Not that I really want to but I'd like to know either way.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get back to Froyo but not without wiping your data.
Nandroid backups (from Recovery) can restore your phone to an EXACT state - apps, data, and ROM.
TiBu is fairly flexible and, for example, can take all of your installed apps, back them up along with their data, and restore the missing apps when you switch ROMs. (Be EXTREMELY careful restoring system data or data for non-missing apps - 90% of the time it will break.)
I use Call Logs Backup and Restore and SMS Backup and Restore to back up what TiBu can't

Ok so if I simply want to make one big global backup, the Nandroid backup is a good way to go? I'm not too concerned with backing up stuff individually, more of a 'once a month' type of backup so if something disastrous happens, I can get back to a working state.
Also, if I were to do something that maybe caused a boot loop or some other type of bricked scenario, what is the process for restoring the backup? As in, how do you get back into the Recovery option if you can't boot into the OS to begin with?

Kadin said:
Ok so if I simply want to make one big global backup, the Nandroid backup is a good way to go? I'm not too concerned with backing up stuff individually, more of a 'once a month' type of backup so if something disastrous happens, I can get back to a working state.
Also, if I were to do something that maybe caused a boot loop or some other type of bricked scenario, what is the process for restoring the backup? As in, how do you get back into the Recovery option if you can't boot into the OS to begin with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For that, you have the Ultimate brick solution though I've never had the need to try it.
I've been switching roms quite a bit lately. For each and everytime I :
(1) Do a Tibu backup of all system and apps
(2) Do a Nandroid backup (either from red cwm or from ROM mgr)
The Tibu is the logical backup while the Nandroid is the physical image backup.
So far, I've gone to Serendipity (too many issues) back to my trusted 1.6 without much effort. The Nandroid restore is initially not 100%, some of my shortcuts like gosms and my unlocker setup was messed up. But then I'll go into Tibu, check to see what apps are missing and just restore those. In my case, after restoring gosms and reboot, all is good. I think the apps that have a system equivalent, will need to be restored individually.
However, that said, I haven't been too successful with Tibu on restoring *all* apps installed under Froyo (Infused 1.6) to GB (S7). This is even with the pro's automated method. This is likely so because those apps don't work well with GB and nothing to do with Tibu.

I've been using Titanium Backup for over a year. Third different phone, and maybe 30 different ROM's. I've never had a problem what so ever. Just remember rule #1, when switching ROM's with TitBU... restore "missing apps and data" ONLY! And you'll be fine.

Jep56 said:
I've been using Titanium Backup for over a year. Third different phone, and maybe 30 different ROM's. I've never had a problem what so ever. Just remember rule #1, when switching ROM's with TitBU... restore "missing apps and data" ONLY! And you'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I second this. Moved between multiple phones, and hard-to-count number of roms, and TiBu was always there to help me out

CM9 constant reboot. Help restore phone

I followed the instructions exactly on this page: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1663169
CM9 seemed to work fine for a while. I installed Titanium Backup and brought back my apps and just a bit of system data (contacts, voicemail, texts, etc). After I had restored those things, it said it suggested a reboot. I did that, but now it just reboots over and over. I can't get in to the OS for more than a few seconds before it reboots again. Help please!
As that thread specifies, I have a MX2 from CSpire. For now I don't care so much about getting CM9 working as just getting my phone back to a working state. I have both a nandroid and titanium backup on the sd card. I just need very specific instructions on how to get back to the way it was (2.3.6) given that I can't get in to the OS.
Edit: Pulling the battery doesn't resolve anything

Does it let you stay in long enough to remove the app/settings you restored? Are you able to get into recovery mode at all?
If you can get into recovery you might first want to try Fix Permissions and see how that works. If this does not solve it then consider doing a factory wipe and start restoring your apps/settings again one by one and rebooting in between until you get to the particular one that started your reboot problem.
What ROM were you on prior to CM9? Although they should be largely universal sometimes there are some slight changes in custom ROMs that might work well in many other ROMs but not in a select few. Other times it is an app that is not compatible.
The post below might be of some help since your phone seems to have a different method of getting into recovery than what I have dealt with so far.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/member.php?u=4395758

Factory Restore DX2
This might help. It's a factory restore, like you just bought it. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1317707

After much sweat, tears, and button pressing, I have gotten it back to stock CM9 and it seems to be behaving as expected. I am going to install apps one by one and reboot between every install. Hopefully I'll find the culprit soon enough.

Starting Over after TWRP and Rooting

I installed TWRP, then rooted 10.4.2.18.
I need to start over as well, between the random app loading, gestures and stop, I think from scratch would be nice.
Can I do a factory data reset?
I have a backup from TWRP but I didn't label it very clearly and I'm not sure what it is.
It's unlocked and rooted - by doing the reset I'm assuming I'll loose it the root - am I correct?.

OK, so I asked what:
1. the wrong forum?
2. The wrong site?
3. Worded it wrong?
4. Too noob?
I could go on. Over a 100 people looked and NO-one can even point me to the right place if it's been answered before, or have an answer!?

RBraverman said:
OK, so I asked what:
1. the wrong forum?
2. The wrong site?
3. Worded it wrong?
4. Too noob?
I could go on. Over a 100 people looked and NO-one can even point me to the right place if it's been answered before, or have an answer!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try factory data reset from settings app if you like. It is a variable on what you will loose and gain. It is a good place to start. Don't do wipe from the bootloader menu or wipes formats from twrp.
Note: Some wipes and formats can be used in twrp in the case where you will flash a rom after, when flashing stock it seldom helps.
Note: Twrp allows you to choose the name for your backup
You can also flash any of the asus stock firmware but you will have stock recovery (instead of twrp), probably loose root, and all of your apps and data.
My choice for best asus stock firmware is 10.4.2.18. It is not best for everyone but I like it.
Good Luck!
Sorry I didn't notice your post. For everyone else I'm sure they didn't wish to deliver such iffy information.

For future reference, a factory reset will take your ROM back to the point of a fresh install. You will lose all data that has been added since first flashing your ROM. If you were running a custom rooted ROM then you will not lose root. If you go back and flash a non-rooted ROM then you WILL lose root.
If you have data that you need to keep, I recommend using an app like Titanium Backup. Go in and choose to do a batch backup up all your apps. Once you have done a factory reset, you can sign back into Google Play and download Titanium. You can then go in and restore the apps you want. I don't recommend installing all of those apps with their data. Titanium gives you multiple options on how and what you want to restore. Only install the individual app data that you must to have. Usually, I'll restore all of my apps with no data at all. I will then go back in and individually restore the app data that I need.
If changing a ROM, restoring app data for all of your apps can have adverse side effects. That is why I say to only install what you need. Hope this helps. :good:

the best way to start from scratch is do a factory reset then use fastboot to upgrade you're firmware

tobdaryl said:
You can try factory data reset from settings app if you like. It is a variable on what you will loose and gain. It is a good place to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I wanted to know - and do - but I wasn't sure what was replaced when I loaded twrp.
tobdaryl said:
Don't do wipe from the bootloader menu or wipes formats from twrp.
Note: Some wipes and formats can be used in twrp in the case where you will flash a rom after, when flashing stock it seldom helps.
Note: Twrp allows you to choose the name for your backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did label them, I backed it up - I think - right after I installed twrp and rooted it, ( I usually do ) but I'm not 100% sure so I didn't want to try and screw it up.
tobdaryl said:
You can also flash any of the asus stock firmware but you will have stock recovery (instead of twrp), probably loose root, and all of your apps and data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm generally not too concerned about loosing stuff, as long as I know WHAT I lost, so I can replace.
tobdaryl said:
My choice for best asus stock firmware is 10.4.2.18. It is not best for everyone but I like it.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Checked and that's what I'm on and so far happy with it.
I un-installed a ton of apps, while I was waiting for an answer, and the thing doesn't seem possessed any more, so I'm adding them back in one at a time giving each 2-3 days.
tobdaryl said:
Sorry I didn't notice your post. For everyone else I'm sure they didn't wish to deliver such iffy information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ABSOLUTELY no reason for an appology. I'd done a search and not come up with anything I could use, and couldn't believe no-one had done this before.

Everything sounds good.
I need to give you one piece of info.
The only thing flashing twrp replaces is stock recovery. Everything else remains the same.
Good Luck!

tobdaryl said:
Everything sounds good.
I need to give you one piece of info.
The only thing flashing twrp replaces is stock recovery. Everything else remains the same.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BUT when you do a data backup and reset, doesn't the system draw FROM the "stock" recovery?

RBraverman said:
BUT when you do a data backup and reset, doesn't the system draw FROM the "stock" recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are talking about backup with twrp, by default system, emmc, and data are backed up.
Reset erases user apps and data; all basic data would need to be entered as if you had just purchased the unit.

tobdaryl said:
If you are talking about backup with twrp, by default system, emmc, and data are backed up.
Reset erases user apps and data; all basic data would need to be entered as if you had just purchased the unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OH! I was under the impression that it read an image from to the boot parition/recovery partition and wrote that. NOW I get it.
THANK you.
Last question - If I do this (installed es file manager last night and the bloody thing wild), is root.signed.zip still good for rooting this? It's unlocked and 10.4.2.18.

RBraverman said:
OH! I was under the impression that it read an image from to the boot parition/recovery partition and wrote that. NOW I get it.
THANK you.
Last question - If I do this (installed es file manager last night and the bloody thing wild), is root.signed.zip still good for rooting this? It's unlocked and 10.4.2.18.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use es file manager for working with both sdcards. I have used it since I received this tablet and find it very useful. Maybe uninstall and reinstall. For a root browser I use rom toolbox pro.
I have not used root.signed.zip but downloading and looking at the installation I don't find a problem. I'd say try it.

wetbiker7 said:
For future reference, a factory reset will take your ROM back to the point of a fresh install. You will lose all data that has been added since first flashing your ROM. If you were running a custom rooted ROM then you will not lose root. If you go back and flash a non-rooted ROM then you WILL lose root.
If you have data that you need to keep, I recommend using an app like Titanium Backup. Go in and choose to do a batch backup up all your apps. Once you have done a factory reset, you can sign back into Google Play and download Titanium. You can then go in and restore the apps you want. I don't recommend installing all of those apps with their data. Titanium gives you multiple options on how and what you want to restore. Only install the individual app data that you must to have. Usually, I'll restore all of my apps with no data at all. I will then go back in and individually restore the app data that I need.
If changing a ROM, restoring app data for all of your apps can have adverse side effects. That is why I say to only install what you need. Hope this helps. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just saw your post - don't know where I went ...
I do not have a custom ROM, so what you are saying is no matter how I start over, I'm going to have to re-install TWRP, re-root it and ad apps - correct? It seems to me that settings|backup and reset, I'll leave TWRP intact just reset.
OK, I'm somewhat screwed I think - if anyone's out there (sorry pretty frustrated), I cleaned the D-Cache and the cahe, better but not good. Then a settings|reset and the from within the OS and the same problem does what it wants when it wants, opens programs (usually google voice), pops up the window to set wallpaper, freezes etc. Then I restored a backup from early January from WITHIN TWRP, and cleaned the caches - same. Restored another and cleaned same. I have cleaned the system, as I cannot see/figure out which clean rom custom I can use on this, as I think that might be my only hope. Other than tossing in the junk pile as it's unusable like this.
Whatever is going on is IN the system, which leads me to a custom rom as my only possible salvation - (think I just said that, hum).
Any ideas?

requesting assistance when trying to restore a nandroid backup

i have made maybe six nandroids in the past two weeks, and pretty much only two of them actually restore properly within TWRP. the other four will go through the motions but generally take only between 90-120 seconds, whereas the two that work will take 180+ seconds to restore.
i don't get an error from the four that don't restore (it says "success!" or whatever), but when i go to reboot system, it says i have no OS installed. does anyone know what's going on with this? i did not change the naming convention of the folders, nor did i create the nandroid backups any differently on any of them.
actually, one of the four will reboot but not get past the Samsung Galaxy SIII screen, before rebooting back into TWRP. not sure what's going on with that one either.
any thoughts are most appreciated. thanks!

frescagod said:
i have made maybe six nandroids in the past two weeks, and pretty much only two of them actually restore properly within TWRP. the other four will go through the motions but generally take only between 90-120 seconds, whereas the two that work will take 180+ seconds to restore.
i don't get an error from the four that don't restore (it says "success!" or whatever), but when i go to reboot system, it says i have no OS installed. does anyone know what's going on with this? i did not change the naming convention of the folders, nor did i create the nandroid backups any differently on any of them.
actually, one of the four will reboot but not get past the Samsung Galaxy SIII screen, before rebooting back into TWRP. not sure what's going on with that one either.
any thoughts are most appreciated. thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try cwm, I don't know about twrp, but that never happened to me on cwm.

dragon1357 said:
Try cwm, I don't know about twrp, but that never happened to me on cwm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is it okay to just flash CWM over TWRP in ODIN?

frescagod said:
is it okay to just flash CWM over TWRP in ODIN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there would be any problems, but I think just follow the instructions on cwm thread should be fine.

[Q] Stuck on bootloader after battery drained

Last night I was out and my battery drained and phone shut off. When I got to the car and put it to charge the phone got stuck in the loading screen for a long time. I power cycled and nothing. I booted up to TWRP and wiped cache and the phone booted and got to the updating apps part and at the end it got stuck in the starting app part and never finished booting.
I'm on stock 4.4.2 and rooted. I was using faux's mainline kernel and had been running the latest version for a few days already.
I've tried a few things to try to get it working. I flashed the stock kernel back again and that didn't work. I also flashed the stock system image but nothing. I've been searching al morning for a fix. If possible, I would like to fix it without having to lose all my data.
Here is a logcat as well. http://pastebin.com/UYn9Z3Ja

This might sound too simple, but have you tried holding the power button for 30 seconds and letting it boot
Sent from my Nexus 5

Yea. I've power cycled it a few times and just let it sit there for long periods of time to see if it boots and it doesn't go past the boot animation. Only time it goes past it is when I wipe cache and after that it get stuck on starting apps.

I'm afraid your going to have to factory reset it. This is kind of a pita, but in recovery adb pull your /sdcard to your pc. Then afterwards adb push it back. That'll save your data. You'll probably have to flash the factory image and then reinstall twrp too.
Sent from my Nexus 5

I was afraid that it may come to that. In regards to my data. I made a TWRP backup earlier. Can I restore any of it after I do the factory reset?,

JayBachatero said:
I was afraid that it may come to that. In regards to my data. I made a TWRP backup earlier. Can I restore any of it after I do the factory reset?,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure but only users apps and data, no system apps.

JayBachatero said:
I was afraid that it may come to that. In regards to my data. I made a TWRP backup earlier. Can I restore any of it after I do the factory reset?,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can but maybe the cause of the ''not booting issue'' will be in that already

JayBachatero said:
I was afraid that it may come to that. In regards to my data. I made a TWRP backup earlier. Can I restore any of it after I do the factory reset?,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore one of your nandroids afterwards no problem
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

Thanks for the responses. I'll give this a try and report back later.

JayBachatero said:
Thanks for the responses. I'll give this a try and report back later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pulling and pushing the sd card will take along time. Probably 30 minutes each way or longer depending on how much stuff you have on it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

Oh that I know. Part of the reason why I was avoiding the full wipe. I have the about 24gigs to pull/push

JayBachatero said:
Oh that I know. Part of the reason why I was avoiding the full wipe. I have the about 24gigs to pull/push
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grab a beer and get comfortable
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727