• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Root Rom manager, when to wipe?

tjreishus

Android Enthusiast
Nov 8, 2009
746
94
When using rom manager when do you need to wipe and when don't you? So far, I have wiped data anytime I switch to a different rom. I am currently using Ultimate Droid. If I want to try some of the things offered in the ultimate droid customizer, do I need to wipe when changing any of those? Or how about cyanogenmod? I have a nandroid backup of 5.0.5.3. Can I restore that version (with a wipe of course), update to .4 (without a wipe because I have all my apps loaded and settings set the way I want), then try some of the kernals without wiping? Basically, with all the combinations, what are some examples of when you would and wouldn't wipe data?

Thanks
 
People will tell you different things based on their experiences. My opinion is that you should wipe data, format system, format cache, and format boot before loading any new ROM...yes, including updates to a ROM you are currently running.

Is is always necessary? No, but if you don't you will always question any glitches, FC's, etc. and you will wonder if it would be different/better if you would have completely wiped the slate clean before you installed it.

Just my opinion...I've had much better results since implementing this procedure for myself.

Get Titanium Backup...it makes this "reasonable" to do when you update ROMs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tjreishus
Upvote 0
Agree with UBR 100%. I get easier and easier to reconfigure your phone (I can set up my homescreen with all the widgets in about 5 minutes). Titanium backup makes restoring programs a no brainer. As for the actual phone setting, each time I reconfigure them I find new nooks and crannies that I missed in the past. Most importantly, when I have problems, I can definitely rule out artifacts from a previous install.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tjreishus
Upvote 0
Usually you don't need to wipe anything when upgrading to a newer version of the same ROM unless they made some MAJOR changes. This is how it always was with Android ROM's as long as I've used them. Of course it doesn't hurt to wipe and that would eliminate any chances of FC's but technically you shouldn't need to wipe when upgrading the ROM to a newer release. When switching ROM's entirely like say BB to Ultimate or Cyanogen then YES YOU MUST WIPE.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tjreishus
Upvote 0
Thanks for the tip on all that. Especially titanium backup. That will save a lot of time. If I backup all my apps then try to restore them to a rom where I have already downloaded some of those apps, will that cause a problem, or does it know not to install a second one?

Titanium has many batch options (at least in the pay version which is worth getting). You can choice to install just apps that are not already installed, those with newer versions, etc. Restore apps with data but I do not recommend restoring system data. That can lead to problems.
 
Upvote 0
I've read a few places that MyBackup (Pro) will restore your Android Home screen setups...
I am using the free version (which it claims is the full version on 30 day trial), and it does not seem to re-populate my home screen for me... is this what others have found? or am I just having bad luck?
 
Upvote 0
I've read a few places that MyBackup (Pro) will restore your Android Home screen setups...
I am using the free version (which it claims is the full version on 30 day trial), and it does not seem to re-populate my home screen for me... is this what others have found? or am I just having bad luck?

It's been so long since I used My Backup I can hardly remember but I don't think it backs up protected apps and data. My advise, take a few screen shots of you home screen to make it easy to recreate. I find when I recreate my home screen from scratch I improve it each time.
 
Upvote 0
I've read a few places that MyBackup (Pro) will restore your Android Home screen setups...
I am using the free version (which it claims is the full version on 30 day trial), and it does not seem to re-populate my home screen for me... is this what others have found? or am I just having bad luck?

It does indeed restore the home screen, but the widgets need to be deleted and re-added manually.
 
Upvote 0
Starting from stock Motorola Droid 2.1 rooted, is it really necessary to do a data wipe before installing http://koush.tandtgaming.com//motorola/sholes/update-cm-5.0.7-Droid-signed.zip ?

If yes, I can back everything up using MyBackup Pro APKs+Data. When I restore from that after installing the CM rom, what should I NOT restore? And what settings (if any) would I have to manually reconfigure?
 
Upvote 0
Starting from stock Motorola Droid 2.1 rooted, is it really necessary to do a data wipe before installing http://koush.tandtgaming.com//motorola/sholes/update-cm-5.0.7-Droid-signed.zip ?

If yes, I can back everything up using MyBackup Pro APKs+Data. When I restore from that after installing the CM rom, what should I NOT restore? And what settings (if any) would I have to manually reconfigure?

You should do the data and cache wipe before install Koush's ROM. As for restoring, avoid overwriting programs that come with and have been tweaked for the ROM (things like Facebook, Spare Parts, etc.). I am not sure if Mybackup Pro will backup and restore your protected apps. That is where Titanium does a great job. As for system setting, resetting them from scratch will give you a better oppertunity to learn the ins and outs of any new ROM (and avoid problems).
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones