Root Please Help Me Understand - Backing Up Before Root

[Willyg44]

I apologize in advance for asking this, since this is probably common knowledge to most of you, but please help me out. I've been wanting to root, but I'm not quite sure on how to back everything up and how it exactly works with restoring it. I'm coming from a BB, and I used to use desktop manager, and other 3rd party apps to back up my apps/settings before installing a custom ROM, then loaded everything back, and it was the same as before.

Now, is it that easy when rooting on Android? I searched around and couldn't really find the exact answers I was seeking. Here's what I'm concerned about:

1. I understand that if you downloaded apps from the market, once I login with my google account, they will reappear. Is this just free apps? Paid apps? And when I install a custom ROM after rooting, will I have to download all of the apps again and will all my settings be lost? Any way to back the apps AND settings up?

2. If I root the phone, I won't lose anything right? It's just when I go installing custom ROMs when I should back things up?

3. Backing up texts/calendar dates/phone settings - can this be done with 1 program?

4. What's the easiest, safest way to do this? Preferably free, but if that's not possible, it's ok.

And the Droid 2 method of rooting is still the best way to root off the OTA 2.2 correct?

Sorry, first Android, and trying to learn a lot about rooting and such, but for some reason, everything isn't coming together as easy as other phones. Thank you very much in advance.

 

[jbhumph]

So glad to see this thread! I've been exploring the idea of rooting as well. I have jailbroken many an iPhone but have never rooted a droid.

I saw something called "easy root" that looks like it roots the phone VERY easily....is this recommended?

Look forward to this thread as I have many of the same questions

 

[Growler48]

+1

 

[Willyg44]

Bump. Anyone kind enough to help?

 

[Teegunn]

I rooted using th one click method for droid 2. Worked easily and well. Very glad I am rooted. I do not believe you lose anything just rooting. Beyond that, I have no experience with custome roms, etc. I am going to be doing a factory reset at some point and am trying to find out the best way to back things up before doing that. If you are rooted you can use titanium backup to backup most everything. SMS backup and restore for your sms messages. Probably a good idea to get an appbrain account and keep a list of your current apps. Also probably a good idea to backup what's on your SD to your PC. Beyond this, I am not much help.

 

[Willyg44]

I rooted using th one click method for droid 2. Worked easily and well. Very glad I am rooted. I do not believe you lose anything just rooting. Beyond that, I have no experience with custome roms, etc. I am going to be doing a factory reset at some point and am trying to find out the best way to back things up before doing that. If you are rooted you can use titanium backup to backup most everything. SMS backup and restore for your sms messages. Probably a good idea to get an appbrain account and keep a list of your current apps. Also probably a good idea to backup what's on your SD to your PC. Beyond this, I am not much help.

Thanks. Can anyone else elaborate on the custom ROM situation, and answer more of my questions in the OP? No one likes to help anymore? lol

 

[mr.gollihue]

I PROMISE YOU...I am not trying to be a dick, but it's 4AM, I've had a bit too much to drink, and redundancy drives me nuts. But...there is a sticky at the top of the All Things Root (DroidX) forum that literally links to ALL answers for your questions. It's a bit of digging, but the answers are all there.

http://androidforums.com/droid-x-all-things-root/163268-motorola-droid-x-root-guide-updated-4-09pm-est-sep-12-2010-a.html

Additionally...someone just asked the same question as you at 6pm yesterday, and the thread is still on the front page right now as I type this.

http://androidforums.com/droid-x-all-things-root/196515-before-installing-custom-theme.html

As for custom themes...well, the sticky will guide you to the most popular stable ones, and they all have instructions on how to install them. Even though they say at the beginning that you must be rooted and deodexed to install the ROM and won't be explaining it in that thread, they almost always link to instructions on how to do it, just in case you haven't already.

Again...please let me reiterate that I'm not trying to be a dick. It's just that I went through many of the same problems as you did rooting and flashing ROMs, except I got through it by researching the vast sea of information here on AF, as well as other sites like DroidLife, DroidForums, XDA, and rootzwiki. The general consensus I've found on all of these sites is RBYP...and then ask a question if one still exists. After all...the stupidest question is the one that nobody has asked yet : )

 

[GregTard]

1. I understand that if you downloaded apps from the market, once I login with my google account, they will reappear. Is this just free apps? Paid apps? And when I install a custom ROM after rooting, will I have to download all of the apps again and will all my settings be lost? Any way to back the apps AND settings up?

Paid apps are tied to the Google account you use to setup your phone for the first time. You can see these after a reset by opening the market and going to the downloads page. Some free apps may show up (at least they have for me) but are not guaranteed to be there. Settings from your apps will not be retained using this method. You can use something like AppList from the market to get a listing of your apps so you can go re-download the free ones.

The best way is to use Titanium Backup after you root to backup free and paid apps with their data. The pro version of Titanium allows you to make multiple backups and automates the restore without prompting. The free version of Titanium only allows 1 backup and will automate restoration but prompts you for each application. Backups are automated in both versions. It is well worth the cost for the pro version though.

2. If I root the phone, I won't lose anything right? It's just when I go installing custom ROMs when I should back things up?

Rooting will not cause lost data unless you FUBAR your phone and have to factory reset it or restore from sbf. Some ROMs will not cause you to loose data, but some will. THose that replace your entire system will remove your data and it will be like a factory reset. These usually involve moutning system or formatting system in the instructions for installation. Other ROMs only modify what is needed for install and will retain your data. You should ALWAYS backup when doing anything to your phone that may cause damage in any way. Some apps have backup utilities for themselves that could help before rooting, but after root using Titanium is the best IMO.

Also, once you root, you can install ROM Manager and DroidX Bootstrapper which will allow you to install ROMs, make full backups so you can get back if you have a problem, and allow you to boot into a custom recovery.

3. Backing up texts/calendar dates/phone settings - can this be done with 1 program?

Titanium Backup does this but you don't always want to retain those settings. If you install a ROM and are havin gissues after restoring all of your settings, you should try it recreating those settings to see if they were the cause.

4. What's the easiest, safest way to do this? Preferably free, but if that's not possible, it's ok.

It depends on what you mean by this. Titamnium and ROM Manager are free but have pro and/or donate versions that allow more functionality. I can't remeber if DroidX Bootstrapper in the market is free, but it is available on the developers website for free.

And the Droid 2 method of rooting is still the best way to root off the OTA 2.2 correct?

Yes

I will provide another post after this with more instructions that I post to anyone asking similar questions. Let me know if you need any more info.

 

[GregTard]

Check this and this out to get ROM Manager, Bootstrap, and everything needed to recover from 2.2 OTA issues.

To root 2.2 OTA, use the Droid2 method in "The Bomb" or the semi-one-click from DroidLife (I prefer the Droid2 method but the other is there if you have issues with the Droid2 one)

After rooting, the first thing you need to do is install ROM Manager and Bootstrap Recovery from "The Bomb" or the Android Market and make a backup of your current ROM so you have a restore point.

To deodex, you can use 928Droid's Deodexing deodexing theme or you can deodex manually with this tutorial.

You are now ready to install ROMs and themes. Check this out for more info about what is available. I like Tranquility 2.3.7, but you must deodex the 2.2 OTA prior to installing even though the instructions say it will do it for you. Many, including me, have had issues with that. rubiX is also well but is missing too much blur to get all of the functions I want. He does have a blurry version now though.

 

[Willyg44]

GregTard, thank you so much. That was a huge help, I was looking for explanations, and your explanations of everything really helped me out! I feel confident now and am going to root and play with some ROMs

Great writeup, THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Piercing Heavens]

Didn't want to start a new thread since this answered most of my questions but here is my scenario.

I'm still running the original 2.2 OTA 2.3.9.MB810 that was leaked first.

Where do I go from here to get the New ROMS going? I kept reading that certain SBF files bricked some phones if its not the right version. I just want to do a complete phone wipe and start from scratch and root to a new ROM.

I am just confused on which files I need. I have most everything downloaded already but I'm not sure which versions I should be using.

Also every one says that Deodexing the phone makes it a lot faster or smoother but is it really noticeable? I have noticed that on my X games do stutter on occasion without fail.

Lastly if I were to want to return the phone for an exchange in case something happens is there a working method to go back to non rooted stock?

 

[Phantom_DroidX]

Didn't want to start a new thread since this answered most of my questions but here is my scenario.

I'm still running the original 2.2 OTA 2.3.9.MB810 that was leaked first.

Where do I go from here to get the New ROMS going? I kept reading that certain SBF files bricked some phones if its not the right version. I just want to do a complete phone wipe and start from scratch and root to a new ROM.

I am just confused on which files I need. I have most everything downloaded already but I'm not sure which versions I should be using.

Also every one says that Deodexing the phone makes it a lot faster or smoother but is it really noticeable? I have noticed that on my X games do stutter on occasion without fail.

Lastly if I were to want to return the phone for an exchange in case something happens is there a working method to go back to non rooted stock?

Since you have the Original Leak installed if you want to go back to stock at any point like the phone was when you bought it with 2.1 and BLUR just use the SBF leak. If you update your phone to the official 2.2 FroYo release and use the SBF you will brick your phone. IF YOU INSTALL THE OTA 2.2 and SBF YOU WILL BRICK!

To use a different ROM like RUBIX you can either find them on the forums or download ROM Manager and it has them. As for the TeamBlackHat releases you can get them from the TBH app and I believe P3Droid also posts them on mydroidworld. In order to install any of these ROMS you need to have the 2.3.9 leak you already have installed. If you try it from 2.1 you will get stuck at M because it does not contain the kernal (or so I've heard)

From what I have seen Deodex does seem to smooth the performance a bit.

Instructions for ROM's

1. Be on Original Froyo Leak 2.3.9 or Custom Rom
2. Have root access
3. Install Droid X Bootstrapper
4. Install Rom Manager
5. Download the Rom you want via Rom Manager/Forum/TBH App and place on SD
6. Backup via Nandroid on Rom Manager or Titanium (I Prefer Nandroid)
7. Load Bootstrapper and click Bootstrap Recovery
8. Then Reboot Recovery (in recovery use Volume rocker to Navigate, Power=back, camera=enter)
10. From here the instructions are usually with the ROM if not
11. go to Mounts and Storage and Format System/Data/Cache
12. Under Mounts and Storage mount system
13. go to install zip from sd
14. choose zip on sd
15. After done reboot and your good

 

[mezdup]

what's the difference between ROM Manager and ROM Manager Premium?

 

[Piercing Heavens]

Would it be best to flash and install the ota or just install the Rom from 2. 3. 9 original leak? I'm trying to get a fresh install.

 

[Piercing Heavens]

One more thing. Is it possible to go back to stock after installing a custom Rom and deodexing?

 

[GregTard]

Where do I go from here to get the New ROMS going? I kept reading that certain SBF files bricked some phones if its not the right version. I just want to do a complete phone wipe and start from scratch and root to a new ROM.

All ROMs are different so you must look at the requirements for each before trying. If it doesn't specify, ask. I have run Tranquility and rubiX on the leaked 2.3.9, 2.3.15, and the 2.3.15 OTA. The 2.1 sbf (usually called the gift or phoxus gift) will restore your phone to stock 2.1 and can be used on 2.1, 2.3.9, and 2.3.15 leaks. Do not use it after doing the OTA because it will brick you. Instead, you can use the system only sbf in my post above from TBH. I have used it twice and it works.

Also every one says that Deodexing the phone makes it a lot faster or smoother but is it really noticeable? I have noticed that on my X games do stutter on occasion without fail.

Deodexing is required for themes and some ROMs. If a ROM requirement is being deodexed, make certain you are fully deodexed before trying. I would suggest deodexing even if a ROM doesn't require it or says it will do it for you. I have seen a lot of issues when a ROM says it will deodex for you unless it is a complete system replacement.

Lastly if I were to want to return the phone for an exchange in case something happens is there a working method to go back to non rooted stock?

That is what SBF is.

 

[GregTard]

what's the difference between ROM Manager and ROM Manager Premium?

ROM Manager Premium gives you access to some tweaks and content not available in the free version. All of them are usually available on forums though but it is really there to donate to the dev.

 

[GregTard]

One more thing. Is it possible to go back to stock after installing a custom Rom and deodexing?

Yes, sbf

 

[GregTard]

Would it be best to flash and install the ota or just install the Rom from 2. 3. 9 original leak? I'm trying to get a fresh install.

If you want a fresh install, the best route for you being on one of the leaks, is to sbf back to 2.1 using the phoxus_gift sbf for 2.1.

From there, you can choose to do the OTA or reinstall one of the leaks. I ran the leaks for a while, but eventually decided to go to the OTA so I could get the new radio which I needed in my area. I have installed various ROMs and themes since moving to the OTA and everything is great. It is purely up to you though. Since work is slowing down as far as cracking the bootloader, it doesn't look like we will ever be able to load a custom kernel so I will make sure I can continue to get updates before installing any ROMs. I can do this with the TBH system only sbf, so I am fine now. Hopefully this will not change before my next phone upgrade.

 

[Willyg44]

ROM Manager Premium gives you access to some tweaks and content not available in the free version. All of them are usually available on forums though but it is really there to donate to the dev.

You know I purchased the premium version (upgraded inside the free ROM Manager app), and I see nothing new in the downloads. It's all the same free stuff that was in the free ROM Manager. Did I get duped? =\ There is no longer an option to upgrade to premium, so I guess it recognizes I upgraded, but there's nothing new. He hasn't responded to my email either.

 

[GregTard]

You know I purchased the premium version (upgraded inside the free ROM Manager app), and I see nothing new in the downloads. It's all the same free stuff that was in the free ROM Manager. Did I get duped? =\ There is no longer an option to upgrade to premium, so I guess it recognizes I upgraded, but there's nothing new. He hasn't responded to my email either.

Koush may have opened it up so everything was there in the free version since I purchased it (he is nice like that). I know you used to not be able to turn the ads off in the free version, but you can now. Of course, if you want to donate regularly, leaving the ads on generates revenue for him.

It is well worth the small price for the premium version just to thank him. That is the only reason I purchased it. The same with the TBH app. These portals to content are awesome so you don't have to scour the internet looking for hacks, ROMs, and themes.