I am making this thread so I can link to it in the tips and tricks thread. This I think is a much needed topic, there are lots of questions surrounding backups and moreover people have lots of headaches when they neglect to backup their phones then they have some issues that forces them to do a hard reset.
If you don't have your old phone with contacts, and your contacts aren't backed up on your SD Card, computer, or synced to google when you perform a hard reset your are SOL. This mostly happens to people that go to verizon with their xyz phone and upgrade to Eris, the store hooks it up to the transfer box and transfers your contacts, then you get home, don't sync, install apps, have problems, get forced to do a hard reset, then you no longer have those 1000 contacts you had before.
Don't be "that guy" backing up is fast and easy.
Things that are critical:
Contacts
YOUR Media like pics you took, etc.
Not so critical:
Apps
Calendar Stuff
Other Media
When you get the phone you should first login to gmail app. This links your phone up with your GOOGLE account.....not just gmail.....you need to do this anyway to use the phone...so do it.
The "Google" Way (backup contacts, calendar, and gmail)
Once you are linked up go to your Google Contacts page on your computer. If there is nothing there, you have no backup yet.
On your phone go to Settings>Data Sync>Google>
Here you have the option to Sync 3 things, and how they are synched. Gmail, Calendar, Contacts.
It is up to you how you do this, manually, or automatic. I choose manually cause am a control freak and in my mind it uses less battery then synching all the time.
If you choose automatic you should see the 3 items jump and start synching, if you choose manually tap each of the 3 and they should sync.
Once that is done revisit your google contacts page on your PC to make sure you got them all. If you did you will see them online and you no longer worry about losing them. If they aren't there then unfortunately the contacts were not added as "google" contacts but rather "phone" contacts (you can see this in the main list in the "people" app). Advice here to remedy that.
Calendar and Gmail should be easily synched and you can check that in each app on the phone.
The Other Way (backup pretty much everything)
I am going to write this out assuming you are using mybackup pro. I don't work for them, I have used the app, it is nice, and it IS $4.99. But that is a small price to pay (IMO) for the peace of mind you get.
From the app description: Backup (schedule option) to our online secure server, or SD card, your apps, contacts, call logs, bookmarks, sms/mms, calendar, settings, home shortcuts, alarms, dictionary, music playlists and more. Restore on existing/new phone.
I am SURE there are free options, I AM SURE in the comments below people will suggest xyz backup app, so check that out if you are so inclined.
The app should be pretty self explanatory, once you backup to SDcard COPY the contents of the card to a nice little folder on your PC and label it in a way you will recognize. Some people have reported SD Card being wiped while in the phone so don't just leave your backup on the card.
Other Stuff
All your apps that you have on your phone should be remembered by your google acct. So if you do a reset they should be waiting to be downloaded and installed in your market app once you get back into your phone.
Remember, BACKUP! BACKUP! BACKUP! then BACKUP! again! The first time you get a nasty app that forces you to do a factory reset and lose your contacts or something else you will be kicking yourself.
PLEASE, if anyone has any edits, comments, shortcuts to this process, post here and I can add/edit this post.
__________________ DO NOT PM ME FOR SUPPORT....POST IT ON THE FORUM
Last edited by Caddyman; February 2nd, 2010 at 09:26 AM.
The Following 11 Users Say Thank You to Caddyman For This Useful Post:
is there a way to check within Google on a PC to see what apps you have downloaded etc? my Contacts are all good, need to back-up the rest, although most my music and pictures I have on my PC as well
no i do not think so. you can only see your apps in "my downloads" in the market app. they should reappear in the market app in "my downloads" after a reset when you login to gmail on the phone.
If you use mybackup pro to backup all your settings, what will happen when the Android 2.1 update takes place? With a change in the operating system, a restore may not work properly because of various system changes. I'm not saying mybackup pro is not compatible with 2.1, but there will be major changes which may affect the restore function.
i dont see any changes big enough to affect things like messages, contacts, etc....contacts is more a global thing. it probably saves them as a .csv file which can be imported by almost ANY contact/organizer program to be used at any time.
app compatibility i see being an issue though for sure.
Last edited by Caddyman; February 2nd, 2010 at 11:12 AM.
If you use mybackup pro to backup all your settings, what will happen when the Android 2.1 update takes place? With a change in the operating system, a restore may not work properly because of various system changes. I'm not saying mybackup pro is not compatible with 2.1, but there will be major changes which may affect the restore function.
good point...cross that bridge when...?
i know u can set it to restore just your apps.
in which case that is all i`ll want...though...will all the apps be compatible!?
i think when we get 2.1...i`ll just take the .apk files and load them one at a time from mybackuppro.
cause i know im going to be having fun setting up 2.1 with the animated wallpaper!!!
yeah my settings will definitely change
Just bought mybackup pro thanks to this. It's worth it for the sole purpose of backing up settings. That was one thing blackberry was good for. Thanks caddyman.
Does MyBackup Pro encrypt things as it backs up? I'm using Mobile Defense to enable a lock and wipe of my phone if it is lost or stolen (yes, I'm a bit paranoid), but there's not much security if it turns out that everything is backed up in the clear on the SD Card.
I've been using Sprite Backup myself and that does allow encryption (though I haven't tested a restore yet - that's another thing that you really should do to make sure that the backup is really backing things up.)
Does MyBackup Pro encrypt things as it backs up? I'm using Mobile Defense to enable a lock and wipe of my phone if it is lost or stolen (yes, I'm a bit paranoid), but there's not much security if it turns out that everything is backed up in the clear on the SD Card.
I've been using Sprite Backup myself and that does allow encryption (though I haven't tested a restore yet - that's another thing that you really should do to make sure that the backup is really backing things up.)
wow thats a really good question!
and to be honest i do not believe it does.
can anyone say for a fact it does?
but wait...they find the phone...its wiped...everything except the SD card...
well, taking a look at my SD card, its no folder that says "mybackuppro files"
but, if i dig im sure i could find the data.
so does someone know for sure?
When I chose to sync contacts manually, does that mean that it will add all the email entries to my people app?
I did try syncing the contats and i get a notification that says too many contacts deleted. Any idea what that is?
__________________ Glory, Glory Man United!! "If the universe is not governed by an absolute goodness, then all of our efforts in the long run are hopeless"C.S.Lewis
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else" C.S.Lewis
Sorry in advance if the answers to my questions seem too obvious. I'm a new eris user so bare with me.
How do I sync the contacts that are stored on my "phone" with google? When I first got my eris, I manually added each phone #s by hand and stored them under "phone" and not "google." I've tried syncing my contacts with google, checked google contacts, and all the contacts did not show up. All that were on google contacts were people's emails that I've had from gmail.
The second part to my question is how does the back up in astro file manager work? does it only back up apps? and not pictures or settings like mybackup pro?
If you use mybackup pro to backup all your settings, what will happen when the Android 2.1 update takes place? With a change in the operating system, a restore may not work properly because of various system changes. I'm not saying mybackup pro is not compatible with 2.1, but there will be major changes which may affect the restore function.
When the update happens just run the backup software again to create a fresh backup/image file. Everything will be updated with the new software and settings. Kind of like your home PC for those who use a backup type of software. They're usually set to run once a week or even more often to keep up with the daily changes.
The things on your phone are changing all the time so I would imagine that you have to create fresh backup "images" once in awhile.
Mybackup just saved my butt. I somehow deleted all my contacted but 6 people. I only have the trial version of the app. I saved my contracts about 3 days ago and then deleted the app. I just reinstalled the app and with in minutes I had all my contacts back. WAHOOOO!
Quick question as I am new to this. my Gmail contacts page got messed up when my Eris was activated (a bunch of duplicated conatcts etc.) All of my contacts in my phone are set as google and set up just as I like them. If I were to delete all of the conacts in gmail and then manually sync. will all of my contacts from my phone transfer over to gmail?
Quick question as I am new to this. my Gmail contacts page got messed up when my Eris was activated (a bunch of duplicated conatcts etc.) All of my contacts in my phone are set as google and set up just as I like them. If I were to delete all of the conacts in gmail and then manually sync. will all of my contacts from my phone transfer over to gmail?
There is a tool for merging/removing multiple entries on the Gmail web page. It worked perfectly for me, and when it was done my phone reflected the changes.
Device(s): Moto Droid X2 on OTA Gingerbread rooted
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 12
Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caddyman
once you backup to SDcard COPY the contents of the card to a nice little folder on your PC and label it in a way you will recognize.
I am assuming this means to copy just the zip files that are created when I backed up data and apps respctively. Or do I copy the entire MyBackup folder that is inside /sdcard/reware folder to my PC? I ask because that seems to have a temp folder in it with a bunch of .apk files in it. There is also an empty tempHtml folder in there.
no i do not think so. you can only see your apps in "my downloads" in the market app. they should reappear in the market app in "my downloads" after a reset when you login to gmail on the phone.
Device(s): A Condemned Droid Eris -Yep, Gingerbread on an Eris.
EOL'd my ass...
Oh, and a Droid Razr Maxx too
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 22
Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
This may have been addressed already... I'm lazy and just skimmed through... but are there any free (the good "free" where you get a useful product) back up programs? Yes, I'm also cheap.
__________________
Our Google, who art in Mountain View, Open Source be thy name, your Custom ROM come, your flash be done, on Phandroid as it is in XDA. Give us this day our daily Gingerbread, and forgive us our Rooting, as we have forgiven our Boot Loaders. And lead us not into iOS, but deliver us from iTunes.
Device(s): HTC Eris (hated it), Droid X (loved it), Droid Razr (loving it so far)
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 1
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
i'm jsut having to start over.. i had auto sync on... had to do a reset last night.. lost contacts... and they aren't in my google contacts.. added a couple manually and sync'd.. and they aren't showing up on google either....
k im seeing my issue now... i ahd them saved as phone contacts not google contacts. sorry but thats ******ed.. it should back up both and save them as such when you back them up.
Last edited by dlsgap; March 19th, 2010 at 10:58 AM.
Device(s): Verizon Galaxy Nexus, Droid X - Rooted, HP 32GB Touchpad
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 23
Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by droideris
No, they definitely do not.
Correct... Apps are not synced to Google... But I did find something pretty cool. I've been using AppBrain as suggested by someone here (Find great Android apps and games - AppBrain) to view Market Apps online. It's pretty cool. When I am viewing the forums from my computer and someone suggests an app, I just go to AppBrain, check it out, and then click Install. Next time I sync the AppBrain App from the Eris, I am sent to the Market App to install whatever apps I selected.
Anyway, they have a "My Apps" tab that seems to mark what apps are on your phone. I think this would be an easy way to replace your apps after a Reset. Just don't sync with the AppBrain app until all apps have been replaced.
Everything is FREE.
Warning: I have not tested this! and I have nothing to do with the app... just think it is cool.
i just found sprite 2.1 beta (don't know if that 2.1 means that it is v2.1 or that it only works with 2.1) that seems to everything in your phone -- app settings, system settings, bookmarks, contacts, messages, photos, etc. seems to have the same function as MyBackup but is free. has anyone actually used this?
Since my contacts are synced in Gmail, and photos/media are stored on the SD card, the only things I back up between wipes are text messages and bookmarks, and these are the apps I recommend:
I am making this thread so I can link to it in the tips and tricks thread. This I think is a much needed topic, there are lots of questions surrounding backups and moreover people have lots of headaches when they neglect to backup their phones then they have some issues that forces them to do a hard reset.
If you don't have your old phone with contacts, and your contacts aren't backed up on your SD Card, computer, or synced to google when you perform a hard reset your are SOL. This mostly happens to people that go to verizon with their xyz phone and upgrade to Eris, the store hooks it up to the transfer box and transfers your contacts, then you get home, don't sync, install apps, have problems, get forced to do a hard reset, then you no longer have those 1000 contacts you had before.
Don't be "that guy" backing up is fast and easy.
Things that are critical:
Contacts
YOUR Media like pics you took, etc.
Not so critical:
Apps
Calendar Stuff
Other Media
When you get the phone you should first login to gmail app. This links your phone up with your GOOGLE account.....not just gmail.....you need to do this anyway to use the phone...so do it.
The "Google" Way (backup contacts, calendar, and gmail)
Once you are linked up go to your Google Contacts page on your computer. If there is nothing there, you have no backup yet.
On your phone go to Settings>Data Sync>Google>
Here you have the option to Sync 3 things, and how they are synched. Gmail, Calendar, Contacts.
It is up to you how you do this, manually, or automatic. I choose manually cause am a control freak and in my mind it uses less battery then synching all the time.
If you choose automatic you should see the 3 items jump and start synching, if you choose manually tap each of the 3 and they should sync.
Once that is done revisit your google contacts page on your PC to make sure you got them all. If you did you will see them online and you no longer worry about losing them. If they aren't there then unfortunately the contacts were not added as "google" contacts but rather "phone" contacts (you can see this in the main list in the "people" app). Advice here to remedy that.
Calendar and Gmail should be easily synched and you can check that in each app on the phone.
The Other Way (backup pretty much everything)
I am going to write this out assuming you are using mybackup pro. I don't work for them, I have used the app, it is nice, and it IS $4.99. But that is a small price to pay (IMO) for the peace of mind you get.
From the app description: Backup (schedule option) to our online secure server, or SD card, your apps, contacts, call logs, bookmarks, sms/mms, calendar, settings, home shortcuts, alarms, dictionary, music playlists and more. Restore on existing/new phone.
I am SURE there are free options, I AM SURE in the comments below people will suggest xyz backup app, so check that out if you are so inclined.
The app should be pretty self explanatory, once you backup to SDcard COPY the contents of the card to a nice little folder on your PC and label it in a way you will recognize. Some people have reported SD Card being wiped while in the phone so don't just leave your backup on the card.
Other Stuff
All your apps that you have on your phone should be remembered by your google acct. So if you do a reset they should be waiting to be downloaded and installed in your market app once you get back into your phone.
Remember, BACKUP! BACKUP! BACKUP! then BACKUP! again! The first time you get a nasty app that forces you to do a factory reset and lose your contacts or something else you will be kicking yourself.
PLEASE, if anyone has any edits, comments, shortcuts to this process, post here and I can add/edit this post.
sorry, im in a rush and couldnt exactly take the time to check out if its been asked, but do we really have to backup pics and videos weve taken?
Since they're on your SD card, you dont need to back them up if flashing a new rom or something like that.
However, it's good to have a backup of your pics in case you were to loose your phone.
I like lookout, but there is many good backup apps that save your pictures online.
Device(s): HTC DROID Eris 2.1 OTA
+ One Click Root
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 14
Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Thanks to Caddyman for this. I had this EXACT question and came here to find an answer. Got mybackup pro (yes, I paid) and all is well. I put my entire SD card in a folder on my PC and now I feel secure and calm.
Just want to throw out that I use AppBrain as well through all of these leaks. Again though, don't sync your phone to the web first or your will lose the saved apps.
So how do you back up your contacts to your SD card? Ive backed up my contacts on google but there are only 3 for some reason and i just maunally did it again yesterday!
So after reading some more I figured i just download the HTC sync?
Last edited by shaggerr23; May 11th, 2010 at 06:23 AM.
Anyone try running MyBackup Pro yet when upgrading to 2.1? I'm dreading having to reinstall and re-setup all of the apps I've spent the last few months installing and getting set exactly how I like them. I hope I remember all of the custom settings I've done.
I've used MyBackup Pro only once before when I had to reset my phone after the MMS bug. It definitely saved me a lot of time in getting everything back to where it was.
I'm not extremely concerned about contacts/calendar, as I use HTC Sync (hope it works with 2.1!!) What I'm most concerned about would be my SMS/MMS messages in Chomp SMS, all of my alarms & settings in Klaxon, and all of the custom ringtones and notifications setup in Missed Reminder & Quick Profiles.
Ok so I heard you can just backup your apps using Astro to your sd which I did.
__________________
{~~~>This is like if that Blue Oyster shit met that Afghan Kush I had and they had a baby. And then, meanwhile, that crazy Northern Light stuff I had and the Super Red Espresso Snowflake met and had a baby. And by some miracle, those two babies met and f*cked - this would be the shit that they birthed.<~~~}
While we're on the subject of backing up, is HTC Sync worthwhile to download to my computer if I don't have or use either Outlook or Outlook Express? Any other functionality make it worth the space on my hdd?
also - why when i try to save a contact, whether it is existing or new, my options are exchange or phone. can anyone help me understand why i don't have "google" option? is there a setting i need to make happen?
The HTC Droid Eris launched for Verizon Wireless on November 6th in part as the carrier's first Android Phone. However it was overshadowed by the other member of the inaugural Verizon Droid duo - the Motorola Droid. The Droid Eris might look fa... Read More
HOW-TO Backup your HTC Eris
Android 2.1 Update
