Database Info

General Question

I have a general question about the AT&T apps that I uninstalled via Titanium Backup. I used Titanium Backup to first backup and then uninstall all the AT&T bloatware apps. I thought the purpose of backing them up first was so they could be reinstalled at some point. But now I find out that the backups made by titanium backup are basically worthless since I uninstalled the original apps. Now I have to try and find the apk files for all those apps if I want to reinstall them.
Is all this correct? Or is there some way to reinstall from the backup files that were saved. If not, what would be the purpose of backing them up first?

On a "normal" android device, Titanium Backup works perfectly to backup your apps and system data. But on a locked down AT&T device its only really good for removing apps after you root the phone. There is a fix that lets you install 3rd party apps but I'm not sure if that includes factory apps (my guess would be no). On a regular Android phone you can download files in your phones browser and use a program like Astro file manager to find them and install them from your SD card. So we are basically waiting for custom roms and hacks to give us the most basic Android functionality. Not cool.

Yes, I know about the AT&T lock down, and I have done the settings.db mod to get non market apps to install.
I guess my question was more about titanium backup. On several threads in here about removing AT&T bloatware using titanium they always said "make sure you back them up before uninstalling them." So I did back them up. I was thinking that the backup was so after we uninstall them, we could later re-install them if we changed our minds. But this is not the case. If you back them up, then use titanium backup to uninstall them, the backups are worthless. The only way to reinstall them is to find the apk file and then reinstall them that way.
So whats the use of backing them up before uninstalling them? And where can we find the apk's for reinstalling them if we need to return our phone for servicing? All of this should have been discussed before offering directions on how to get the bloatware off. I'm pretty new to android so I had no clue that once gone you can't get those apps back. Thats all I was saying; wondering if that is correct.

really? i had no idea, ill fix the guides.

systoxity said:
really? i had no idea, ill fix the guides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know what the current guides say, I got my captivate on the 18th and there were several threads then about how to use Ti-backup to remove bloatware.
Its not the end of the world, the full one-click odin flash back to stock is available.
I was just rooting around inside the .tar.gz files that titanium backup creates last night. Discovered that there's no apk file hidden in there. Got me wondering whats the sense in backing up before uninstalling since now those backups are good for nothing. When I go into Ti-backup now and go to restore, the att apps are gone completely from the list.

I think people were just saying to do a backup because thats what they were used to doing on other devices. It may be able to restore everything once a custom Captivate rom comes out. You could try asking all the guys that flashed the i-9000 roms if they had any luck with it. I used it to delete wallpapers and such that were stock on my nexus one and it saved them....but my Nexus didn't have any bloatware to delete and restore so....

big99gt said:
I think people were just saying to do a backup because thats what they were used to doing on other devices. It may be able to restore everything once a custom Captivate rom comes out. You could try asking all the guys that flashed the i-9000 roms if they had any luck with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I've downloaded the Odin 1-click factory restore thing and got it saved on my computer just in case.
I'm ready for some custom ROMs, I've thought about trying putting that I-9000 ROM on my phone, but it seems like a lot of work for little or no gain. I've got my phone rooted, did the settings.db mod, uninstalled all the att bloatware, got launcher pro on it; so it runs pretty well. I dont really see a need to put the I-9000 2.1 rom on it, with how much trouble it is to get on. Now if it was 2.2 or if it fixed the crappy GPS I'd jump all over it.

derek4484 said:
I dont know what the current guides say, I got my captivate on the 18th and there were several threads then about how to use Ti-backup to remove bloatware.
Its not the end of the world, the full one-click odin flash back to stock is available.
I was just rooting around inside the .tar.gz files that titanium backup creates last night. Discovered that there's no apk file hidden in there. Got me wondering whats the sense in backing up before uninstalling since now those backups are good for nothing. When I go into Ti-backup now and go to restore, the att apps are gone completely from the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do a backup & then uninstall, it's not gone from the list. You can find them at the bottom of the list.
From what OP is saying im guessing TB isn't letting people restore from a backup?

I'm the type who waits for something to be tested and proven before I'll try it lol. My phone runs well enough and I'm not willing to risk crashing my daily driver. I think the headaches just aren't worth it. But I am grateful to all the other guys in these forums dealing with those headaches so they can try new things and learn more about our phones. Eventually they'll get it....and I'll read a forum post about a total noob (even worst than me) installing a rom or fix effortlessly on the first try...and I'll jump right on it lol. I'm not going near the i-9000 stuff for now...no proven gains and so far every version has lost functionality somewhere along the line....but it makes for good reading

systoxity said:
If you do a backup & then uninstall, it's not gone from the list. You can find them at the bottom of the list.
From what OP is saying im guessing TB isn't letting people restore from a backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, the uninstalled programs still show up at the bottom of the list, but if you click on it, the options are Backup, Freeze, Uninstall (dont know why, because its already been uninstalled). There is no restore or re-install.
That was my point, Ti-backup lets you uninstall an app, but it wont reinstall it from a backup that you make using it.

I backed up all the crapware just as advised. But now I cant reinstall them using TB. Please devs help us what happened to our TB crapware backups. I need them to update the phone. That seems the only way the jh7 would install
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

It seems to me that there are a lot of bugs in the Captivate, even with the new GPS Update available. I have held off buying the Captivate (I want it alot!).
So I watch these and other boards to see when AT&T comes out with a Captivate that actually works to most everyone's satisfaction. (I am struggling to keep my Tilt ! alive for a little longer.)
Keep up the great work you first adopters. Its valuable to guys like me who are second adopters!
Thanks,
Dickr

Now that I rooted...

I rooted my phone using SuperoneClick for mac/linux, and it was very simple. It said my phone was rebooting and that my phone was rooted.
Now what do I do? What can I do with rooting? I don't see any difference on the mainscreen. What I did was went to look at my applications and realized I have "SuperUser" now.
When I click that, I have LOG, Apps, and settings, the only thing listed is settings. How can I remove certain bloatware that I don't need?

Get titanium backup so you can uninstall bloatware- if you pay $6 you can freeze the bloatware instead of removing it completely.

A program like Root Explorer can help you get rid of the bloatware as well. Just navigate to System/APP and delete what you don't want. Just be carefull not to delete the wrong software, I think there is a list in one of the threads here of what is safe to get rid of.

Yeah, just get an App manager that uses root access (I use Anttek App Manager). You can either freeze such apps or delete them entirely. You can also change CPU speed, and eventually upgrade to CM7 when it's released, and quite a few other things!
Before doing anything though, I'd recommend backup up your phone with Rom Manager.

Okay, so your steps should be this....
First download ROM manager to back up my system?
Then I download app manager so I can freeze/delete? Freezing might be safer for a newb like me.

that is what I did

I backed up the phone using ROM manager, but where can I find where that backup is to make sure I did it successfuly?

If you are thinking about getting into some serious tinkering, custom ROMs, Kernels, etc. You will probably want to use the NVFlash method to load in clockwork recovery. This method and a good backup of your system should help bail you out of the most circumstances.

Yes, but I'm not sure where to find the backup? I want to make sure the backup was successful. Please someone help

Backups will be found in the clockworkmod/backups folder. Check there to make sure u are doing it right and have a backup.
What can you do with root? As a beginner I would recommend you go slow:
1- Install interesting apps that require root: http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/07/13/8-great-apps-every-rooted-android-user-should-know-about/
2- Learn how to make and restore nandroid backups w/ Clockworkmod Recovery.
3- Freeze bloatware with Titanium Backup Pro.
4- Eventually get to flashing custom ROMs once we get some !

Backup should be on your external sd card in a folder called clockworkmod/backup
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

I backed it up, went to clockworkmod and my backup, but it doesn't say anything when I click it, neither does it show up in the manage and restore backup

bump, anyone?

try again?

Mikeglongo said:
I rooted my phone using SuperoneClick for mac/linux, and it was very simple. It said my phone was rebooting and that my phone was rooted.
Now what do I do? What can I do with rooting? I don't see any difference on the mainscreen. What I did was went to look at my applications and realized I have "SuperUser" now.
When I click that, I have LOG, Apps, and settings, the only thing listed is settings. How can I remove certain bloatware that I don't need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would you do this to your phone and have no idea what it does or how to take advantage of it?
that's like hotflashing a bios just because it sounds cool.

I'm new to it and want to freeze bloatware? And plus, I can google on how to do stuff and "take advantage" of it =) Thanks

And I just made a back-up and that one is not showing up, gave it a name and everything, would the best thing to do is to uninstall rom manager and install it?

Mikeglongo said:
I'm new to it and want to freeze bloatware? And plus, I can google on how to do stuff and "take advantage" of it =) Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that sound like an easy way to get in over your head

rofl, i still can't get even make a backup, i tried making the back-up twice, and it's showing me the first one, but when I go to manage/restore, it doesn't come up

Do u have an sdcard mounted? If not u need one.

How do YOU restore your apps and settings?

I am currently using titanium backup which I'm assuming most of you do as well, however its a quite tedious process restoring all my apps, it asks me individually to install every app which takes a very long time depending on how many apps you are restoring.
With the developing section constantly streaming new updates and roms, how does one keep up with the restoring? I must be missing something here, do you guys all have to install your restored apps one by one?
There must be a simpler way right? I know that if you dont do a full wipe that your apps and settings stay but i find myself switching roms alot which do require full wipes.

If your rooted and buy titanium it will reinstall your apps without going one by one.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda premium

runderekrun said:
If your rooted and buy titanium it will reinstall your apps without going one by one.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick response, I did not know that I will get the paid version asap!

I have had Titanium Pro for a couple years. When you backup apps do you just choose non system apps?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

I've been using Titanium and as a complete system that backs up settings for apps as well as the app itself, it's pretty awesome.
However there are times (like immediately after flashing a new rom) when you have nothing extra installed but a file manager and you want to install just the app of something from your sdcard without having to re-download from Google Play. For this, I have used and app available on Google Play called "Android Assistant" that has a reasonably simple back up that will backup just the apks of installed apps. It installs it in a directory "AndroidAssistant_appbackup" in the root directory of the sdcard. Using a File Manager you can easily go into there and install backed up apps.
If you use Titanium, you seem to have to use Titanium itself to restore stuff.

Titanium Backup Pro and SMS Backup and Restore do the trick for me. They are both very quick processes, so once you get the hang of it youll have no hesitations in switching ROMs constantly. Flash ROM, let it boot, go through the setup real quick, connect your google/email/facebook and whatnot, restore apps from TB, and restore texts, all takes less than 10 minutes.
Sent from my Sensation 4G using XDA

whats the simplest option for non rooted phones to back up the entire phone/data ? are there any apps that will create a full image that you can restore at a later date ?

chriskinetic said:
whats the simplest option for non rooted phones to back up the entire phone/data ? are there any apps that will create a full image that you can restore at a later date ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are looking for clockwork mode, backup and restore - but unless you are prepared to root this isn't possible. Why would anyone want to stay rooted? Stock ROM is really, really poor.

I back up my apps using this tool...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1448239
It's free and downloadable right from XDA.
It makes a single flashable zip file with all of your downloaded apps in it. (I don't think it backs up system apps)
When you install a new ROM you simply flash the zip and boom...all your apps are back.
The drawback is that it doesn't save app data. For that I use Titanium free version. Reinstalling data takes about 2 seconds per app instead of 30 seconds per app to reinstall the entire thing.
The whole process of putting apps and data back into a new ROM takes about 10-15 minutes.

I prefer Mybackup Pro, backs up apps and their data, sms & mms. Call log, settings and even how your homescreen setup. Been using it for about a year now and it's awesome.
Google Play Link

Is there a way to backup apps' data on non-rooted system?
Every application witch I saw backups only .apks, none of them saves application's data, I don't even know if it's possible?

WereWolf_PL said:
Is there a way to backup apps' data on non-rooted system?
Every application witch I saw backups only .apks, none of them saves application's data, I don't even know if it's possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many apps have a built in back up system that will let you do this.
For example, Go Launcher lets you back up your Go Launcher settings to a file it stores on the SD Card.
If you have to do a factory reset at some point and need to reinstall Go Launcher from scratch you can install it then simply restore your saved settings. Works like a charm. I'd say about 10% of the apps I use have this feature.
However, if you're talking about being able to back up every app and all its data and restore it....then no. You can't do that when not rooted.
Now if you don't want to root because you like your stock set up the way it is, you should know that you can root your phone without changing anything about the stock interface. You'll just have the ability to do more complete back ups, modifications to settings etc.
(Though fair warning, if you do root it, you won't stop with just doing backups. You'll get carried away like the rest of us and start tweaking EVERYTHING. But that's cool too.)

chrisrj28 said:
I prefer Mybackup Pro, backs up apps and their data, sms & mms. Call log, settings and even how your homescreen setup. Been using it for about a year now and it's awesome.
Google Play Link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just what im looking for , thank you

Skipjacks said:
Many apps have a built in back up system that will let you do this.
For example, Go Launcher lets you back up your Go Launcher settings to a file it stores on the SD Card.
If you have to do a factory reset at some point and need to reinstall Go Launcher from scratch you can install it then simply restore your saved settings. Works like a charm. I'd say about 10% of the apps I use have this feature.
However, if you're talking about being able to back up every app and all its data and restore it....then no. You can't do that when not rooted.
Now if you don't want to root because you like your stock set up the way it is, you should know that you can root your phone without changing anything about the stock interface. You'll just have the ability to do more complete back ups, modifications to settings etc.
(Though fair warning, if you do root it, you won't stop with just doing backups. You'll get carried away like the rest of us and start tweaking EVERYTHING. But that's cool too.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I know that some applications have backup options, but I was hopping that there's an easier way to backup more important apps, or actually its data.
I also know what rooting means, and I'm not going to end at backups
Actually, I like stock firmware for now, don't need to change that, I just want to root for some more advanced options, additional software that needs root access, and maybe to remove, or at least freeze some unnecessary apps.
P.S. I'm actually a little disappointed about HTCdev web page. I was almost sure, that I can unlock bootloader and root the system without factory reset. I read all the info, and warnings on HTCdev.com, and nowhere, NOWHERE was written that to unlock bootloader you need to factory reset your device.
I went through all the steps, and on the last one, where I had a choice to flash, or to abort, was mentioned that flashing will do factory reset. The worst thing is that the steps shows up one after another, I couldn't even read the last one before sending the unlock code to HTC. So now - even when I didn't unlock my device, they have info that I wanted to do this, and my warranty is voided (or at least partially voided).

TiBu Restore Question

I apologize if this is the inappropriate forum since it's in regards to a single app. I'm brand new to Android and rooting in general. I have flashed by phone to Synergy ROM and wanted to restore my apps & data using TiBu. I had rooted my phone and set all my backups with TiBu, IMEI, and CMW. I did not remove any bloatware after rooting my phone as I was planning to rely on Synergy to debloat the phone. This is where I get confused...
If I restore my phone using the TiBu backup I made previously, will it REBLOAT my phone with all the CRAP that synergy had gotten rid of? AKA, do I need to debloat my phone before backing it up in order to restore without bloat?
If I must debloat my phone manually, can someone explain to me why I would want to freeze over uninstall an item? Also do I freeze/uninstall per PROGRAM or per .APK (pack)? I'm still a but confused as to what to freeze, what to uninstall, and if I want to uninstall a program, the .apk, or what??
Any help would be greatly appreciated - Thanks in advance!

Weioo said:
I apologize if this is the inappropriate forum since it's in regards to a single app. I'm brand new to Android and rooting in general. I have flashed by phone to Synergy ROM and wanted to restore my apps & data using TiBu. I had rooted my phone and set all my backups with TiBu, IMEI, and CMW. I did not remove any bloatware after rooting my phone as I was planning to rely on Synergy to debloat the phone. This is where I get confused...
If I restore my phone using the TiBu backup I made previously, will it REBLOAT my phone with all the CRAP that synergy had gotten rid of? AKA, do I need to debloat my phone before backing it up in order to restore without bloat?
If I must debloat my phone manually, can someone explain to me why I would want to freeze over uninstall an item? Also do I freeze/uninstall per PROGRAM or per .APK (pack)? I'm still a but confused as to what to freeze, what to uninstall, and if I want to uninstall a program, the .apk, or what??
Any help would be greatly appreciated - Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can pick and choose which apps to restore with titanium backup As far as freezing over uninstalling, freezing just well 'freezes' the app on your phone, it'll no longer show up in the app drawer or function at all, uninstalling will actually take it off your phone. By freezing you can defrost it at anytime if you encounter problems or need it. You freeze and uninstall per APK, in titanium you'll see all the apps you have installed both in your system memory and data memory (system apps, are usually more important and are installed with the rom) (data apps are anything you've manually installed) As far as restoring after installing synergy, you probably only backed up users apps before and therefore won't restore any system apps.

Titanium will restore only what you have backed up. Removing bloat or freezing it is up to the user. I personally freeze what I don't want. If you freeze something by accident you need you can always defrost it. If you have removed something you may have to reflash the ROM to get it back. If you do decide to remove apps you don't want I suggest you make a folder on your external card and move them there with a program like root explorer or silimilar. That way you can put them back if wanted or needed.

sfobrien said:
Titanium will restore only what you have backed up. Removing bloat or freezing it is up to the user. I personally freeze what I don't want. If you freeze something by accident you need you can always defrost it. If you have removed something you may have to reflash the ROM to get it back. If you do decide to remove apps you don't want I suggest you make a folder on your external card and move them there with a program like root explorer or silimilar. That way you can put them back if wanted or needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A) Why not back everything up, then uninstall what you don't want and if something breaks or you decide later you need it restore from backup? Freezing seemed great when I was brand new to the phone but now that i know I won't break things I just uninstall but do have a back up. I'm not arguing, I'm honestly asking if I'm missing some advanatge to freeze/unfreeze vs backup/uninstall/reinstall.
B) If I backup apps on my stock TW, ICS SGS3 and then flash to say a JB non-stock, non-TW ROM do I have a reasonable expectation that I can restore the apps and they will function? I'm imagining not.

Maybe I'm asking the wrong questions... How do I know what I can and cannot uninstall with TiBu?
Example: If I want to use the digital clock widget, but not the analog clock widgets, and I delete the analog clock widgets, will this cause a problem with the digital clock widget? I heard some items share .APKs somewhere I think?
How am I supposed to know which services/appcs/processes are necessary to run gmail, mms, sms, etc?
How am I supposed to know what, say, EnterprisePermissions1.0 is? and if I can delete it or not? I guess a guide to what apps are safe to freeze/uninstall might help, if one exists...Could anybody link me to one?
Basically, I want to get rid of as much crap as possible that's draining the battery or eating up CPU cycles, that I never intend to use.
I also noticed in TiBu that my "call log" and "SMS & MMS" backups aren't checked, and I cannot check them to restore them...Why would this be? It's kinda a big deal to me to bring back my call and message logs.
Thanks again!

Bump...Could really use help decifering bloatware from useful and necessary items...AKA answer to the questions above.

Articles perhaps useful to you...
Anyone freeze their bloatware?
Applications Safe To Remove

[Q] simple root question

How can I root my HTC one m8 but still have it be the same as when I bought it. For example, I still want to receive updates and I want everything to work the same but I'll be rooted . Basically I just want to remove the bloatware and install cool roms. I don't want anything else to change. Is this possible?
I like everything about this phone so I dont want to change anything

You can't really root and still accept otas. Verizon is without a doubt after the root methods so an OTA will probably break root. You also won't be accepting OTAs when you're on a custom ROM. You can either just root with weak sauce or s off and unlock with fire water.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

you can most def root (very easy Process) and remove the bloatware and keep everything else stock. while you cant update ota, just keep checking on here, somebody will post an updated bloatfree rom that runs as close to stock as possible. The best of both worlds my friend.

psilocybins said:
How can I root my HTC one m8 but still have it be the same as when I bought it. For example, I still want to receive updates and I want everything to work the same but I'll be rooted . Basically I just want to remove the bloatware and install cool roms. I don't want anything else to change. Is this possible?
I like everything about this phone so I dont want to change anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do what I did...First I downloaded WeakSauce.apk directly to my phone, then downloaded SuperSU from the play store. Then I downloaded Titanium Backup and used it deleted the bloatware off of my phone..very easy.
links...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2699089
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup

If you are rooted but haven't changed the contents of \system in any way (i.e. NOT gotten rid of any apps), AND aren't running a custom recovery, the OTA's should take. The OTA's appear to look at the system directory to see if there are any modifications and fail the OTA flash if there are. So, if you are essentially stock everything except for root access, you should be okay.
That having been said, I didn't see anyone post about a successful OTA update after rooting; and most folks once they're rooted just can't help get a custom recovery (how else can you Nandroid?) or make the slightest tweak(s) to the system.
As someone said above, usually when there's an OTA, the devs have put it out as a flashable mod within 24 hours; and as someone ELSE said above, best NOT to take the OTA's because they are notorious for breaking root.
Yeah, OTA's are a nice touch, and that's how I run my Nexus 7, but on my phone they're a pain in the neck --- I want things my way, and I'm not willing to give that up.

cactusone said:
You can do what I did...First I downloaded WeakSauce.apk directly to my phone, then downloaded SuperSU from the play store. Then I downloaded Titanium Backup and used it deleted the bloatware off of my phone..very easy.
links...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2699089
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this but after deleting my apps they just returned after restarting my phone. Please help me! I am rooted with weaksauce
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Free mobile app

psilocybins said:
I tried this but after deleting my apps they just returned after restarting my phone. Please help me! I am rooted with weaksauce
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your current setup does not permit writing to the \system partition. That's fine. (And that's especially good if you really are determined to take OTA updates and keep it pure stock but rooted.) To "get rid" of the bloatware, or any other system app you don't want to see you can do two things: (1) hide the app in the app drawer (that's done from the menu in the app drawer). And (2) Using app manager from settings, navigate to "all" apps, work your way down the list of apps and each one you want to disable: (a) turn off notifications; and then (b) press "disable." I think one or two just can't be disabled, e.g. Visual Voice Mail, but for the most part, you'll be able to make the bloat seem to "disappear" and you won't have affected your system partition, plus, they'll still be gone when you reboot.

hgoldner said:
Your current setup does not permit writing to the \system partition. That's fine. (And that's especially good if you really are determined to take OTA updates and keep it pure stock but rooted.) To "get rid" of the bloatware, or any other system app you don't want to see you can do two things: (1) hide the app in the app drawer (that's done from the menu in the app drawer). And (2) Using app manager from settings, navigate to "all" apps, work your way down the list of apps and each one you want to disable: (a) turn off notifications; and then (b) press "disable." I think one or two just can't be disabled, e.g. Visual Voice Mail, but for the most part, you'll be able to make the bloat seem to "disappear" and you won't have affected your system partition, plus, they'll still be gone when you reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Free mobile app