Root Using Titanium Backup....

[HarleyChick]

So how exactly does one use Titanium Backup? I downloaded Titanium Backup from the market, and I put an sd card in my NC. With no instructions, I just clicked around and thought I would try to create "update.zip". But nothing really happened, it just kept saying "setting up" forever. Then I went to check my apps list and everything says "no backup". What did I do wrong?

 

[bgrutter]

I've never created an update.zip with Titanium, so I can't speak to that.

What I do with Titanium is schedule "Backup all user apps + system data" to run on Wednesdays and Sundays at 3am. Then, right before I try doing anything big to my Android Device (either me DInc or NC), I run it manually. This ensures that I've almost always got a recent backup of my apps and settings.

Between that, AppBrain, and backing up my ADW settings, my NC is pretty well protected.

If I ever need to restore, just download Titanium from the Market, press menu, and click Batch. That will bring up a list of possible scenarios. I usually just "restore missing apps and data".

 

[HarleyChick]

I've never created an update.zip with Titanium, so I can't speak to that.

What I do with Titanium is schedule "Backup all user apps + system data" to run on Wednesdays and Sundays at 3am. Then, right before I try doing anything big to my Android Device (either me DInc or NC), I run it manually. This ensures that I've almost always got a recent backup of my apps and settings.

Between that, AppBrain, and backing up my ADW settings, my NC is pretty well protected.

If I ever need to restore, just download Titanium from the Market, press menu, and click Batch. That will bring up a list of possible scenarios. I usually just "restore missing apps and data".

But where do you backup to - the internal memory or sd card?

 

[UBRocked]

Hopefully, this will help. This is a guide that I have posted several places. Check out this thread for more info as there have been some additional clarification and discussion.

http://androidforums.com/ascend-all...uide-backup-restore-apps-titanium-backup.html

_________________


Some users have reported problems with using Titanium Backup (TiBu) on this device. If these problems are device related, I can't help troubleshoot that (I don't own nor have access to this particular phone). What I can do is provide a basic guide for how to use TiBu. I previously posted a version of this guide here. I have updated it slightly due to the previous instructions being nearly a year old.

If anyone sees anything that need changed or anything that was left out...let me know and I'll update this.

1) Get the paid version...it's worth it! I can't emphasis that enough...just donate and get the license...don't question it...just do it! IT WILL SAVE YOU A TON OF TIME! When I flash a new ROM, I can have it COMPLETELY set up in about 15 minutes...everything installed...homescreen set...etc. Clear enough?


2) Before you backup, go into preferences and change the number of backups that you will keep. Default is 1 backup but I keep the last 3 backups in case you get a bad backup.


3) When you back up...BACKUP all user apps + system data...I'll explain why...
It is better to back up every possible thing on your phone vs. just apps. You can pull pieces of your system data back (like the data from Clock 2.1 so you don't have to set your alarms up all over again). Make sense?


4) When you need to do a batch restore (when using a new ROM most likely)..."Restore missing apps with data" just to avoid conflicts. BE SELECTIVE with what you restore! Meaning, don't restore system apps that have been superseded by a new app from a new ROM. In cases of software version upgrades (Android 2.1 to 2.2), don't restore "Clock 2.1" for example, as it will show you have a backup of that app...but that is a 2.1 app that will not play nice with your 2.2 firmware. Once that is done, you can "restore newer versions of user apps" but that is not always needed. In fact, the only reason you would probably need this would be if the ROM you install was an older ROM.


5) Here's how you restore the NECESSARY system settings (Things like Clock, Email, Home (Stock Home app, ADW, ADW EX, Launcher Pro, etc):

NOTE: Any backups listed in GREEN are close to 100% safe to backup (and usually included things like call logs, BT settings, etc).

colored apps are usually safe to restore (apps, games, and various other user installed items are listed in white). Any thing in RED is telling you NOT to restore it! It could cause you to not be able to boot your phone and you would have to restore you system.

***I have had occasions where I restored something listed as GREEN and caused me to FUBAR my system. I suppose that it could be attributed to a bad backup or to incompatible data being transfered between ROMs***

Note: If you back up the way I said...you will backup your home screens via whatever launcher you had installed. So if you were running Launcher Pro and you go to a new ROM and install Launcher Pro again, this will bring all your apps and widgets back...although your widgets will not work, you have to remove each widget's placeholder and add the actual widget back...but at least you don't have to try and remember which icons you put where (the widgets, while not functional when restored, act as place holders so you know where you had them). Sorry...I'm trying not to make this confusing

To restore your POP3 email settings (who wants to set that up manually again??? Not me!): Open Titanium: Go to the "Backup/Restore" tab at the top of the screen > scroll to and select Email 2.1-update1 > a pop up will appear, just hit "Restore" on the most recent backup > it will ask you what you want to restore (probably just "Data Only" for email but some apps will give you the option of Data + App as well...just do Data if the app is installed.

Now your email is set up...easy...quick...done! Do that for your "System" apps and settings (bookmarks, SMS, Call Log, etc). You can use titanium to save yourself a lot of time, you just have to know how to use it.

 

[bgrutter]

Thanks UB, my instructions were basically a VERY simplified version of yours. In fact, re-reading reminded me that those were the exact same directions I followed when I first got started with Titanium. But at the time, you were just another name in the crowd. Makes sense it was you.

A quick answer to your question, Harley: to the SDcard. That way, you can completely start over with a NC, so long as you dont accident wipe or format your card.

 

[UBRocked]

Thanks UB, my instructions were basically a VERY simplified version of yours. In fact, re-reading reminded me that those were the exact same directions I followed when I first got started with Titanium. But at the time, you were just another name in the crowd. Makes sense it was you.

A quick answer to your question, Harley: to the SDcard. That way, you can completely start over with a NC, so long as you dont accident wipe or format your card.

I'm always just another face in the crowd

You're instructions were fine bgrutter...and just so you know, I wasn't trying to "trump" you directions. I've just found in the past year that people have trouble using TiBu properly for what they are tying to accomplish. It's a great app...but a little knowledge is needed for most people to understand EXACTLY what to do and more importantly "why" they do things a certain way.

If those instructions don't answer all the questions you have HarleyChick...click on the link and visit the original thread in the Ascend forum section. I have additional information posted to clarify a few things.

 

[bgrutter]

I'm always just another face in the crowd

You're instructions were fine bgrutter...and just so you know, I wasn't trying to "trump" you directions. I've just found in the past year that people have trouble using TiBu properly for what they are tying to accomplish. It's a great app...but a little knowledge is needed for most people to understand EXACTLY what to do and more importantly "why" they do things a certain way.

If those instructions don't answer all the questions you have HarleyChick...click on the link and visit the original thread in the Ascend forum section. I have additional information posted to clarify a few things.

Not at all. I hadn't thought anything of the sort. You're directions were EXTREMELY thorough. I'm sure they will be much more helpful. In my second read, I noticed the point #2 about setting number of Backups to 3. I guess I glossed over that. It makes sense.

Thanks again.

 

[HarleyChick]

Hopefully, this will help. This is a guide that I have posted several places. Check out this thread for more info as there have been some additional clarification and discussion.

http://androidforums.com/ascend-all...uide-backup-restore-apps-titanium-backup.html

_________________


Some users have reported problems with using Titanium Backup (TiBu) on this device. If these problems are device related, I can't help troubleshoot that (I don't own nor have access to this particular phone). What I can do is provide a basic guide for how to use TiBu. I previously posted a version of this guide here. I have updated it slightly due to the previous instructions being nearly a year old.

If anyone sees anything that need changed or anything that was left out...let me know and I'll update this.

Thanks for the instructions, UB - very easy to follow.

Okay, so I went ahead and got the paid, or "Pro", version of TiBu (definitely the way to go, Newbies; so much easier than the free version) and followed the directions that were given in your post. But it only backup up the programs in WHITE; none of those listed in RED or YELLOW. Is that enough to protect my data & apps should I somehow wipe my NC, or is there something else I should do?

And thanks again to all those that are trying to lead this Newb down the path to the land of Root!

 

[UBRocked]

Thanks for the instructions, UB - very easy to follow.

Okay, so I went ahead and got the paid, or "Pro", version of TiBu (definitely the way to go, Newbies; so much easier than the free version) and followed the directions that were given in your post. But it only backup up the programs in WHITE; none of those listed in RED or YELLOW. Is that enough to protect my data & apps should I somehow wipe my NC, or is there something else I should do?

And thanks again to all those that are trying to lead this Newb down the path to the land of Root!

The items are listed as a white, red, and green (I'm guessing you are calling the green "yellow"). When you backup, it should back up EVERYTHING regardless of color. Are you sure you selected this from the batch menu "backup all user apps + system data"? This option should back up everything. There are several different backup options that will back up different things.

 

[HarleyChick]

The items are listed as a white, red, and green (I'm guessing you are calling the green "yellow"). When you backup, it should back up EVERYTHING regardless of color. Are you sure you selected this from the batch menu "backup all user apps + system data"? This option should back up everything. There are several different backup options that will back up different things.

Okay, I got it now - everything is backed up. My mistake came in that NOBODY said that you do the back up from the "batch" menu. Newbs (like me) wouldn't know to do that...... Regular (read: non-technical) people would look for something called "back-up" not "batch". UGH!

(I was going to rant here about the use of technical jargon and how it keeps non-techies at arms-length from things like rooting, but decided that no one would be interested.....)

Thanks, UB. You've saved me (again)!

 

[UBRocked]

Okay, I got it now - everything is backed up. My mistake came in that NOBODY said that you do the back up from the "batch" menu. Newbs (like me) wouldn't know to do that...... Regular (read: non-technical) people would look for something called "back-up" not "batch". UGH!

(I was going to rant here about the use of technical jargon and how it keeps non-techies at arms-length from things like rooting, but decided that no one would be interested.....)

Thanks, UB. You've saved me (again)!

NP

I think there are more non-technical people that are finding their way to Android everyday. While many of us use tech jargon because it serves as a "shorthand" of sorts, we do need to remember that there are others that don't understand some of the terminology used.

I'm not interested in spelling everything out in laymen terms (I would have to spend twice as much time here as I already do)...but if you don't understand something I or someone else has written, please ask the question. I would never fault someone for not understanding and neither should anyone else. I can say with 100% confidence that no one here was born "informed"

 

[bgrutter]

Actually, I only use the "Batch" menu to restore things. To backup, I go to the Schedules tab, have an auto schedule already setup for apps & system and for just apps (each of which run twice weekly automatically), and click "Run" when I need to do an 'On-Demand' backup.

 

[HarleyChick]

Actually, I only use the "Batch" menu to restore things. To backup, I go to the Schedules tab, have an auto schedule already setup for apps & system and for just apps (each of which run twice weekly automatically), and click "Run" when I need to do an 'On-Demand' backup.

I did the schedule thing and have it set up to backup twice a week, but I wanted to do an initial backup of everything - that's where the "batch" menu comes in. Once I did that, it took about a minute and everything was showing as backed up. Very cool.

 

[bgrutter]

Good deal. I ran a backup today just to see, and I used the batch method. Worked great.

 

[UBRocked]

Good deal. I ran a backup today just to see, and I used the batch method. Worked great.

You know what's funny? I never noticed their was a "schedule" function with TiBu. I guess I just get so set in my ways I don't pay attention to the added functionality that the dev has added in the past umpteenth updates

I learn something new everyday!

 

[HarleyChick]

You know what's funny? I never noticed their was a "schedule" function with TiBu. I guess I just get so set in my ways I don't pay attention to the added functionality that the dev has added in the past umpteenth updates

I learn something new everyday!

Wow, you mean I taught you guys something? That's amazing!