Help How do you backup Apps to sideload later?

[roninmoto]

I just purchased an App from the Android Market (Thumb Keyboard).

I will be sending in my Xoom for the upgrade when it is available, but one of the requirements is to return the tablet back to its original state (factory default = wiping all data)

I know I can save off the entire contents of the device by simply copying all the files over to my computer PC system.

But I would like to be able just to make a backup copy of the software I bought. If something were to happen, I don't want to purchase the software again.

I checked the system/app folder but it is not loaded there. Does anyone know how I can pull this software off the tablet and possibly save the file as an .APK and then sideload it later if i need it?

Thanks
Ronin

 

[papermonkey01]

As long as you sign in with the same Google account you wont be charged again for apps you purchased. This also works for multiple android devices (I grabbed several apps I'd already paid for on my EVO when I got my Zoom at no extra charge). Interestingly enough the same concept applies to ipods/ipads. As long as you use the same email/pw you're set

 

[clb2196]

I was wondering that to. I know it restores apps you bought in the market, but does it restore apps you sideloaded too?

 

[PSkeptic]

From a command line (Linux, Windows, or Mac), with the adb loaded, you can:

adb pull /data/apps

And, you now have all apps from your device on your local machine.

 

[papermonkey01]

Or you can use an app to backup your installed apps (Astro has an app backup feature). It will backup all the API files to the virtual SD card on the xoom. Then just plug it in to your PC and make a copy of everything (specifically the folder you just backed up to)