Thumbnails, and what creates them.Thumbnails will be recreated as needed if deleted at anytime. The only downside is the need to
I have a lot of pictures on my Android phone, and I copy them all to my laptop, and I copy all of them to my backup drive.
In
c:\users\[me]\appdata\roaming\MyPhoneExplorer\XiaomiRedmiNote8Pro[bunch
of numbers]\thumbnailcache\sdcard\DCIM, I have 5 entries, 4 created
today 3 of which are of photos I viewed today (and maybeeee the other
one?), and one created in April of a photo I viewed today.
This implies, iiuc, that windows creates the thumbnail when I do
something, view the picture in any vieweer? Some viewers?
At any rate, the thumbnail is used mostly, or entirely??, when using a
file manager that displays the thumbnails, right?
So I don't have to worry about copying them to a final location, and in
fact I can delete them all, right? If I ever need one, Windows will
recreate it????
On 11/3/24 05:37 PM, micky wrote:
Thumbnails, and what creates them.Thumbnails will be recreated as needed if deleted at anytime. The only downside is the need to
I have a lot of pictures on my Android phone, and I copy them all to my
laptop, and I copy all of them to my backup drive.
In
c:\users\[me]\appdata\roaming\MyPhoneExplorer\XiaomiRedmiNote8Pro[bunch
of numbers]\thumbnailcache\sdcard\DCIM, I have 5 entries, 4 created
today 3 of which are of photos I viewed today (and maybeeee the other
one?), and one created in April of a photo I viewed today.
This implies, iiuc, that windows creates the thumbnail when I do
something, view the picture in any vieweer? Some viewers?
At any rate, the thumbnail is used mostly, or entirely??, when using a
file manager that displays the thumbnails, right?
So I don't have to worry about copying them to a final location, and in
fact I can delete them all, right? If I ever need one, Windows will
recreate it????
remake them.
Thumbnails, and what creates them.
I have a lot of pictures on my Android phone, and I copy them all to my laptop, and I copy all of them to my backup drive.
In
c:\users\[me]\appdata\roaming\MyPhoneExplorer\XiaomiRedmiNote8Pro[bunch
of numbers]\thumbnailcache\sdcard\DCIM, I have 5 entries, 4 created
today 3 of which are of photos I viewed today (and maybeeee the other
one?), and one created in April of a photo I viewed today.
This implies, iiuc, that windows creates the thumbnail when I do
something, view the picture in any vieweer? Some viewers?
At any rate, the thumbnail is used mostly, or entirely??, when using a
file manager that displays the thumbnails, right?
So I don't have to worry about copying them to a final location, and in
fact I can delete them all, right? If I ever need one, Windows will
recreate it????
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sun, 3 Nov 2024 17:46:23 -0500, "Alan K." <alan@invalid.com> wrote:
On 11/3/24 05:37 PM, micky wrote:
Thumbnails, and what creates them.Thumbnails will be recreated as needed if deleted at anytime. The only downside is the need to
I have a lot of pictures on my Android phone, and I copy them all to my
laptop, and I copy all of them to my backup drive.
In
c:\users\[me]\appdata\roaming\MyPhoneExplorer\XiaomiRedmiNote8Pro[bunch
of numbers]\thumbnailcache\sdcard\DCIM, I have 5 entries, 4 created
today 3 of which are of photos I viewed today (and maybeeee the other
one?), and one created in April of a photo I viewed today.
This implies, iiuc, that windows creates the thumbnail when I do
something, view the picture in any vieweer? Some viewers?
At any rate, the thumbnail is used mostly, or entirely??, when using a
file manager that displays the thumbnails, right?
So I don't have to worry about copying them to a final location, and in
fact I can delete them all, right? If I ever need one, Windows will
recreate it????
remake them.
Thanks. It was disturbing because the file name is the same and it took
me a while to see that it was in a thumbnail directory. I thought I had failed to copy all my photos from the phone to the laptop, and unrelated
to thumbnails, later on I found out that was true. Most of my pictures
were in external storage but over 100 were in internal storage and I
think I had never copied them from the phone.
I've been using MyPhoneExlorer to both connect the phone and to copy
from it, and I have to compare the source and dest each time to see what
to copy, but maybe all I need to do is plug the phone into a USB port
and use any of the Windows-based backup programs that don't copy what's already copied. Like robocopy or xxcopy.
On Sun, 11/3/2024 7:03 PM, micky wrote:
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sun, 3 Nov 2024 17:46:23 -0500, "Alan K."
<alan@invalid.com> wrote:
On 11/3/24 05:37 PM, micky wrote:
Thumbnails, and what creates them.Thumbnails will be recreated as needed if deleted at anytime. The only downside is the need to
I have a lot of pictures on my Android phone, and I copy them all to my >>>> laptop, and I copy all of them to my backup drive.
In
c:\users\[me]\appdata\roaming\MyPhoneExplorer\XiaomiRedmiNote8Pro[bunch >>>> of numbers]\thumbnailcache\sdcard\DCIM, I have 5 entries, 4 created
today 3 of which are of photos I viewed today (and maybeeee the other
one?), and one created in April of a photo I viewed today.
This implies, iiuc, that windows creates the thumbnail when I do
something, view the picture in any vieweer? Some viewers?
At any rate, the thumbnail is used mostly, or entirely??, when using a >>>> file manager that displays the thumbnails, right?
So I don't have to worry about copying them to a final location, and in >>>> fact I can delete them all, right? If I ever need one, Windows will
recreate it????
remake them.
Thanks. It was disturbing because the file name is the same and it took
me a while to see that it was in a thumbnail directory. I thought I had
failed to copy all my photos from the phone to the laptop, and unrelated
to thumbnails, later on I found out that was true. Most of my pictures
were in external storage but over 100 were in internal storage and I
think I had never copied them from the phone.
I've been using MyPhoneExlorer to both connect the phone and to copy
from it, and I have to compare the source and dest each time to see what
to copy, but maybe all I need to do is plug the phone into a USB port
and use any of the Windows-based backup programs that don't copy what's
already copied. Like robocopy or xxcopy.
The phone doesn't have a drive letter
(meaning it is MTP and
not USB Mass Storage type).
Your phone is meant to be a puzzle. Mission accomplished.
*******
https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/250944/how-to-make-a-full-local-backup-of-my-phone
"There is no method to make a full backup of android smartphones.
It is always only a partial backup"
https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/226573/adb-pull-stops-after-first-error
It's the stuff nightmares are made of.
Paul
On Sun, 11/3/2024 5:37 PM, micky wrote:
Thumbnails, and what creates them.
I have a lot of pictures on my Android phone, and I copy them all to my
laptop, and I copy all of them to my backup drive.
In
c:\users\[me]\appdata\roaming\MyPhoneExplorer\XiaomiRedmiNote8Pro[bunch
of numbers]\thumbnailcache\sdcard\DCIM, I have 5 entries, 4 created
today 3 of which are of photos I viewed today (and maybeeee the other
one?), and one created in April of a photo I viewed today.
This implies, iiuc, that windows creates the thumbnail when I do
something, view the picture in any vieweer? Some viewers?
At any rate, the thumbnail is used mostly, or entirely??, when using a
file manager that displays the thumbnails, right?
So I don't have to worry about copying them to a final location, and in
fact I can delete them all, right? If I ever need one, Windows will
recreate it????
Here's an article on them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_thumbnail_cache
File Explorer can use them for displaying icons based on the contents of the file.
.thumbs.db <=== various places <=== gpedit.msc may be able to stop the generation of these
On file shares, these could be coming from elsewhere.
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer <=== cleanmgr is showing size of these ?
thumbcache_96.db 1024 KB These can be wiped via cleanmgr.
iconcache_256.db 11264 KB Will regenerate, when you visit the target folder.
Foreign file types need a generator, to make the thumb for it.
C:\Users\username\.thumbnails\normal
0a3dc4388ba9b23acc3f20f2d57600da.png 7,666 bytes <=== WSL Linux splatter (thumbnails)
<=== Different location as function of version
Paul
I only had a few and I left them. WRT photos, I generally don't look at
mine until several years after I take them, and I just use the Details display, so I gather that i rarely create thumbnails.
"There is no method to make a full backup of android smartphones.
It is always only a partial backup"
https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/226573/adb-pull-stops-after-first-error
It's the stuff nightmares are made of.
I used to use TWRP to do a full backup of my Nexus phones.
"There is no method to make a full backup of android smartphones.
It is always only a partial backup"
https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/226573/adb-pull-stops-after-first-error
It's the stuff nightmares are made of.
I've been using MyPhoneExlorer to both connect the phone and to copy
from it, and I have to compare the source and dest each time to see what
to copy, but maybe all I need to do is plug the phone into a USB port
and use any of the Windows-based backup programs that don't copy what's already copied. Like robocopy or xxcopy.
Bob Martin wrote on 4 Nov 2024 06:06:35 GMT :
I used to use TWRP to do a full backup of my Nexus phones.
A "full backup" is folly, in my humble opinion.
What you need is to "plan ahead" by being intelligent on a computer.
You have to understand how the operating system works.
Specifically you need to understand how the GUI works.
For Android, that GUI is your precious homescreen setup.
Right?
All you need to back up is your homescreen (which is a single file).
That's it.
Everything you care about is already in a single folder on external sd.
To restore your phone onto a new phone, all you do is two things:
a. Swap out the sdcard (formatted to a known volume ID) to the new phone
b. Restore the single file which is your homescreen to the new phone
I've done this many times.
No Internet involved.
No "full backup" needed as the apps all restore themselves in a single tap.
No "full backup" needed as the apps all restore themselves in a single tap.
So how does that help me with this backup problem: How to transfer all
my WiFi connection settings from my old Android 7, note carefully the
Android version, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 SM-T719 to a Pixel 8a.
I tried a number of general data transfer programs to copy stuff between
the two phones, but in the end got best results simply by copying
everything conventionally via my PC. However, the WiFi settings are not stored in the data accessible from a PC.
It's my understanding that, on Android, just as the entire homescreen setup is stored in a single file that you can backup & restore, all the Wi-Fi settings on Android are also stored in a single file (AFAIK).
/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
I haven't tried it, but a quick Google search shows this backup method:
<https://www.google.com/search?q=backup+wi-fi+settings+android+using+adb>
1. Turn on the Developer options menu on your old phone.
2. Turn on USB debugging and Rooted debugging on that old phone.
3. Connect that old phone to your computer & grant debug permissions.
4. Execute adb root on the computer
5. Execute adb pull /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
6. Repeat steps 1 through 4 on the new phone, only use push, not pull.
I didn't try it though... if you do try it, let us know how it works out.
type hosts.txtThe system cannot find the file specified.
adb pull /system/etc/hosts .\hosts.txt/system/etc/hosts: 1 file pulled, 0 skipped. 0.0 MB/s (56 bytes in 0.003s)
type hosts.txt127.0.0.1 localhost
adb rootadbd cannot run as root in production builds
adb pull /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmladb: error: failed to stat remote object '/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml': Permission denied
On 2024-11-08 10:39, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-07 17:18, Frank Slootweg wrote:
A little earlier, I wrote:
That Wi-Fi passwords are not backed up 1) is not true for Samsungs's >>>> Smart Switch (see above) and 2) for Google Backup (to Google Drive) has >>>> been more or less debunked by my response of earlier today:
N.B. Google Backup ('Backup by Google One') specifically says that >>> Wi-Fi passwords are backed up.
On my Motorola phone, settings, search "Google backup" finds nothing.
Nor does "backup".
I have "copia de seguridad", and "copia de seguridad de Google One",
which must be it. It is as complete as it is, except for photos which I
disabled (I back them up to Amazon).
On my (Samsung Galaxy A51) Android 13 phone:
Settings -> Google / Google services -> All services -> Backup &
restore -> Backup -> Manage storage -> opens one.google.com webpage -> >>> YOUR DEVICE BACKUP (2) -> Galaxy A51 -> See details ->
Found it.
"Device settings 208 KB
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi password..."
N.B. The part after "password" can not be shown, only gives the three >>> dots, but if I go to the one.google.com webpage on my laptop, it says: >>>
"Device settings
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi passwords and more"
Does not open.
Exactly. My point was only that the Wi-Fi settings *are* backed up,
not that they are seperately accessible/restorable with other tools.
Not "exactly". Mine does not say what it stores. It doesn't say it
stores wifi passwords. It just says "device settings".
"Device settings
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi passwords and more"
Andrews wrote on Mon, 4 Nov 2024 17:59:32 -0000 (UTC) :
It's my understanding that, on Android, just as the entire homescreen setup >> is stored in a single file that you can backup & restore, all the Wi-Fi
settings on Android are also stored in a single file (AFAIK).
/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
I haven't tried it, but a quick Google search shows this backup method:
<https://www.google.com/search?q=backup+wi-fi+settings+android+using+adb> >> 1. Turn on the Developer options menu on your old phone.
2. Turn on USB debugging and Rooted debugging on that old phone.
3. Connect that old phone to your computer & grant debug permissions.
4. Execute adb root on the computer
5. Execute adb pull /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
6. Repeat steps 1 through 4 on the new phone, only use push, not pull.
I didn't try it though... if you do try it, let us know how it works out.
Since I'm always a very helpful person, and even though my Samsung Galaxy A32-5G baseband version is unrootable, I ran that test above for the team.
<https://i.postimg.cc/2jxYYsmM/adb-pull-wifi.jpg>
type hosts.txtThe system cannot find the file specified.
adb pull /system/etc/hosts .\hosts.txt/system/etc/hosts: 1 file pulled, 0 skipped. 0.0 MB/s (56 bytes in 0.003s)
type hosts.txt127.0.0.1 localhost
::1 ip6-localhost
adb rootadbd cannot run as root in production builds
adb pull /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmladb: error: failed to stat remote object '/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml': Permission denied
We're going to need another way to copy & restore that Wi-Fi xml file.
On Sun, 11/3/2024 11:01 PM, micky wrote:
I only had a few and I left them. WRT photos, I generally don't look at
mine until several years after I take them, and I just use the Details
display, so I gather that i rarely create thumbnails.
My thumbnails currently are at 78MB. If I use cleanmgr
to remove iconcache/thumbcache , they only grow back
again. Back in hard drive days, it was all fun and games,
but with an SSD, it can seem a bit of a waste.
So how does that help me with this backup problem: How to transfer all
my WiFi connection settings from my old Android 7, note carefully the
Android version, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 SM-T719 to a Pixel 8a.
I tried a number of general data transfer programs to copy stuff between
the two phones, but in the end got best results simply by copying
everything conventionally via my PC. However, the WiFi settings are not stored in the data accessible from a PC.
To get back on topic, not sure how to apply that to my WiFi settings
though ...
Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
So how does that help me with this backup problem: How to transfer all
my WiFi connection settings from my old Android 7, note carefully the
Android version, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 SM-T719 to a Pixel 8a.
I tried a number of general data transfer programs to copy stuff between
the two phones, but in the end got best results simply by copying
everything conventionally via my PC. However, the WiFi settings are not
stored in the data accessible from a PC.
Samsung's 'Back up data' backs up Wi-Fi settings to the Samsung Cloud.
Not sure if you can access that data to restore it to a non-Samsung
phone.
AFAIR, Samsung's Windows 'Smart Switch' program also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your Windows disk (or Network Share?). That makes the Wi-Fi settings more accessible than from the Samsung Cloud.
AFAIR, Google's 'Back up data' also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your
Google Drive. As both your Samsung tablet and your Google phone have
Google backup and restore, that's a possible path of transfer.
Samsung has its 'Smart Switch' Android app to transfer stuff from
Samsung to Samsung and from non-Samsung to Samsung, i.e for
re-installing a new device with the stuff from an old device. So you may
want to check if Google has a similar app to transfer stuff from a
non-Google (i.e. Samsung in your case) device to a Google device.
On 2024-11-05 13:23, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Samsung's 'Back up data' backs up Wi-Fi settings to the Samsung Cloud. >> Not sure if you can access that data to restore it to a non-Samsung
phone.
I've managed to find my Samsung account details, last used many years
ago, and do a backup of 'Settings', though there was no granularity of
which settings were included, so no definite indication that the WiFi connections have been backed up. As my new phone is not also a Samsung,
and they tend to be rather idiosyncratic, probably I had better not try
to restore the settings to my current phone, if even I can. I've spent
some time on the Samsung website, which is utterly useless [*], trying
to discover how to restore the backup to my PC, but there doesn't seem
to be anything there about any such possibility.
An I still can't find out how to get the backup somewhere more useful to
me, like onto my PC.
On 2024-11-05 13:23, Frank Slootweg wrote:[...]
AFAIR, Samsung's Windows 'Smart Switch' program also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your Windows disk (or Network Share?). That makes the Wi-Fi settings more accessible than from the Samsung Cloud.
I just reinstalled it - having uninstalled it previously because it
only works phone to phone if the receiving phone is a Samsung, whereas
mine is a Pixel 8a - and now I notice, which I did not before, that
while it says it has an option to back up to a computer but no such
option is actually offered in the menu choices, it does have an option
to back up to micro SD card. Unfortunately, I don't have one, but it so happens I have a Tesco delivery coming tomorrow, so I've just added one
to the order.
AFAIR, Google's 'Back up data' also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your Google Drive. As both your Samsung tablet and your Google phone have
Google backup and restore, that's a possible path of transfer.
I tend to avoid using Google services because of their reputation for
data harvesting, which in the past has included WiFi information as part
of Streetview, but perhaps if the SD option fails, then I might try that next.
Samsung has its 'Smart Switch' Android app to transfer stuff from Samsung to Samsung and from non-Samsung to Samsung, i.e for
re-installing a new device with the stuff from an old device. So you may want to check if Google has a similar app to transfer stuff from a non-Google (i.e. Samsung in your case) device to a Google device.
Yes, as we are agreed, it only works if a Samsung is the destination
phone, another example of deliberately crippling software.
Thanks for your helpful suggestions.
Yes, as we are agreed, it only works if a Samsung is the destinationWell, you might critcize Samsung, but at least*they* provide software
phone, another example of deliberately crippling software.
to import your stuff from a non-Samsung phone, while Google doesn't do
that for their phones. (Or*does* Google have such software? Your
non-response to my suggestion implies they don't.)
On 2024-11-06 12:13, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Yes, as we are agreed, it only works if a Samsung is the destination
phone, another example of deliberately crippling software.
Well, you might critcize Samsung, but at least*they* provide software
to import your stuff from a non-Samsung phone, while Google doesn't do
that for their phones. (Or*does* Google have such software? Your non-response to my suggestion implies they don't.)
Android has a generic application to clone phones, from old to new.
Note that I referred to the *Windows* 'Smart Switch' program, not the *Android* app (which I *also* covered later).
The Windows 'Smart Switch' program (obviously) *does* back up to your computer and creates files on your disk which you can (try to) access by other 'normal' utilities. IIRC, Smart Switch creates both regular files
and ZIP archives. For the ZIP archives you might need something like
7-Zip, because when I used this quite some time ago, the built-in
Windows unzipper could not handle the format which Smart Switch used.
But to be [f|F]rank, Samsung tries to 'hide' the Windows 'Smart
Switch' program, because I couldn't find it on their main Smart Switch
page (<https://www.samsung.com/us/smart-switch/>). But a quick Google
:-) search on "samsung smart switch for windows" shows it's still there:
'Downloading Smart Switch on my PC'
Last Update date : Apr 17. 2024 <https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/downloading-smart-switch-on-pc/>
AFAIR, Google's 'Back up data' also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your
Google Drive. As both your Samsung tablet and your Google phone have
Google backup and restore, that's a possible path of transfer.
I tend to avoid using Google services because of their reputation for
data harvesting, which in the past has included WiFi information as part
of Streetview, but perhaps if the SD option fails, then I might try that
next.
Samsung has its 'Smart Switch' Android app to transfer stuff from
Samsung to Samsung and from non-Samsung to Samsung, i.e for
re-installing a new device with the stuff from an old device. So you may >>> want to check if Google has a similar app to transfer stuff from a
non-Google (i.e. Samsung in your case) device to a Google device.
Yes, as we are agreed, it only works if a Samsung is the destination
phone, another example of deliberately crippling software.
Well, you might critcize Samsung, but at least *they* provide software
to import your stuff from a non-Samsung phone
while Google doesn't do
that for their phones. (Or *does* Google have such software? Your non-response to my suggestion implies they don't.)
Thanks for your helpful suggestions.
You're very welcome. With Android backup/resstore/transfer, we need
all the help we can get! :-(
On 2024-11-06 11:13, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Note that I referred to the *Windows* 'Smart Switch' program, not the *Android* app (which I *also* covered later).
The Windows 'Smart Switch' program (obviously) *does* back up to your computer and creates files on your disk which you can (try to) access by other 'normal' utilities. IIRC, Smart Switch creates both regular files and ZIP archives. For the ZIP archives you might need something like
7-Zip, because when I used this quite some time ago, the built-in
Windows unzipper could not handle the format which Smart Switch used.
But to be [f|F]rank, Samsung tries to 'hide' the Windows 'Smart
Switch' program, because I couldn't find it on their main Smart Switch
page (<https://www.samsung.com/us/smart-switch/>). But a quick Google
:-) search on "samsung smart switch for windows" shows it's still there:
'Downloading Smart Switch on my PC'
Last Update date : Apr 17. 2024 <https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/downloading-smart-switch-on-pc/>
Thanks for that. Like you, I couldn't find it on the Samsung site.
I've downloaded and installed it from your link, and backed up the WiFi settings to a PC - encouragingly, I was given the specificity to
choose to back up only those settings. However, looking at the backed
up files, although I can open the zips in 7-zip, the data itself is encrypted, despite there being an option to encrypt which I noted and specifically left unselected. I suspect that it's encrypted because the original file from the phone was just backed up as is, and that was
encrypted on the phone :-(
From which I predict that most probably it will also be encrypted using
the micro SD card that is due to arrive early this evening :-(
AFAIR, Google's 'Back up data' also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your >>> Google Drive. As both your Samsung tablet and your Google phone have
Google backup and restore, that's a possible path of transfer.
I tend to avoid using Google services because of their reputation for
data harvesting, which in the past has included WiFi information as part >> of Streetview, but perhaps if the SD option fails, then I might try that >> next.
Perhaps this is what I should try next ...
I bought my Pixel 8a at the same time as Andy Burns bought his, and at
the time we conferred and shared notes in uk.telecom.mobile. His
experience was very different from mine because his old phone was newer
than my Samsung, and was running an Android version equal or later than
10, whereas mine is on 7. When we first switched on our phones, we were
both offered a chance to copy everything from an old phone, and this
worked for him because of his later Android version, but I was sent to a website explaining that my device was too old, hence my problems since
in copying my data. I tried various copying apps, but they all fucked
up in some way or another, so in the end I just copied the data via my
PC, which gave much better results than anything else that I'd tried
and, AFAIAA so far at least, the WiFi data is the only thing of
importance that I haven't been able to copy.
On 2024-11-06 11:13, Frank Slootweg wrote:However, looking at the backed up files, although I can open the zips in 7-zip, the data itself is encrypted, despite there being an option to encrypt which I noted and specifically left unselected. I suspect that it's encrypted because the original
Note that I referred to the *Windows* 'Smart Switch' program, not the >> *Android* app (which I *also* covered later).
The Windows 'Smart Switch' program (obviously) *does* back up to your >> computer and creates files on your disk which you can (try to) access by
other 'normal' utilities. IIRC, Smart Switch creates both regular files
and ZIP archives. For the ZIP archives you might need something like
7-Zip, because when I used this quite some time ago, the built-in
Windows unzipper could not handle the format which Smart Switch used.
But to be [f|F]rank, Samsung tries to 'hide' the Windows 'Smart
Switch' program, because I couldn't find it on their main Smart Switch
page (<https://www.samsung.com/us/smart-switch/>). But a quick Google
:-) search on "samsung smart switch for windows" shows it's still there:
'Downloading Smart Switch on my PC'
Last Update date : Apr 17. 2024
<https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/downloading-smart-switch-on-pc/>
Thanks for that. Like you, I couldn't find it on the Samsung site. I've downloaded and installed it from your link, and backed up the WiFi settings to a PC - encouragingly, I was given the specificity to choose to back up only those settings.
From which I predict that most probably it will also be encrypted using the micro SD card that is due to arrive early this evening :-(disincentive to move away from Samsung, so, effectively, it's just another shady lock-in mechanism.
AFAIR, Google's 'Back up data' also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your >>>> Google Drive. As both your Samsung tablet and your Google phone have
Google backup and restore, that's a possible path of transfer.
I tend to avoid using Google services because of their reputation for
data harvesting, which in the past has included WiFi information as part >>> of Streetview, but perhaps if the SD option fails, then I might try that >>> next.
Perhaps this is what I should try next ...
Samsung has its 'Smart Switch' Android app to transfer stuff from >>>> Samsung to Samsung and from non-Samsung to Samsung, i.e for
re-installing a new device with the stuff from an old device. So you may >>>> want to check if Google has a similar app to transfer stuff from a
non-Google (i.e. Samsung in your case) device to a Google device.
Yes, as we are agreed, it only works if a Samsung is the destination
phone, another example of deliberately crippling software.
Well, you might critcize Samsung, but at least *they* provide software >> to import your stuff from a non-Samsung phone
Yeahbut, if they can provide the option in one direction, they can provide it in the other direction with minimal or no extra effort or cost, so why not do it? Their decision not to do so cripples their software unnecessarily, but creates a
Android version equal or later than 10, whereas mine is on 7. When we first switched on our phones, we were both offered a chance to copy everything from an old phone, and this worked for him because of his later Android version, but I was sent to awhile Google doesn't do
that for their phones. (Or *does* Google have such software? Your
non-response to my suggestion implies they don't.)
I bought my Pixel 8a at the same time as Andy Burns bought his, and at the time we conferred and shared notes in uk.telecom.mobile. His experience was very different from mine because his old phone was newer than my Samsung, and was running an
Thanks for your helpful suggestions.
You're very welcome. With Android backup/resstore/transfer, we need
all the help we can get! :-(
And thanks again for the link above.
Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-06 12:13, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Yes, as we are agreed, it only works if a Samsung is the destination
phone, another example of deliberately crippling software.
Well, you might critcize Samsung, but at least*they* provide software >>> to import your stuff from a non-Samsung phone, while Google doesn't do
that for their phones. (Or*does* Google have such software? Your
non-response to my suggestion implies they don't.)
Android has a generic application to clone phones, from old to new.
And *which* application would that be? I.e. specifics please.
If you mean Google's 'Google Drive Backup data' then 1) I already mentioned that and, more importantly, 2) that backup/restore is far from complete. I.e. does it backup apps [1], app data and app settings, especially for non-Google apps, does it backup all device settings, does
it backup other (than Photos & videos) general folders etc., etc.?
[1] For example, it does not backup apps, it backs up the *names* of
apps, not the apps themselves, and AFAIK for non-Play_Store/Google_Play
apps, it doesn't backup anything, not even the names.
"You cannot download your backups individually. If you need to recover
data in Samsung Cloud, you must sync your data to a compatible device."
On 2024-11-06 14:26, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-06 12:13, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Yes, as we are agreed, it only works if a Samsung is the destination >>>> phone, another example of deliberately crippling software.
Well, you might critcize Samsung, but at least*they* provide software >>> to import your stuff from a non-Samsung phone, while Google doesn't do >>> that for their phones. (Or*does* Google have such software? Your
non-response to my suggestion implies they don't.)
Android has a generic application to clone phones, from old to new.
And *which* application would that be? I.e. specifics please.
No idea. It just runs when you buy a new phone, it is automatic. Depends
on the brand.
micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:
[...]
I've been using MyPhoneExlorer to both connect the phone and to copy
from it, and I have to compare the source and dest each time to see what
to copy, but maybe all I need to do is plug the phone into a USB port
and use any of the Windows-based backup programs that don't copy what's
already copied. Like robocopy or xxcopy.
AFAIK, if you're using MyPhoneExlorer, you're using an interactive,
i.e. not command-line/script, procedure.
If so, it's indeed probably easier to just plug in the phone via USB
and use Windows' File Explorer to do the copying (copy-and-paste).
After the copying, just use Properties on the source folder of the
phone and the destination folder on the computer. The number of Files
and Folders and the Size (*not* 'Size on disk') should be the same.
Anyway, that's what I use when copying pictures from phones or other
external devices.
I'm not aware of any such generic Android functionality.
[1] For example, it does not backup apps, it backs up the *names* of
apps, not the apps themselves, and AFAIK for non-Play_Store/Google_Play
apps, it doesn't backup anything, not even the names.
On Wed, 11/6/2024 8:24 AM, Java Jive wrote:However, looking at the backed up files, although I can open the zips in 7-zip, the data itself is encrypted, despite there being an option to encrypt which I noted and specifically left unselected. I suspect that it's encrypted because the original
On 2024-11-06 11:13, Frank Slootweg wrote:
'Downloading Smart Switch on my PC'
Last Update date : Apr 17. 2024
<https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/downloading-smart-switch-on-pc/>
Thanks for that. Like you, I couldn't find it on the Samsung site. I've downloaded and installed it from your link, and backed up the WiFi settings to a PC - encouragingly, I was given the specificity to choose to back up only those settings.
From which I predict that most probably it will also be encrypted using the micro SD card that is due to arrive early this evening :-(
There is some info here, on crypto philosophy.
https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/249639/can-an-android-device-connect-to-the-internet-before-decrypting-the-storage
Java Jive wrote on Tue, 5 Nov 2024 11:00:57 +0000 :
To get back on topic, not sure how to apply that to my WiFi settings
though ...
Unfortunately, while Carlos & Dave Royal showed (on the Android ng) that
you can "share" Wi-Fi configuration QR codes for any given currently-connected access point, I think Android requires rooting in order to access the Wi-Fi config file (which is where settings are stored.
I have the best search engine on the planet but without using regular expressions (which Java Jive can do) it found "too many" hits because
"Wi-Fi" in any search will catch too many things, even when filtered.
<https://skyica.com/appfinder/get/>
However, in Skyica App Finder I did see this supposed Wi-Fi backup app.
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.swiftapps.swiftbackup>
It doesn't require root for most things, but it needs it for the Wi-Fi
backup (so it may be an Android limitation that you have to be rooted).
Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-06 11:13, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Note that I referred to the *Windows* 'Smart Switch' program, not the >>> *Android* app (which I *also* covered later).
The Windows 'Smart Switch' program (obviously) *does* back up to your >>> computer and creates files on your disk which you can (try to) access by >>> other 'normal' utilities. IIRC, Smart Switch creates both regular files >>> and ZIP archives. For the ZIP archives you might need something like
7-Zip, because when I used this quite some time ago, the built-in
Windows unzipper could not handle the format which Smart Switch used.
But to be [f|F]rank, Samsung tries to 'hide' the Windows 'Smart
Switch' program, because I couldn't find it on their main Smart Switch
page (<https://www.samsung.com/us/smart-switch/>). But a quick Google
:-) search on "samsung smart switch for windows" shows it's still there: >>>
'Downloading Smart Switch on my PC'
Last Update date : Apr 17. 2024
<https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/downloading-smart-switch-on-pc/>
Thanks for that. Like you, I couldn't find it on the Samsung site.
I've downloaded and installed it from your link, and backed up the WiFi
settings to a PC - encouragingly, I was given the specificity to
choose to back up only those settings. However, looking at the backed
up files, although I can open the zips in 7-zip, the data itself is
encrypted, despite there being an option to encrypt which I noted and
specifically left unselected. I suspect that it's encrypted because the
original file from the phone was just backed up as is, and that was
encrypted on the phone :-(
Thanks for the feedback. I was about to dig up some old Smart Switch backups (if any) from my backup disks, but as you've already found the
Wi-Fi settings data is encrypted, there's no point.
Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-06 14:26, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-06 12:13, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Yes, as we are agreed, it only works if a Samsung is the destination >>>>>> phone, another example of deliberately crippling software.
Well, you might critcize Samsung, but at least*they* provide software
to import your stuff from a non-Samsung phone, while Google doesn't do >>>>> that for their phones. (Or*does* Google have such software? Your
non-response to my suggestion implies they don't.)
Android has a generic application to clone phones, from old to new.
And *which* application would that be? I.e. specifics please.
No idea. It just runs when you buy a new phone, it is automatic. Depends
on the brand.
I'm not aware of any such generic Android functionality. When I got my current Samsung phone (Galaxy A51), it only offered Samsung's 'Smart
Switch' app.
You say "Depends on the brand.", but that's exactly *my* point.
Samsung offers such an app, but do others?
As Java Jive later wrote, Google offers old-to-new transfer
functionality for transfer to a Google phone, but apparently quite
limited, because Java Jive couldn't use it for his old Samsung (Android
7) device. And Samsung's Smart Switch is a general app, i.e. not just
for use at initial install/'switch' time, but also for use at any later
time.
[...]
There's also this, which looked promising, but again, root required,
which I think must apply to them all, because I've seen it so often now:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roamingsoft.manager
On 2024-11-06 14:59, Frank Slootweg wrote:[...]
Thanks for the feedback. I was about to dig up some old Smart Switch backups (if any) from my backup disks, but as you've already found the Wi-Fi settings data is encrypted, there's no point.
Passwords (and WiFi settings contain a password) are intentionally not
backed up or transferred to a new phone. This feature would allow a bad
guy to clone your phone and impersonate you.
I agree though, with you, that the "data" directory where the Wi-Fi
connections XML file is stored is inaccessible since Android 11
(according to the information on XDA Developers when I asked for you).
But this is Android 7.
Thanks for that. Like you, I couldn't find it on the Samsung site. I've downloaded and installed it from your link, and backed up the WiFi
settings to a PC - encouragingly, I was given the specificity to
choose to back up only those settings. However, looking at the backed
up files, although I can open the zips in 7-zip, the data itself is encrypted, despite there being an option to encrypt which I noted and specifically left unselected. I suspect that it's encrypted because the original file from the phone was just backed up as is, and that was
encrypted on the phone 🙁
From which I predict that most probably it will also be encrypted using
the micro SD card that is due to arrive early this evening 🙁
Java Jive wrote on Wed, 6 Nov 2024 17:12:55 +0000 :
There's also this, which looked promising, but again, root required,
which I think must apply to them all, because I've seen it so often now:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roamingsoft.manager
Thanks for finding that app, which I didn't see because my default Skyica
App Finder filters are for "free" and "no ads" so it didn't show up.
<https://skyica.com/appfinder/get/>
I agree though, with you, that the "data" directory where the Wi-Fi connections XML file is stored is inaccessible since Android 11
(according to the information on XDA Developers when I asked for you).
I don't know how these Samsung/Google apps do it given that information. Maybe someone who knows how Android works can explain how they do it.
AFAIR, Google's 'Back up data' also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your >>>> Google Drive. As both your Samsung tablet and your Google phone have
Google backup and restore, that's a possible path of transfer.
I tend to avoid using Google services because of their reputation for
data harvesting, which in the past has included WiFi information as part >>> of Streetview, but perhaps if the SD option fails, then I might try that >>> next.
Perhaps this is what I should try next ...
Java Jive wrote on Wed, 6 Nov 2024 20:50:25 +0000 :
I agree though, with you, that the "data" directory where the Wi-Fi
connections XML file is stored is inaccessible since Android 11
(according to the information on XDA Developers when I asked for you).
But this is Android 7.
I assume you tried copying it already when I gave the commands necessary.
I agree though, with you, that the "data" directory where the Wi-Fi
connections XML file is stored is inaccessible since Android 11
(according to the information on XDA Developers when I asked for you).
But this is Android 7.
I assume you tried copying it already when I gave the commands necessary.
The tablet, a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 model SM-T719, is not rooted, and I strongly suspect that the rooting of it would destroy the very data that
I'm trying copy. Nevertheless, I'd be prepared to investigate the possibilities, but, to root it, I'd need an auto-root file for it, and I couldn't find one.
On 2024-11-06 13:24, Java Jive wrote:
Thanks for that. Like you, I couldn't find it on the Samsung site.
I've downloaded and installed it from your link, and backed up the
WiFi settings to a PC - encouragingly, I was given the specificity
to choose to back up only those settings. However, looking at the
backed up files, although I can open the zips in 7-zip, the data
itself is encrypted, despite there being an option to encrypt which I
noted and specifically left unselected. I suspect that it's encrypted
because the original file from the phone was just backed up as is, and
that was encrypted on the phone 🙁
From which I predict that most probably it will also be encrypted
using the micro SD card that is due to arrive early this evening 🙁
Prediction correct: The backups by either method seem to consist of
metadata files which are unencrypted, and data files which are encrypted
no matter how the backup is made.
On 2024-11-06 13:24, Java Jive wrote:
AFAIR, Google's 'Back up data' also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your >>>> Google Drive. As both your Samsung tablet and your Google phone have >>>> Google backup and restore, that's a possible path of transfer.
I tend to avoid using Google services because of their reputation for
data harvesting, which in the past has included WiFi information as part >>> of Streetview, but perhaps if the SD option fails, then I might try that >>> next.
Perhaps this is what I should try next ...
No, this doesn't work either. On the Samsung, the only option presented
by Google's Backup is to back up contacts, I can't see an option to back
up settings.
Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-06 14:59, Frank Slootweg wrote:[...]
Thanks for the feedback. I was about to dig up some old Smart Switch >>> backups (if any) from my backup disks, but as you've already found the
Wi-Fi settings data is encrypted, there's no point.
Passwords (and WiFi settings contain a password) are intentionally not
backed up or transferred to a new phone. This feature would allow a bad
guy to clone your phone and impersonate you.
That would only work if the bad guy has physical access to your phone *and* can get *into* that phone, i.e. he has to have the password/PIN/ fingerprint/etc.. That's exactly the reason why for example bootloaders
are locked, i.e. physical access is not enough to get into an Android
phone.
So there's no valid reason for the legit user of the phones not to be
able to transfer the Wi-Fi settings/password (or other passwords).
Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-06 13:24, Java Jive wrote:
AFAIR, Google's 'Back up data' also backs up Wi-Fi settings to your
Google Drive. As both your Samsung tablet and your Google phone have >>>>>> Google backup and restore, that's a possible path of transfer.
I tend to avoid using Google services because of their reputation for >>>>> data harvesting, which in the past has included WiFi information as part >>>>> of Streetview, but perhaps if the SD option fails, then I might try that >>>>> next.
Perhaps this is what I should try next ...
No, this doesn't work either. On the Samsung, the only option presented
by Google's Backup is to back up contacts, I can't see an option to back
up settings.
Hmmmm!? Strange! On my ancient Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1" (SM-T530)
with Android 5.0.2, i.e. even older than yours, Settings says it can
"Back up application data, Wi-Fi passwords and other settings to Google servers". (Settings -> 'GENERAL' tab -> 'Backup and reset')
On 2024-11-06 20:15, Frank Slootweg wrote:
Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-06 14:59, Frank Slootweg wrote:[...]
Thanks for the feedback. I was about to dig up some old Smart Switch >>> backups (if any) from my backup disks, but as you've already found the >>> Wi-Fi settings data is encrypted, there's no point.
Passwords (and WiFi settings contain a password) are intentionally not
backed up or transferred to a new phone. This feature would allow a bad
guy to clone your phone and impersonate you.
That would only work if the bad guy has physical access to your phone *and* can get *into* that phone, i.e. he has to have the password/PIN/ fingerprint/etc.. That's exactly the reason why for example bootloaders
are locked, i.e. physical access is not enough to get into an Android phone.
So there's no valid reason for the legit user of the phones not to be able to transfer the Wi-Fi settings/password (or other passwords).
Nevertheless, that is the reason.
That Wi-Fi passwords are not backed up 1) is not true for Samsungs's
Smart Switch (see above) and 2) for Google Backup (to Google Drive) has
been more or less debunked by my response of earlier today:
Java Jive wrote on Wed, 6 Nov 2024 20:50:25 +0000 :
I agree though, with you, that the "data" directory where the Wi-Fi
connections XML file is stored is inaccessible since Android 11
(according to the information on XDA Developers when I asked for you).
But this is Android 7.
I assume you tried copying it already when I gave the commands necessary.
I assume you tried copying it already when I gave the commands necessary.
16:44:31 D:\Temp>C:\Programs\Samsung\platform-tools\adb.exe root
16:45:56 D:\Temp>C:\Programs\Samsung\platform-tools\adb.exe pull /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
adb: error: remote object '/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml' does not exist
16:46:09 D:\Temp>
There is a data directory visible in explorer under ...
/Internal storage/Android
... but adding that to the beginning of the path makes no odds, and in
fact trying to pull a file that I know exists, because I can see it in Explorer, also fails:
16:54:31 D:\Temp>C:\Programs\Samsung\platform-tools\adb.exe pull
"/Internal storage/Android/data/com.android.systemui/cache/lockscreen_capture_land.png" adb: error: remote object '/Internal storage/Android/data/com.android.systemui/cache/lockscreen_capture_land.png' does not exist
Make of that what you will, remembering that I don't believe this device
is rooted, although the adb root command seemed to work.
2 I think this might be the same one as you reach by the path you gave above. It is a single switch option which was already enabled, and is
fully described thus:
"Back up your device data and app data automatically to Google Drive (including WiFi passwords, the Phone log, app settings, and related files.
App data may include personal information such as contacts, messages,
and pictures."
If I could find out how to restore only the WiFi settings from that to a different phone, I guess I'd be home and dry, but I can't even find out
how to use it to restore to the *SAME* phone that it was made from.
On 2024-11-07 14:17, Java Jive wrote:
2 I think this might be the same one as you reach by the path you gave above. It is a single switch option which was already enabled, and is fully described thus:
"Back up your device data and app data automatically to Google Drive (including WiFi passwords, the Phone log, app settings, and related files.
App data may include personal information such as contacts, messages,
and pictures."
If I could find out how to restore only the WiFi settings from that to a different phone, I guess I'd be home and dry, but I can't even find out
how to use it to restore to the *SAME* phone that it was made from.
Now that Google Drive is enabled and functional on both devices, both
have made a backup, each of which the other can see listed, but, even on
the same device as made the backup, you can't actually *DO* anything
with these backups, other than delete them.
Presumably what is supposed to happen is that, if your phone gets wiped,
it will offer to restore from the last backup
but I'm not about to test that by wiping my phone!
Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-07 14:17, Java Jive wrote:
2 I think this might be the same one as you reach by the path you gave
above. It is a single switch option which was already enabled, and is
fully described thus:
"Back up your device data and app data automatically to Google Drive
(including WiFi passwords, the Phone log, app settings, and related files. >>>
App data may include personal information such as contacts, messages,
and pictures."
If I could find out how to restore only the WiFi settings from that to a >>> different phone, I guess I'd be home and dry, but I can't even find out
how to use it to restore to the *SAME* phone that it was made from.
Now that Google Drive is enabled and functional on both devices, both
have made a backup, each of which the other can see listed, but, even on
the same device as made the backup, you can't actually *DO* anything
with these backups, other than delete them.
Ain't that great! Who needs restore?
Let me check my phone:
Settings -> Accounts and backup ->
"Samsung Cloud
Back up data (offers choices for what (not) to back up)
Restore data (offers choices for what (not) to restore)
('Settings' choice includes Wi-Fi settings!)
Google Drive
Back up data"
(has no restore section!)
A little earlier, I wrote:
That Wi-Fi passwords are not backed up 1) is not true for Samsungs's
Smart Switch (see above) and 2) for Google Backup (to Google Drive) has
been more or less debunked by my response of earlier today:
N.B. Google Backup ('Backup by Google One') specifically says that
Wi-Fi passwords are backed up.
On my (Samsung Galaxy A51) Android 13 phone:
Settings -> Google / Google services -> All services -> Backup &
restore -> Backup -> Manage storage -> opens one.google.com webpage ->
YOUR DEVICE BACKUP (2) -> Galaxy A51 -> See details ->
"Device settings 208 KB
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi password..."
N.B. The part after "password" can not be shown, only gives the three dots, but if I go to the one.google.com webpage on my laptop, it says:
"Device settings
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi passwords and more"
So Wi-Fi passwords are backed up by Google Backup. Whether they are
also transferred from an old to a new device is still unanswered (by
official references).
[...]
Java Jive wrote:
Presumably what is supposed to happen is that, if your phone gets
wiped, it will offer to restore from the last backup
Yes, there have been a couple of times e.g. I've had a hardware fault on
a brand new phone, had to wipe it to exchange it for a replacement, and
hit the restore button, and it just does that (apart from software such
as K-9 which doesn't store config backups in the Google account)
but I'm not about to test that by wiping my phone!
You've presumably got your old one that you could play with?
On 2024-11-07 17:18, Frank Slootweg wrote:
A little earlier, I wrote:
That Wi-Fi passwords are not backed up 1) is not true for Samsungs's
Smart Switch (see above) and 2) for Google Backup (to Google Drive) has
been more or less debunked by my response of earlier today:
N.B. Google Backup ('Backup by Google One') specifically says that
Wi-Fi passwords are backed up.
On my Motorola phone, settings, search "Google backup" finds nothing.
Nor does "backup".
I have "copia de seguridad", and "copia de seguridad de Google One",
which must be it. It is as complete as it is, except for photos which I disabled (I back them up to Amazon).
On my (Samsung Galaxy A51) Android 13 phone:
Settings -> Google / Google services -> All services -> Backup &
restore -> Backup -> Manage storage -> opens one.google.com webpage ->
YOUR DEVICE BACKUP (2) -> Galaxy A51 -> See details ->
Found it.
"Device settings 208 KB
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi password..."
N.B. The part after "password" can not be shown, only gives the three dots, but if I go to the one.google.com webpage on my laptop, it says:
"Device settings
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi passwords and more"
Does not open.
So Wi-Fi passwords are backed up by Google Backup. Whether they are
also transferred from an old to a new device is still unanswered (by official references).
On 2024-11-07 19:26, Frank Slootweg wrote:[...]
Let me check my phone:
Settings -> Accounts and backup ->
"Samsung Cloud
Back up data (offers choices for what (not) to back up)
Restore data (offers choices for what (not) to restore)
('Settings' choice includes Wi-Fi settings!)
But no granularity, so you can't restore just one item or set of items
from the Settings, and you can't restore to a non-Samsung phone, and
perhaps even any phone other than the one that made the backup, though
I'm unsure of that last point.
Google Drive
Back up data"
(has no restore section!)
Yes, ridiculous! Google seems to be keener on having your data to trawl
than actually allowing you, the owner of it, to use it meaningfully! Presumably what is supposed to happen is that, if your phone gets wiped,
it will offer to restore from the last backup, but I'm not about to test
that by wiping my phone! Today's tests have reminded me why I always
had Google Drive disabled from the start.
Java Jive wrote:
Presumably what is supposed to happen is that, if your phone gets wiped,
it will offer to restore from the last backup
Yes, there have been a couple of times e.g. I've had a hardware fault on
a brand new phone, had to wipe it to exchange it for a replacement, and
hit the restore button, and it just does that (apart from software such
as K-9 which doesn't store config backups in the Google account)
but I'm not about to test that by wiping my phone!
You've presumably got your old one that you could play with?
Andy Burns wrote:Create a virtual phone within Android Studio and play with that instead?
You've presumably got your old one that you could play with?
Snakes And Ladders, or Catch 22, again - don't want to play with it
until I've extracted the WiFi logons!
Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-11-07 17:18, Frank Slootweg wrote:
A little earlier, I wrote:
That Wi-Fi passwords are not backed up 1) is not true for Samsungs's >>>> Smart Switch (see above) and 2) for Google Backup (to Google Drive) has >>>> been more or less debunked by my response of earlier today:
N.B. Google Backup ('Backup by Google One') specifically says that
Wi-Fi passwords are backed up.
On my Motorola phone, settings, search "Google backup" finds nothing.
Nor does "backup".
I have "copia de seguridad", and "copia de seguridad de Google One",
which must be it. It is as complete as it is, except for photos which I
disabled (I back them up to Amazon).
On my (Samsung Galaxy A51) Android 13 phone:
Settings -> Google / Google services -> All services -> Backup &
restore -> Backup -> Manage storage -> opens one.google.com webpage ->
YOUR DEVICE BACKUP (2) -> Galaxy A51 -> See details ->
Found it.
"Device settings 208 KB
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi password..."
N.B. The part after "password" can not be shown, only gives the three >>> dots, but if I go to the one.google.com webpage on my laptop, it says:
"Device settings
Wallpaper, Wi-Fi passwords and more"
Does not open.
Exactly. My point was only that the Wi-Fi settings *are* backed up,
not that they are seperately accessible/restorable with other tools.
Java Jive wrote on Thu, 7 Nov 2024 17:02:06 +0000 :
I assume you tried copying it already when I gave the commands necessary. >>16:44:31 D:\Temp>C:\Programs\Samsung\platform-tools\adb.exe root
Thanks for running the suggested test!
I'm surprised that command didn't give an error as mine did on my unrooted Android 13 Galaxy - but I do not know what "adb root" even does.
Running a search for what does adb root do this comes up
<https://duckduckgo.com/?va=d&t=hf&q=what+does+adb+root+do>
*Understanding adb shell su and adb root Commands*
<https://www.repeato.app/understanding-adb-shell-su-and-adb-root-commands/>
"the command adb root restarts the adb daemon with root permissions,
allowing you to execute ADB commands as root without entering the shell."
Since your "adb root" works, my suggestion is that you may be able to...
1. adb pull the WifiConfigStore.xml file from Android to Windows
2. Edit it on Windows any way you like
3. adb push that now-edited WifiConfigStore.xml back to Android
16:45:56 D:\Temp>C:\Programs\Samsung\platform-tools\adb.exe pull
/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
adb: error: remote object
'/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml' does not exist
16:46:09 D:\Temp>
There is a data directory visible in explorer under ...
/Internal storage/Android
... but adding that to the beginning of the path makes no odds, and in
fact trying to pull a file that I know exists, because I can see it in
Explorer, also fails:
16:54:31 D:\Temp>C:\Programs\Samsung\platform-tools\adb.exe pull
"/Internal
storage/Android/data/com.android.systemui/cache/lockscreen_capture_land.png" >> adb: error: remote object '/Internal
storage/Android/data/com.android.systemui/cache/lockscreen_capture_land.png' >> does not exist
Make of that what you will, remembering that I don't believe this device
is rooted, although the adb root command seemed to work.
[snip]
My advice is that since you can use the "adb root" command, that you can almost certainly "adb pull" and "adb push" the WifiConfigStore.xml file.
You just have to find it first. :)
In my experience *most* (non-Google) software doesn't store
configuration settings in the Google account (or Google Drive). They
(have to) store it in their app-private area (Android\data, etc.) which means that general purpose backup programs can not access it and hence
can not back it up.
There is a command ...
<path>\adb shell ls
... which lists the root, I presume, directory as ...
acct
bugreports
cache
carrier
config
d
data
default.prop
dev
dsp
efs
etc
file_contexts.bin
firmware
firmware-modem
fstab.qcom
init
init.carrier.rc
init.class_main.sh
init.container.rc
init.environ.rc
init.mdm.sh
init.qcom.bms.sh
init.qcom.class_core.sh
init.qcom.early_boot.sh
init.qcom.factory.rc
init.qcom.rc
init.qcom.sh
init.qcom.syspart_fixup.sh
init.qcom.usb.rc
init.qcom.usb.sh
init.rc
init.recovery.qcom.rc
init.rilchip.rc
init.target.rc
init.usb.configfs.rc
init.usb.rc
init.wifi.rc
init.zygote32.rc
init.zygote64_32.rc
knox_data
mnt
oem
persdata
persist
postrecovery.do
preload
proc
property_contexts
publiccert.pem
root
sbin
sdcard
seapp_contexts
sepolicy
sepolicy_version
service_contexts
storage
sys
system
tombstones
ueventd.qcom.rc
ueventd.rc
vendor
verity_key
... which allows the following batch command to be run ...
for /f "usebackq tokens=*" %A in (`<path>\adb shell ls`) do @if not %A==proc <path>\adb pull /%A
... and I'm currently waiting for the /sys directory to complete, but a search of those completed so far has found nothing of interest in the
others.
| Sysop: | Keyop |
|---|---|
| Location: | Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK |
| Users: | 508 |
| Nodes: | 16 (1 / 15) |
| Uptime: | 238:43:04 |
| Calls: | 9,985 |
| Calls today: | 3 |
| Files: | 13,836 |
| Messages: | 6,358,296 |
