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Nandroid backup and rooting: how?

I would like to root my sensation, but before, I want to backup my stock rom, so, in case of problems, I can go back.
But, if I have understood well, in order to perform a Nandroid backup (with ROM Manager, right?), I need to root my phone: it's completely absurd!
If I root my phone, which backup can I do? The stock Rom will gone away and the guarantee too!
Do I miss something?
Another question: I read about some problems with Rom Manager, which are the other methods to do a nandroid backup?
Thanks and sorry for the noob question, but I am a noob and this is my first android phone.
bye!

you will still have stock roms after you have rooted so this is what you have to make a backup from.
Have no issue with rom manager- dont know where u heard that from.
Dont know of any other method other than nandroid to backup rom etc
u can use titanium backup / my backup for apps etc
hth
j.

Well, if i have understood correctly, I root my phone following the step 3 here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300), then with ROM Manager I make a Nandroid backup and finally, if I want, I can install another ROM, am I right?

If u wanna go back 2 stock that's what the ruu's are for
Sent From My Pocket

Here's a guide created by alphadog32 to go back to your specified ROM and s-off or s-on. 10 people said it worked for them.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1201773

rive-noob said:
Well, if i have understood correctly, I root my phone following the step 3 here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300), then with ROM Manager I make a Nandroid backup and finally, if I want, I can install another ROM, am I right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do a backup before you root
so sequence is (after CWM step is complete)
backup
root
backup (not 100% necessary but saves u having to reroot if u restore a pre root backup)
install custom rom (not necessary - u can stick with stock)
the guide u linked to is great - follow it step by step and u wont go wrong
and enjoy ur unrestricted device

That 'guide' tells you to root but you should only root if you want Stock ROM + Root
If you want a custom ROM (which automatically have root) then you don't need to root your Stock ROM
So you'd want to do this
-Revolutionary- S-OFF > Custom Recovery (but flash it through HBOOT) > Nandroid Backup
Then you have a backup of your stock ROM, unrooted.
You can now manually root your stock ROM if you like.
That 'guide' should really state that root is NOT obligatory if you don't want to stick with your stock ROM.
I've flashed lots and lots of ROMs and played about with my phone so much, but not once have I ever manually rooted.
And don't bother with ROM Manager, just flash the fixed recovery provided in that 'guide' through HBOOT and you should be fine.
All the recovery options, including Nandroid Backup/Restore can be accessed by loading up the bootloader and choosing 'recovery'. No need to do anything through ROM Manager

I want to confirm; we do need to make nandroid for every custom kernal, right? Cause if I remember correctly, if something goes wrong, you cant restore a nandroid that was made from a different kernal than you presently have installed. Correct or incorrect??

asapelectric said:
I want to confirm; we do need to make nandroid for every custom kernal, right? Cause if I remember correctly, if something goes wrong, you cant restore a nandroid that was made from a different kernal than you presently have installed. Correct or incorrect??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone, please?

asapelectric said:
Anyone, please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never read about this anywhere, but I installed InsertCoin hours ago, and got kernel 2.6.35.14
When I restored a nandoird backup, I got again 2.6.25.10.
Maybe those numbers didn't change? I don't really remember, I hardly remember what I ate 10 mins ago xD
Good luck

claudenegm said:
Never read about this anywhere, but I installed InsertCoin hours ago, and got kernel 2.6.35.14
When I restored a nandoird backup, I got again 2.6.25.10.
Maybe those numbers didn't change? I don't really remember, I hardly remember what I ate 10 mins ago xD
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, maybe what Im remembering is, you can't restore a 2.3.3 backup, if you have rom with 2.3.4 installed, for example.

Shouldn't you be able to access nandroid recovery on a stock out of the box sensation by turning off fastboot and holding volume down and power when turning it on?
I tried on a friends stock sensation but it gave me an error and couldn't find a recovery image....

[Q] issue with nand backup

I have a problem with the backup - fails to restore, a backup file looks like this: see attach file
i can't restore this backup,it's tell me "system error".... so i trying open "data.ext4.tar.a" on PC, like you see i try UNYAFFS utility, also fail..
-- note, all "normal" files are empty,i already try change extension to file with data, always the same --- ERROR
any idea?
thanks to all who help

porusski said:
I have a problem with the backup - fails to restore, a backup file looks like this: see attach file
i can't restore this backup,it's tell me "system error".... so i trying open "data.ext4.tar.a" on PC, like you see i try UNYAFFS utility, also fail..
-- note, all "normal" files are empty,i already try change extension to file with data, always the same --- ERROR
any idea?
thanks to all who help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please guys, someone? i have vital data on this backup

have you tried replacing these files by a similar backup? maybe this might work if you use the same rom to get it started again

Starship706 said:
have you tried replacing these files by a similar backup? maybe this might work if you use the same rom to get it started again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm not, i have super brick.... so i just want open those files and get the data

Sorry to hear that...
I guess if you cannot open these files to extract the files you have a big problem. No other backups available like in googlemail?

Unfortunately no

I just saw this. Let me take a good look.
Sent from my SCH-I405 using xda premium
---------- Post added 16th October 2012 at 12:02 AM ---------- Previous post was 15th October 2012 at 11:59 PM ----------
Give me details. What phone and os. Also, why are you restoring from your PC? Can you get your phone into cwm or similar recovery? What started this problem or what was the last thing you did successfully.
Sent from my SCH-I405 using xda premium

Hey, phone was SGS2, i 'm trying restore from PC because i got super brick - my phone is dead, i need replace motherboard.
First i was install stock rom 4.0.4 with Odin, everything worked fine, so i make backup with cwm and install JB 4.1 - non official, also everything worked fine, after this i remembered that i have forgot some files in stock rom,so i make new backup to JB rom and reinstall stock rom from backup that i make before -- until this stage everything fine. Now i wanted return to JB rom and i try flush backup through cwm and i got error - something like "system image error", so i flush it from begining -just clean rom..
After this i remember that i again forgot some files in stock rom, so again, flush stock from backup trough cwm, after i try back to JB rom trough cwm - like in first time,no success, so i try also like in first time - clean install.. in middle of progress phone just shutdown and dead...
Thank for helping
P.S
After first time that i cannot reinstall JB rom trough cwm i thought that backup doesn't performed correctly, so i make new one.. all those file from second backup, the rom was JB 4.1 with Siya kernel

Yeah umm. I think you lost power during your flash at an early state. Could be wrong but how could you flash a Ron and realize you didn't have some files? Was it your own build?
Sent from my SCH-I405 using xda premium

[Q] Summary / Overview - Upgrade to JB

Hi all,
I am farily new to Android and by reading the forum have been able to root and am using ClockWorkMod o my Galaxy Note 10.1 8013. I am pretty happy with all that
So now that JB is out, I went to settings on the Device and did the sofware updated. It download a ~500MB files, then rebooted into CWM which attempted to load the firmware. It then gave me a text error that looked like some code evaluation that was failing (sorry, I did not write it down)
I made backups of my device using CWM, both to the internal card and to the extsdcard. However the external backup failed becuase it could not access /data. I also created an update.zip on the intneral card.
I've read that I *might* be able to upgrade to JB via Kies, but I see a lot of problem posts with this.
So my questions are:
- What is the right/best way to upgrade to JB?
- Do I need to revert to stock firmware first?
- If the Kies process works, will that wipe my data?
- What is the best way to wipe my data and then restore it?
- If I create a full backup using CWM and restore it, does that backup include ICS (hence overwriting JB if I successfully upgrade)?
- I see the term ROM, firmware, OS tossed around alot; I know what these terms mean, but is there any difference, for instance I would think that both CWM and JB are firmware and ROMS and JB is the OS. So when people speak of ROM and firmware what are they really referring to?
- Will I lose all my data and apps and if so what is the best way to back them up and restore them? (I have both the CMW Backup and Titanium backups)
- Is there a cannonical reference for steps like this? It seems like there are alot of questions and suggestions but I cannot find a complete reference.
Thanks in advance. I apologize if this info is readily available in one spot. I've not found it yet.

Jon.Willard said:
Hi all,
So now that JB is out, I went to settings on the Device and did the sofware updated. It download a ~500MB files, then rebooted into CWM which attempted to load the firmware. It then gave me a text error that looked like some code evaluation that was failing (sorry, I did not write it down)
Root phones may fail OTA update .
So my questions are:
- What is the right/best way to upgrade to JB?
Samsung use Kies or OTA
- Do I need to revert to stock firmware first?
No if using Kies .
- If the Kies process works, will that wipe my data?
No
- What is the best way to wipe my data and then restore it?
CWM Recovery format data sd card .
- If I create a full backup using CWM and restore it, does that backup include ICS (hence overwriting JB if I successfully upgrade)?
Backup is whatever you backed up .
- I see the term ROM, firmware, OS tossed around alot; I know what these terms mean, but is there any difference, for instance I would think that both CWM and JB are firmware and ROMS and JB is the OS. So when people speak of ROM and firmware what are they really referring to?
CWM is advanced recovery not firmware .
OS is Android system .
Rom is a firmware of any type .
-
- Is there a cannonical reference for steps like this? It seems like there are alot of questions and suggestions but I cannot find a complete reference.
There are reference posts covering flashing and rooting .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2080366
But as to a full guide no and as 99% refuse to read the basics faqs and guides i would not compile one .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Well what you can do is download the JB stock firmware and then install it using Odin.
I would advice against installing OTA using CWM it is not a safe method.
Both the download link and tutorial can be found on the links in my signature

Thanks guys, this helped a lot
I used Kies to get JB installed, that wiped CWM and Root, so I just redid that process (a lot easier this time). So it seems like the 'Recovery mode' is a special boot firmware that can be used to load other firmware. So what I did was, downloaded and installed the new JB OS firmware which put the stock Recovery firmware back in place, upgrade the OS and left all my apps and data alone. Then I used ODIN to load the CWM firmware and then I applied the root software from the zip file. Sound like an accurate summary?
How does the root software actually work? I am familiar with froot on Unix but this seems different.

[Q] Will the EFS partition remain untouched when installing a new stock based rom?

Dear all.
I know I messed up. I've been reading forum threads for months. So I thought nothing could go wrong. First flash compatible CWM, create nandroid backup, flash root.zip from recovery, boot into android, install any root explorer to copy the efs partition contents, backup EFS partition if any current app is compatibl with froyo, then back to recovery to install the rom, etc, etc. Piece of cake.
But I messed up. I should have Odin flashed the PDA file for my BK1 froyo rom locked by Movistar. But I could not find it after many unsuccesfull searches on Google and XDA and a few dozen links to megaupload, so I used a KB3 version instead. Being so close KB1 ad KB3 I believed it would work just to boot android and would probably exhibit erratic or bad begaviour on radios or side stuff I really did not care abour since I want that stock rom out of my phone.
Big mistake. Now I have a working recovery and a nandroid backup after that, but the rom will show the boot movistar logo then reboot. I cannot get to partially working android so I can proceed with the EFS backup with the supposedly newly aquired root access. Any suggestions to get that EFS backup from recovery?
I tried searching but looks like neither ADB or anything esoteric would help. I feel like the only way to go is just a working rom compatible with the CWM I have. So here is the question. Can I install another froyo rom with certainty it won't touch the EFS partition?
If so, I can proceed with the ROM flash, then backup EFS and move on. If not, Is there any other way to backup the EFS?
I believe CM11 installation saves EFS partition then restores it somehow. But I've seen too manny threads and cries regarding EFS, IMEI and basebands to let it go so easily.
Please, do not spank me too heavily if you manage to get better search results. I promise I used the search button a lot.
Thanks a lot!
[EDITED]: Better english and typo correction.

I just noticed there is an option on Odin 1.85 that apparently confirms my conclusions ("Phone EFS Clear" checkbox), but I cannot afford another mistake. If I am wrong the IMEI would be lost and the smartphone becomes an ipod.

Acording to this thread, I can flash any rom that does no repartition as CM does.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2329937&highlight=efs
Am I understanding it right?
IMEI is stored in the EFS partition of your device and it is unique for each and every device. IMEI is important and so is the EFS partition on your phone. Whenever you flash any custom rom, the efs partition is never touched and is always present on the device unlike the SYSTEM and KERNEL partition which vary with firmwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

maksimus0021 gently provided me with KB3 rar file, but I still feel I am missing something. Wouldn't repartition in ODIN delete my EFS partition?

Just to give this thread closure.
I did not follow the instructions to reflash stock and only flahed the PDA from stock. EFS is not touched at all and my IMEI is still in place.

Just to give this thread closure.
I did not follow the instructions to reflash stock and only flahed the PDA from stock. EFS is not touched at all and my IMEI is still in place.

N8000: No IMEI, no EFS Backup but EFS folder with some files

Hello everyone,
I apologize in advance for my English, but it isn't my native language.
I've a N8000 tablet and 2 days ago I wanted to flash Gnabo Rom V8 because I love new launcher, Air Command and new things of Tab S and new Note devices, even if I had Stock 4.4.2 ROM. So the first thing I did was put TWRP Recovery using Odin, and when I rebooted my Note (before install Gnabo Rom), a ban symbol appeared in notification bar, with "No service" instead of "Emergency calls only". I did some researches and I known that is the IMEI number which was deleted. However, I wiped cache, dalvik, data and system, I flashed Gnabo Rom and now I have a tablet with a beautiful system, with wifi, bluetooth, but without imei. So I can't put the sim there to call and use internet because the tablet don't recognize it.
I haven't any backup of EFS folder, I'm very worried, but with a Root file explorer I known that I have a efs folder with some files like mac address, wifi, bluetooth codes etc. I also have a IMEI folder with a "empty" file (mps_code.dat): if I open it with a text editor it says only "ITV" without any imei.
I know a friend who have the same tablet model, so can I put his IMEI file to my tablet and modify it with my original imei (at the back of my tablet)? Or can I modify my imei file with my original imei?
What can I do?
Thanks in advance,
Giorgio.

Modify IMEI is not allowed on XDA .
Suggest first you try flashing a stock rom .
Fails see multiple identical EFS/ IMEI posts on xda .

JJEgan said:
Modify IMEI is not allowed on XDA .
Suggest first you try flashing a stock rom .
Fails see multiple identical EFS/ IMEI posts on xda .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any imei, i don't modify mine but only try to repair this problem writing it in a empty file (mps_code.dat). Is it the file which contains imei or another?
However, later I will install stock 4.4.2 rom to try to restore imei.
Thanks for informations,
Giorgio.

Hi everyone,
I searched similar posts on xda and I known that the inexistent imei is due to flash a twrp recovery bigger than 8mb. So tomorrow I will try to install stock 4.4.2 and a smaller recovery (old version of twrp) with a original modem.
I hope well.
Thanks,
Giorgio.

Hi everyone,
I searched similar posts on xda and I known that the inexistent imei is due to flash a twrp recovery bigger than 8mb. So tomorrow I will try to install stock 4.4.2 and a smaller recovery (old version of twrp) with a original modem.
I hope well.
Thanks,
Giorgio.
EDIT: Sorry for the same post, but I haven't a stable internet connection now.

radiogiorgio said:
Hi everyone,
I searched similar posts on xda and I known that the inexistent imei is due to flash a twrp recovery bigger than 8mb. So tomorrow I will try to install stock 4.4.2 and a smaller recovery (old version of twrp) with a original modem.
I hope well.
Thanks,
Giorgio.
EDIT: Sorry for the same post, but I haven't a stable internet connection now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, it should work in my case it did

domi.nos said:
Trust me, it should work in my case it did
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
Yes it worked! Today I flashed stock rom 4.4.2 with original modem (and recovery) and now I have imei. The problem is when I flash Gnabo Rom: tablet goes on bootloop. I think is an older TWRP recovery. Later I will install a CWM based recovery and I will try to install Tab S Sensation (I like it more than Gnabo).

radiogiorgio said:
Hello,
Yes it worked! Today I flashed stock rom 4.4.2 with original modem (and recovery) and now I have imei. The problem is when I flash Gnabo Rom: tablet goes on bootloop. I think is an older TWRP recovery. Later I will install a CWM based recovery and I will try to install Tab S Sensation (I like it more than Gnabo).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, I'm facing the same issue with Android 12L, I wonder where did you get the rom 4.4.2 with original modem and older TWRP. Any link for download and other for how to procedure a downgrade? Thanks.

TWRP on twrp.me
Firmware sammobile updato.com and many other sites .

Thanks. For those that are trying to download in 2023 the Kitkat 4.4.2 for free because sammobile is paid or other need login or premium status (paid) I got it from samfw.com No payment and no registration needed.