Root How do you backup before root?

[thaprinze]

Hey everyone! I've put off posting this question for a few days now, because I thought it had to have been asked before, but I've searched and couldn't find an answer. I'm hoping one of you could help me.

I'm currently on the stock 2.1-update1 Evo Android build, and I want to root the phone before I upgrade to a 2.2 rom. The problem is that I want to perform a full backup of the phone, but I can't figure out how to do that. Many tutorials encourage you to do a NAND backup & backup using Titanium, but in order to do that, you need to have root access. I can't figure out which comes first.

I've looked into performing the Simple Root, but as I understand it, it'll wipe my phone clean before rooting. If I need to backup my data before rooting, but need to root before I can install the backup software then how do I get anything done?

Thanks!!

 

[thaprinze]

Could I install the unrevoked3, install the backup software, backup the phone then uninstall unrevoked3 & continue with the Simple Root? Would this allow me to backup my NAND?

 

[novox77]

Unfortunately, nandroid backup is only available after you've fully rooted your phone. There is no system-wide backup available for a stock phone. However, you CAN back up your apps and homescreen settings with apps like MyBackup. Look for it in the market. Once you've rooted, you can restore your apps. You might have to tweak a few settings, like custom ringtones, but it should get you back close to where you were.

Once your rooted phone is back the way you like it, then you can start doing nandroid backups.

 

[thaprinze]

So, when the you need to return the phone to Sprint, you just flash the stock rom back on the phone and everything's like new? What's the point of using nandroid then? Is that to give you the ability to back everything up on a regular basis after you're rooted, in case something goes wrong while flashing a rom?

 

[cabbie]

Reference this thread: http://androidforums.com/all-things...ooting-get-your-bearings-before-plunging.html

 

[novox77]

So, when the you need to return the phone to Sprint, you just flash the stock rom back on the phone and everything's like new?

To be 100% stock, you need a stock ROM without root, and you need to make sure that ROM contains a stock bootloader and recovery. Some people keep the engineering bootloader and custom recovery image in hopes that whoever is servicing the phone doesn't notice. And from what I've heard, they often don't notice. Then, when you get your phone back, it's actually really easy to be rooted again, because you can still get to the bootloader and custom recovery and flash rooted ROMs. The key here is that there's a difference between unlocking NAND and having a rooted ROM. If this made no sense to you, keep reading up on the rooting process.

What's the point of using nandroid then? Is that to give you the ability to back everything up on a regular basis after you're rooted, in case something goes wrong while flashing a rom?

Yes, exactly right. Or if you want to try a new ROM, and you end up not liking it, you can quickly go back to the state you were in before.

You can make as many nandroid backups as you want, each with a separate folder name, so you can actually have several backups that you switch between. It comes in handy when you're still evaluating which ROM you want to stick with. But I think the most important reason to do them is for disaster recovery.

 

[Cursed Chico]

I want to rootfirst time, should i backup files contacts sms, is that such a risk of losing them?

And i want to backup to pc, not sdcard, is it possible

 

[dustwun77]

http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all...ooting-dummies-guide-gingerbread-edition.html

that guide, in the Before Rooting section, lists a couple of apps to help you back up stuff. Once you have them saved on sd card you can transfer them to your pc if you want.

I didn't lose anything when I rooted but it is better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Cursed Chico]

http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all...ooting-dummies-guide-gingerbread-edition.html

that guide, in the Before Rooting section, lists a couple of apps to help you back up stuff. Once you have them saved on sd card you can transfer them to your pc if you want.

I didn't lose anything when I rooted but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Thank you so much

 

[dustwun77]

You are quite welcome!

 

[Cursed Chico]

You are quite welcome!

Very sorry but this is for Htc, i need Huawei u8800, can you again help please

 

[dustwun77]

Very sorry but this is for Htc, i need Huawei u8800, can you again help please

oh, I thought you were on an evo and wanted to back up your stuff before you rooted. You want to find out how to root that phone, as well?

Won't those apps work to backup your stuff? I found this thread regarding your phone. Perhaps if you post over there they will be able to assist you?

http://androidforums.com/ideos-x5-all-things-root/360257-rooting-huawei-u8800.html

Good luck!

 

[argedion]

You can make as many nandroid backups as you want, each with a separate folder name, so you can actually have several backups that you switch between. It comes in handy when you're still evaluating which ROM you want to stick with. But I think the most important reason to do them is for disaster recovery.

I would be cautious of this. Nandroids can become quite large. (700 +) Most nandroids will contain
boot
system
data
and you should have atleast one nandroid of your wimax keys.

If you don't have a Drop Box account then Click here:
http://db.tt/JDYCd1O

you will want to keep the nandroid with your wimax on there and you will also want to keep a good ROM on there for later when you become a bit more customed to flashing.

Also check the A Flash for us all guide in my sig.

Once you have figured out the ROM you like I recommend to really keep no more than 3 nandroids on the phone sdcard at one time. You can keep backups on your computer and in dropbox.