Backing-up Hero "pre-2.1 update"

[premiump]

Once the 2.1 update hits, I'm going to want to backup my Hero "pre-update".

I understand that the update wipes the phone completely, so I'm kinda wondering whats the best way to back-up my apps and so forth.

ALL of my contacts are google contacts, so they will just resync up. I'm not too bothered about call/sms logs.

Any data on my SD card will remain, so thats not an issue. so I guess its just apps.

Whats the best FREE way to do it?

Is there anything else I should consider? I want the 2.1 update once its released, so want my strategy in place beforehand

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jaffa]

There are loads of threads on this, try the search button

 

[premiump]

There are loads of threads on this, try the search button

You are right of course, just being lazy ... apologies

Ok, from the threads I have quickly browsed, it seems AppManager will backup an app to the SD card. I already have this, and a quick play has proved it does work. I did notice somebody saying it doesn't work on "protected" apps. What are protected apps?

It seems Titanium backup is also popular, but a quick look on Market later, and it states that it needs "root" to work. I have no intention of rooting my phone (after all, 2.1 is imminent), so I was just wondering if there was anything else I should consider?

Thanks

 

[Hrochnick]

If you don't install apps from the market they don't seem to be recognised by the market app which doesn't then tell you that there are updates. So I'll simply make a list of the ones I want to keep and re-download them. Easy peasy.

 

[DaWeav]

I'd suggest making a list of your installed apps too since from my research some Android 1.5 versions won't run on Android 2.1 and because their Eclair versions of the app may add additional features that were not available in Android 1.5. So, I plan to re-download all of my apps anyway to get the new ones (if available for 2.1) and so the market app will auto notify me (if that's fixed in 2.1) of any updates in the future.

I've started a list which I keep adding things to do before and after the upgrade to 2.1. My upgrade routine also has me doing a factory reset before and after the update. My theory is, I want to be as 'factory fresh' as I can just as if I picked up my shinny new Hero that day with 2.1 already on it. So, I'm going to need all my settings from the HTC Mail accounts as well. I'm also going to take Screenshots of current screen setup using DDMS from Android SDK, and remove SDCARD and insert original SDCARD before I do the factory reset prior to performing the upgrade.

 

[Jaffa]

My backup pro is excellent

 

[Ziani]

If you just want a list of App names then 'App List' free from the market does the trick. This app will make a list of all of your app names into a .txt file on your sdcard so saves having to make a list manually and updating all the time.

If you want to backup your Apps then there is an App called 'atrackdog (SD)' which finds all your backed up apps and give you the option to download updates from the market.

 

[jUsT2eXy]

Hi this thread explains everything.

http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-hero/54802-how-root-install-custom-rom-backup-more.html

 

[bluenova]

If you are ok with rooting then Titanium backup is the way to go as it will restore all your market place links. I believe it's the only backup app that will do it. It also backs up all your app settings.

If you are not ok with rooting I'd suggest the app called Listables. Ziani already mentioned 'App List' but Listables has the advantage of creating QR codes, so rather than having search in the market for each app, you can just use the barcode reader to scan each one.

Another option might be the new service www.appbrain.com it lists all your installed apps. I don't know what happens after a wipe but it might be possible to use that to re-install all your apps.

 

[jonous101]

Just a quick thought, the 2.1 update will wipe everything right? Including your internet settings etc?
I have an unlocked hero on 3 and had to manually put in all my settings which took ages coz it was trial and error, will i have to do all this again?

Thanks x

 

[jev]

I've recently started working with AppBrain. They keep a list of your installed software and allow re-installation. At least, that's what it is supposed to do, didn't try yet to remove an app from the phone and than download again from appbrain.