Backing up everything, and restoring - HTC Excalibur

I've had my Dash for a while now, and I switch between roms not all too often, but every time one annoys me. The first time, I didn't know i could back up my data, but after that I started to make backups with SPB Backup (now trying Sprite as well). In both of these, it says that they back up everything (unless modified, which i do not). So now I want to change my rom again, and I was wondering, if I do a full backup of my phone under Rose Rom 1.7 remade by Ricky & Stylez and I switch to lets say Ricky's v2.4 and the restore, would it mess up my phone? I only think this because everything would include the registry (am i correct?) and to replace the registry of a new rom with that of a different rom would mess up the phone (correct?). I need to have some parts of the registry because of the programs i have installed (some use the registry, if not all [i think]).
Obviously im not extremely knowledgable on the way the Dash/Excalibur works, just want to know what is the best method to do this.

Your correct you do not want to use a backup from one ROM flash a different ROM then use the backup.
New ROM fresh install of programs and tweaks.

i was looking at another thread about backing up data on this forum. In there someone recommended using SKTools to backup specific registry entries. Should i make a back up of MY Files and a backup of the registry entries that relate to the programs i have installed? Would it still work if i restored just my files (no rom files or system files) and the specific registry entries to the new rom?
I am assuming the safest, most crash-preventing way to do this is to do as you said Stylez, just do a fresh install and reinstall everything after that...

The registry entrys where
HKLM\Security\CHome
&
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CHome
The only prob with that is the the RoseROM is set up slightly different.
But you could just back up the specific parts.

Thnks for ur help Stylez, I guess ill take the safe, but slightly longer way and just reinstall everything from scratch so i dont have to go hunting around the regsitry with SKTools for everything i need to back up.

Those two areas of the registry were my question in the other thread, and it worked out perfectly. I also use Sprite Backup, and it's excellent software.
As for restoring with Sprite, it will not let you run a normal restore when you change roms, because it recognizes when you've changed and will only allow an "upgrade" restore, which allows you to restore personal files, your internet favorites and other things like that. Also, it will allow you to selectively restore these things, as it typically does when you do a normal restore. Make sure you're using the latest Sprite Backup, as it's more reliable with these things.
My own $0.02, after you have any rom set up how you like it, do a full "clean" backup. Then make a folder on your microsd to which you copy your favorites, cpr files, bronzeres.dll if you've modified it, registry portions (like the two I asked about), etc. Then when you switch to a new rom, you can pretty much copy these files back over and take a lot of the headache out of tweaking a new rom... don't worry about backing up reg entries for software you installed outside of the rom, because it's easier to just reinstall those with the new rom.

uansari1 said:
Those two areas of the registry were my question in the other thread, and it worked out perfectly. I also use Sprite Backup, and it's excellent software.
As for restoring with Sprite, it will not let you run a normal restore when you change roms, because it recognizes when you've changed and will only allow an "upgrade" restore, which allows you to restore personal files, your internet favorites and other things like that. Also, it will allow you to selectively restore these things, as it typically does when you do a normal restore. Make sure you're using the latest Sprite Backup, as it's more reliable with these things.
My own $0.02, after you have any rom set up how you like it, do a full "clean" backup. Then make a folder on your microsd to which you copy your favorites, cpr files, bronzeres.dll if you've modified it, registry portions (like the two I asked about), etc. Then when you switch to a new rom, you can pretty much copy these files back over and take a lot of the headache out of tweaking a new rom... don't worry about backing up reg entries for software you installed outside of the rom, because it's easier to just reinstall those with the new rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow only ever used Sprite once and it cacked out on me didn't realize you could do an upgrade. Will have to try a newer vesion out as with Tilt it's a new ROM to try every week.
Was there not a diference in the reg as i'm sure that the settings panel and since no weather the reg will be different between Kavana & Rose?

So lets say we want to back up PERSONAL DATA. This "Personal Data" excludes programs, system files, ROM files (dont know if you consider system and rom the same, but whatever).
So on Sprite Backup, to do so you would obviously have to do a custom backup. Are these good options to use:::
==================================
(You are presented with a list similar to the one you get when browsing just folders in the windows explorer)
PIM>Select All
Mail>Select All
My Documents>Select All
System Data>Select the following:
>Browser Favorites>Favorites
Storage Card (if you have one)>DONT Select the following(if they exist):
>Application Data
>Program Files
>Windows
=======================================
Under System Data>Browser Favorites there is Browser System Data (reg entry it looks like) and Favorites (a folder), so i thought maybe only select the folder since the new rom will have the registry entries for the browser...is the correct?
Would that custom backup work out?

stylez said:
Wow only ever used Sprite once and it cacked out on me didn't realize you could do an upgrade. Will have to try a newer vesion out as with Tilt it's a new ROM to try every week.
Was there not a diference in the reg as i'm sure that the settings panel and since no weather the reg will be different between Kavana & Rose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there was a difference, and I exported and imported the reg entries with Resco Explorer... but it didn't remove any registry entries, just overwrote the ones that existed in CHome when I exported. So my reg contains the following panels, for example for HKLM>Software>Microsoft>CHome>:
CAppointments, CClock, CHome, CLinks, CLock, CMessage, CMusic, CMyApplication, CMyFaves, CMyPhotos, COffice, CQuicklist, CTestUIPlugin, CWelcomeCenter, CWindowsLive, Fonts, HTCEMAIL, HTCFavorite, HTCMUSIC, HTCSMSMMS, HTCWeather, myfaves, Settings
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So lets say we want to back up PERSONAL DATA. This "Personal Data" excludes programs, system files, ROM files (dont know if you consider system and rom the same, but whatever).
So on Sprite Backup, to do so you would obviously have to do a custom backup. Are these good options to use:::
==================================
(You are presented with a list similar to the one you get when browsing just folders in the windows explorer)
PIM>Select All
Mail>Select All
My Documents>Select All
System Data>Select the following:
>Browser Favorites>Favorites
Storage Card (if you have one)>DONT Select the following(if they exist):
>Application Data
>Program Files
>Windows
=======================================
Under System Data>Browser Favorites there is Browser System Data (reg entry it looks like) and Favorites (a folder), so i thought maybe only select the folder since the new rom will have the registry entries for the browser...is the correct?
Would that custom backup work out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do a FULL backup... you can restore selectively from that too. I always do full backups, that way I can restore selectively when I switch to a new rom...and then if I decide to go back to the ROM I had before, I reflash and do a full restore (just remember to change the Sprite restore settings to "delete all files" and to Replace files, not merge them).

Related

SPB Backup and Flashing New Roms

Hey all
Like everyone else here i love flashing the new cooked roms. LVSW's work a treat.
However it pains me to have to reinstall all my programs.
If i update to say the new LVSW rom can i use SPB backup to backup my current info and then just restore the backup on the new roms. Is there any particular things that should or should be backuped up.
It sounds to simple but would this work or would it just end up causing problems with the new rom.
Is there any other program that might do this.
Cheers.
If you are changing ROMs then the answer is no. Backups only help you if you have to hard-reset to reload a clean version of the same ROM.
tried using sprite and moving between LSVW and Black, seems to be fine, i guess YMMV
Add/Remove Programs
Once all of the slick utilities come together for running customizations after hard reset or flash, the only thing I would think pertinent to restore would be things like call history or text/sms messages.
If you can restore your WiFI, GPRS/3G/MMS settings via a cab, and your apps in one simple run of Activesync or WMDC, why would you want to risk overlaying a program or registry setting?
Bits change between builds. This is no different than loading a service pack or upgrading from XP SP2 to Vista. I wouldn't even consider doing a restore of anything except "My Documents" and some data.
Until backup utilities allow for selective restore, they get loaded on my device as do the rest of my software. After a hard reset and through Add Programs. I then delete my old backups, get the device set up the way I want it, then backup. This way I'm assured that if I have to hard reset once I'm on a particular version, I can restore functionality with a restore.
My .02
Cheers.
I thought it would be a long shot.
Thanks for your help.
Travis
I have been using SPB Backup to restore the entire OS, the contacts database are not interchangeable between WM5 & WM6, but I can swap between WM5/WM6 by just restoring a full backup of either. SPB works ok with WM6, with exception to a couple temp files in the system area cannot be locked to be backed up, and the scheduled backup will not fire.
?Glitch
with wm5, i can full restore ~4-5 minutes.
with wm6 it will take ~30 > mins.

Backup for WM06

Which Program to use?
Spb backup?
Sprite backup?
Which one restores perfect backups on WM06?
NAdavi
Sunnysoft Backup Manager
http://www.sunnysoft.cz/software.php?idarticle=245
Have you tested it over WM06?
It works fine in Hermes WM6
qyach said:
It works fine in Hermes WM6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok
i will try.
Thanks
NAdavi
ok i have a question here.. now that i forsee we're going to be in a ROM flashing frenzy for a while, i don't want to manually reinstall everything everytime. So i used sunnysoft backup, but i didn't back up the registry (obviously some programs and settings aren't backed up) cause i figured some of the patches that are being released in newer ROM versions are registry tweaks..
so if i restore a backed up registry, won't there be a chance that it negates the registry tweak in the newer version?
thanks..
I'm no expert, but to my mind, if you want to back up your device and be able to restore it to the same state, you must include the registry in the backup.
When I try to install it says: Please install ActiveSync !! However I have ActiveSync 4.5 installed, any ideas or a CAB file??
Cheers
aZooZa said:
I'm no expert, but to my mind, if you want to back up your device and be able to restore it to the same state, you must include the registry in the backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i understand that.. what i'm asking is if a full backup (of registry and all) will really work, when i'm restoring it on an updated ROM. Cause that updated ROM would presumably have updated registry values.. then i'd be restoring some old registry values on top of it, etc...
someone have some thoughts on this? or what's worked and what hasn't?
racerx_ said:
yeah i understand that.. what i'm asking is if a full backup (of registry and all) will really work, when i'm restoring it on an updated ROM. Cause that updated ROM would presumably have updated registry values.. then i'd be restoring some old registry values on top of it, etc...
someone have some thoughts on this? or what's worked and what hasn't?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I think most will agree that the cleanest method is to reinstall all apps after a hard reset/rom upgrade, Sprite does have an option for backing up your system before a rom upgrade...personally I don't do it.
racerx_ said:
yeah i understand that.. what i'm asking is if a full backup (of registry and all) will really work, when i'm restoring it on an updated ROM. Cause that updated ROM would presumably have updated registry values.. then i'd be restoring some old registry values on top of it, etc...
someone have some thoughts on this? or what's worked and what hasn't?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely!
An example. I performed a full SPB backup after installing everthing onto mUn's wm6 rom the otherday. Then lvsw released his. So i installed his ROM, tested it a bit and activesync etc worked fine. Then I installed the backup (including registry) from mUn's rom and it changed a lot of things. removed some programs, etc. The activesync was not working anymore, just like on mUn's rom. Basically a full backup replaces all the folders including windows folder, so all software loaded into the ROM will be deleted and replaced. For some reason they dont try and merge the folders. Anyway. My point is that it is a very messy way to do things to install a full registry backup on a new updated ROM. It is absolutely fine on the same rom, and my backup proved very time-saving when I moved back to mUn's.
thanks for that.. just what i was wondering..
so, on a totally separate thought (hope it's ok to post here), does anyone know how to extract cab files from installers.. cause some of my programs only have windows .exe files.. it would speed up the re-instatement of my pda if i had everything on cab files, since a full backup isn't gonna do it.
racerx_ said:
thanks for that.. just what i was wondering..
so, on a totally separate thought (hope it's ok to post here), does anyone know how to extract cab files from installers.. cause some of my programs only have windows .exe files.. it would speed up the re-instatement of my pda if i had everything on cab files, since a full backup isn't gonna do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On your PC go to: Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync.
So basically I understand that to make a backup of the programs to be used on a newer WM6 rom, I would need to backup also the registry of the current rom, but this by itself can lead to preserving bugs in the current ROM.
Is there a way other than installing cab files, to make this easier?? I'm interested mostly in backing up the SKYSCAPE medical appplications I currently have installed. Some of these apps are 50MB sized, and it takes lots of time to install them. Is there a way to backup these programs that do not affect essential functions (like phone, today screen)??
Is there a way other than installing cab files, to make this easier??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1251367&postcount=1
SPB POCKET BACKUP 1.6
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/backup/?en
Should support WM06.
Nadavi
KamaL said:
So basically I understand that to make a backup of the programs to be used on a newer WM6 rom, I would need to backup also the registry of the current rom, but this by itself can lead to preserving bugs in the current ROM.
Is there a way other than installing cab files, to make this easier?? I'm interested mostly in backing up the SKYSCAPE medical appplications I currently have installed. Some of these apps are 50MB sized, and it takes lots of time to install them. Is there a way to backup these programs that do not affect essential functions (like phone, today screen)??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kamal- unfortunately you can't restore any Skyscape products after a ROM update, because the Device ID changes each time (unlike Mobipocket/Handheldmed, where the PID stays the same). You can get new reg codes via the Skyscape website, but it is better to do a full reinstall of the Reader application each time. The basic Data folder (which is the large one, as you say) will remain on the SD card whatever the ROM state.
So, you are back to square one, in that you shouldn't apply a Restore after a ROM update, unless you are just reinstalling the same ROM version. Restores only restore the contents of the Storage memory- they don't affect files in ROM (ie a restore prompts a soft reset, not a hard reset)
The Sprite ROM update option is buggy and difficult to execute. You have to take an image of the device before the ROM update, then do the update, then run another program which compares the contents of the current ROM and the previous Backup, then supposedly only updates the changed files, ignoring the new ones. But reports I've seen suggest this is flakey at best, and that the contents of messaging folders gets corrupted.
If you are taking the trouble to do a ROM update, presumably to improve performance, it is better to do a full reinstall of your apps using cab files, or ActiveSync Add/Remove (except Skyscape products )
NeilM said:
Kamal- unfortunately you can't restore any Skyscape products after a ROM update, because the Device ID changes each time (unlike Mobipocket/Handheldmed, where the PID stays the same). You can get new reg codes via the Skyscape website, but it is better to do a full reinstall of the Reader application each time. The basic Data folder (which is the large one, as you say) will remain on the SD card whatever the ROM state.
So, you are back to square one, in that you shouldn't apply a Restore after a ROM update, unless you are just reinstalling the same ROM version. Restores only restore the contents of the Storage memory- they don't affect files in ROM (ie a restore prompts a soft reset, not a hard reset)
The Sprite ROM update option is buggy and difficult to execute. You have to take an image of the device before the ROM update, then do the update, then run another program which compares the contents of the current ROM and the previous Backup, then supposedly only updates the changed files, ignoring the new ones. But reports I've seen suggest this is flakey at best, and that the contents of messaging folders gets corrupted.
If you are taking the trouble to do a ROM update, presumably to improve performance, it is better to do a full reinstall of your apps using cab files, or ActiveSync Add/Remove (except Skyscape products )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply I didn't understand something about the Data folder on the storage card. Suppose I have 3-4 skyscape products installed on the stroage card, can I keep those folders and install only the viewer the next time I make a rom upgrade??
I'm not sure!
I tend to just run My Skyscape after each ROM upgrade- takes a couple of minutes to reinstall but I find its worth it. As the main data remains on the card, it might be worth just trying ActiveSync Add/Remove to reinstall the reader apps, though IIRC this didn't work on WM2003 as the newly installed reader wouldn't find the Data
But, Skyscape do seem to have imprpved their installers recently (despite the awful SmartUpdate app!)
I tried sprite backup and it crashed on faman fr rom... anyone use it ?

Restoring old programs save states after Flashing

Hey All.
With all the great roms out of late it seems all i am doing is flashing my poor little JasJam.
The only anoying thing about it is that i can't seem to see any way to restore stuff like game and program save states.
Just as an example Pocket Informate losses all its contact photo links and you have to go back and relink them all. Another is a game call Tennis Addict where I can't seem to get it to go back to a previous save state.
I have even tried taking a copy of the directory of the game before the flash, then reinstalling it and copying the directory over the top and still no luck.
Is there a seperate place on the phone that this info is stored in.
Or is there a restore these programs after Flashing.
Cheers and Beers.
The only restoring I have been able to do is the entire restore. You just have to make sure you keep track of what backups go to what ROMS. You cant restore an LVSW backup onto a Black ROM. You flash the ROM to what OS it belongs to and then restore the backup.
Nice thought...I haven't ever heard of an app like that for Windows Mobile platform, but I used them for my old razr, slvr, and v3i back in the day...
Try backing up pim.vol and pocketinformant.vol
akac said:
Try backing up pim.vol and pocketinformant.vol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are these files located? I'm working on an application to solve these problems for myself and just uploaded the early beta here...
Settings Savior v0.1
All it does so far is backup and restore registry settings, but files are my next thought. Then possible assisting with application installs.
Thanks,
Rob
Yea i didn't think there was any magic fix for this.
I just had having to start things all over again.
Especially when you have spent hours playing one game.
Cheers
dny238 said:
Where are these files located? I'm working on an application to solve these problems for myself and just uploaded the early beta here...
Settings Savior v0.1
All it does so far is backup and restore registry settings, but files are my next thought. Then possible assisting with application installs.
Thanks,
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea Let me know how it goes.
I've had good luck with Sprite Software's SpriteBackup. If you do a full backup, do a hard-reset, then run a special program, it will snapshot the "default" state of your phone. Flash the new ROM, and run the restore program (from SD) -- it won't try to restore anything from the old rom onto the new ROM, but it will restore your programs and almost all settings. Check the FAQ on their site, and carefully read and follow the instructions exactly.
Make absolutely sure you have encryption turned OFF before you do the backup, or your backup file will be encrypted -- and your hard reset will blow the key away (and you won't be able to restore!).
I wouldn't try this between different ROMs, like LVSW->Black/etc... but I've had great results from Black 1.0 -> Black 2.0 -> Black 2.5 -> Black 3.
Oh -- make sure you delete your ActiveSync relationships (delete each component separately so it removes all 'synced' contacts, emails, etc, then delete the server), and delete any IMAP and POP3 email accounts BEFORE you do the backup. If you're using IMAP or Exchange, the phone will repull the info from the servers when you restore (just recreate your mail accounts).. if you're using POP3.. well... get your ISP to support IMAP - you'll be happier with it.

Advice required for a complete device backup

Hello guys,
Me & my girlfriend both using (O2 Ignito) Diamond, and somehow she is messing-up the device every month and I have to hard-reset her device and spend a whole 3 continous hours on installing and configuring her Diamond.
Can someone PLEASE Tell me / Guide me how can I make a "COMPLETE backup (including StorageCard software installaions and Registry)" of her device after installing everyyyyyything, and then every month just run the automated restore process.
1. Keep it in mind that during the configuration & installation I am also editing few bits in the registry for example changing the AC_S2U2 setting etc., I want all of the registry to backed-up as well.
2. I am also installing some big softwares on the StorageCard e.g. SPB Online which is 12mb, so I have to include that in the backup as well.
3. Her Diamond's ROM is the Original O2 Stock Rom (1.93)
I would highly appreciate someone's expert advice.
Regards
Sidd
sidd said:
Hello guys,
Me & my girlfriend both using (O2 Ignito) Diamond, and somehow she is messing-up the device every month and I have to hard-reset her device and spend a whole 3 continous hours on installing and configuring her Diamond.
Can someone PLEASE Tell me / Guide me how can I make a "COMPLETE backup (including StorageCard software installaions and Registry)" of her device after installing everyyyyyything, and then every month just run the automated restore process.
1. Keep it in mind that during the configuration & installation I am also editing few bits in the registry for example changing the AC_S2U2 setting etc., I want all of the registry to backed-up as well.
2. I am also installing some big softwares on the StorageCard e.g. SPB Online which is 12mb, so I have to include that in the backup as well.
3. Her Diamond's ROM is the Original O2 Stock Rom (1.93)
I would highly appreciate someone's expert advice.
Regards
Sidd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest to buy Resco Backup. This peace of software can make a full backup, and if restored to the same ROM as the backup was made, will preserve all settings. Just keep in mind that with a restore you have to check the option Full Restore.
Thanks henk2484,
I will give it a try for this month's restore.
SPB for Back up
sidd said:
Thanks henk2484,
I will give it a try for this month's restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use SPB Back up 2.0 with no problems.
I create one backup called a clean install after a hard reset with all programs loaded and settings adjusted, and then a back up every month to make sure I save emails and texts etc.
cliffordsyoung said:
I use SPB Back up 2.0 with no problems.
I create one backup called a clean install after a hard reset with all programs loaded and settings adjusted, and then a back up every month to make sure I save emails and texts etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used spb backup too and that since i have a htc-device (3 or 4 years).
and it exist a desktop-version for unpacking backup-files to see what was inside or to extract like a zip-file.
okokur
just one more to add to the list of options...
Sprite Backup
http://www.spritesoftware.com/
cliffordsyoung said:
I use SPB Back up 2.0 with no problems.
I create one backup called a clean install after a hard reset with all programs loaded and settings adjusted, and then a back up every month to make sure I save emails and texts etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SPB Backup can also be configured to make automatic backups of everything (PIM Data, Emails, My Documents, System Data, Storage Card) or whatever part(s) you choose. You can enable it to run at specified day(s) and time.
What's nice is, it can restore even to a different ROM and/or on a different device, and it creates the backups as .exe file, so you don't have to reinstall the program just to restore. It will do everything.
What works for me: I make manual "Full" backups whenever I install new software. (This takes about 3-4 minutes.) Other than that, every night at 3 o'clock, it automatically makes a backup of my documents, e-mails, and sms. If something bad happens, I hard-reset, restore that big full backup, and restore the latest small "document" backup, everything works out.
Definitely recommended!
Thankyou soo much guys, thats a huge amount of advices, I will definitely try some of these and see which one better.
Regards
Sid

Backup Programs to use Before ROM flash?

Hey guys, I searched around here and couldn't find any info on some backup programs for saving settings and the like besides PIM backup which saves personal contacts and information.
Is there any program that saves current settings so I don't have to go through the phone and redo all the settings again, and is there anything that backs up your current apps so I wouldn't have to install every individual .cab file again?
Any help is appreciated, thanks.
SPB Backup
Sashimi
I use Sashimi for that. Search in xda forum, and on http://www.winmo-experts.com/viewforum.php?f=7.
It does require some work to identify which parts need to be saved, but once you have done it, you can easily restore a complete phone, including cabs, registry entries, files, directories etc... . I did have to spend some time to identify which registry entries I wanted to save, but it has been really worth it.
After the restore, (and I did not reflash anything), my phone was a lot faster, as well.

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