[Samsung Galaxy S (4G Model)] ultimakillz:
Hello everyone. This is my first post, so please be gentle. I've been reading around and I can't seem to find specific answers to my questions so I figured it would be best to make a post. This is my first Android phone and also the first phone I have rooted so I'm trying to be extra careful. I've already received tons of help from other threads in these forums, but as I said I've still got a few questions.

I rooted my SGS4G using SuperOneClick v2.1.1, then proceeded to install CWM ROM Manager as per the instructions I found in many articles online. Once I got that installed I was unable to make backups as it would boot me into the stock recovery menu, which led me here searching for answers. That is when I came across this thread: [RECOVERY]CWM FINAL for the SGS4G After following the instructions I wasn't exactly sure what to do, so I attempted to boot into the "new" recovery menu which ended at an infinite boot logo, which I assumed was a soft brick after reading around a bit.

After thoroughly freaking out about my phone being bricked I looked around a bit more and came across this thread: [GUIDE] Noobs guide to Odin to flash your SGS4G (Windows) Following that thread I was able to install the T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root ROM which restored my soft brick. Once that was installed I installed CWM ROM Manager again thinking the Recovery Menu would be fixed and I could finally make a backup before moving on, but it wasn't. Then I came across this thread: [Odin][Kernel] drhonk's Bali 3.3 for Froyo, Installs CWM!

After installing drhonk's Bali 3.3 for Froyo kernel I was finally able to make a single nandroid backup (and backup my apps using Titanium Backup)! I messed around on the phone for a few days with no issues (other than the Android flickering in the boot logo). Now I am ready to move on to trying out a few ROMS. So, first thing first I said: I need to make another backup. So I entered the Recovery Menu via the CWM ROM Manager and attempted to make another backup, and this is what I get:

E: failed to open /etc..... (I couldn't write fast enough to copy the entire message)

E: unknown volume for path [/sdcard] (10s)

The second of which repeated over and over until it reached 0s and then my phone was rebooted.

TL;DR

- Rooted using SuperOneClick

- Installed ROM Manager and couldn't make a nandroid backup correctly

- Attempted to install CWM FINAL for the SGS4G, which resulted in a soft brick

- Restored using ODIN and installed T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root ROM and drhonk's Bali 3.3 for Froyo kernel

- Cannot make nandroid backups (other than the initial one apparently), Recovery Menu does not seem to be working correctly

- I am not comfortable trying new ROMs until I am able to make backups correctly

Anyway, so here are my questions:

1. What do I need to install to allow me to make nandroid backups correctly? Or is there another app besides CWM ROM Manager that will allow me to do this?

2. I would like to try a few other ROMs, but I when I reach the so-called "Do the mounting stuff" step I am unable to continue as my Recovery Menu isn't working correctly. What do I need to install in order to be able to do complete this step? I have a feeling the answer to #1 will solve #2 as well.

3. I would like to try a few of the GB ROMs (such as Valhalla v1.3.2 or Stock Gingerbread 2.3.3 Deodexed + Root), but I am not sure exactly where to go from here. Is the GB Ext4 Starter Pack the way I need to go, or would this way be better? Can I do either of these without a working Recovery Menu?

Thanks in advance for all the help!