yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] bronyDrake:
First of all Thanks a lot for your response..

Did you mean this part of this guide.. when i check in the above given location, files local_policy.jar and US_export_policy.jar are already there...then how do i install... :( I'm sorry for this noob question...

And also i didn't find Program Files(x86) folder in my C drive, also not hidden...
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
you need to download the unlimited policy files, those are for limited encryption. Follow the link on first post, when you have it it will say you strong aes encryption allowed. If you have java 8 instead of java 7 check for the proper link on oracle site.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] bronyDrake:
Thanks a lot

This guide is awesome... Successfully converted adb backup.ab to tar format... :)

From the backup.tar file i extracted my shared files...

And this guide was a good lesson...

Thanks a ton man [MENTION=2738944]scandiun[/MENTION]

:) :D :) :D :) :D :) :D
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] OskuPosku:
I'm a little lost here. I have my game data from /data/data/com.telltalegames.walkingdead100 backed up manually with file explorer while my device was rooted. So I have this full game folder on my PC.

I had to unroot my tablet and restore stock rom. Now I don't have access to (root)/data/data/ folders anymore.

I can't seem to figure out how to create adb backup file to put this game data back into my device. It is still possible (without rooting), isn't it? Thanks in advance.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
The best way is to play the game and create an adb backup. Then edit it and replace the file(s) containing the savegame, then restore and see if works.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Martasdx:
I hope, this will help someone...

I wanted to try new ROM so I decided to backup my phone using adb and twrp - it was my first time to do so.

I backup with adb with no problem using HoloBackup. I didn't know that it includes sdcard (figure it out about 2 days later) so the archive was 4,5Gb. Then I did backup with TWRP and wipe cache and data - My bad, because I didn't realize that twrp backup in not on the sdcard.

After some hours of trying new roms I decided to go back for the backup and here starts problems.

I could find TWRP backup so I used adb. Restoring always stopped (freeze) when restoring ClockFontData file.

I tried Perl scripts and abe.jar extractor. My goal was to extract data, delete the bad one and restore. I used abe.jar with no problems. It created tar archive which I could open with winrar (using windows), extract data and delete. What a suprise that windows doesn't come with tar so downloading some stuff for it... When I was trying to restore files using adb it always sad bad header file, bad password and other errors.

The bad file was part of SmartLauncher - when using adb it was partialy restored - I could see app installed, but every atempt to run it failed with error. After this I moved to virtualbox and linux. Ok ... it was easier but extracting from tar created with abe.jar always failed. I tried many ways and searched internet a lot but nothing was helping. After two days I decided to try another way and went back for original 4,5Gb ab file.

I installed clear rom same as I had when backup was started. I tried to kill every possible procces and app and try to run adb restore.

Now, I kill every process and app, run adb, wait for freeze, kill adb, kill every process and clear data and cache for smartLauncher. I run adb restore and now, other files are restoring... wish me luck because I hope, it will go to finish.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Xenther:
I'm about ready to rip my hair out, and it might be because by this point it would have taken me less time to just reinstall all my apps and set everything back up myself :X

Anyway... I used HoloBackup to make a backup file for my phone (Xperia Z3). It took some time but I managed to get it to make a backup. When I tried to use it to restore, nothing happened. I also tried using the adb command adb restore backup.ab and I get the same issue, nothing being restored despite getting a popup on my phone screen saying the restore is complete. So because of this, I wanted to see what actually was in the adb backup, and some looking around landed me here. I've followed the guide exactly but I cannot get past the first step of converting the backup to .tar...

So steps I've done so far, in order are download Android Backup Extractor, download Java 8, download the Unlimited Strength Jurisdiction Policy Files because I had used a desktop password, I extracted the two files in there into the appropriate folder in jre\lib\security, and I moved the abe.jar to the same file that my backups are located in...

After that I open up the command prompt in the same folder, type adb and java to ensure that they are installed and running, type in the unpack command, and I am told that I still need to install the Unlimited Strength files. Even though I'm running Java8 the prompt tells me I need the 7 files, so I go and grab those and extract them, try it again, same issue. I completely uninstall Java8 and find and install Java7 and get the Unlimited Strength files for 7 again, and go through the whole process, only to run into the same error message.

My error message looks exactly like bronyDrake's did (I also don't know how to copypaste from command prompt. My understanding of the command prompt is very limited, and I'm simply following guides I find on XDA). At this point I have no idea what to do, and I was hoping to get some help if anyone has any ideas
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] dj_blueshift:
Hoping someone can help me with this. I have a backed up SQLite database that was made from TitaniumBackup. Long story short, I don't have root anymore.

So I pulled a .ab backup of this app on my new phone to my PC. Unpacked it with the extractor tool, replaced the database with the one from TiBu, repacked it and restored the .ab backup via ADB.

No luck. The restore process seems to complete successfully, however the data is not in the app. If I redo the .ab backup, I can see none of the information has transferred. If I clear the app and restore the new .ab backup, everything does transfer.

The TitaniumBackup file structure to the database is "/data/data/<package name>/databases"

However the ADB backup file structure is "/apps/<package name>/db"

I've tried all manner of replacing the files, including renaming the file structure to /data/data/, which results in a reboot when I try to restore the backup (I'm guessing as some kind of security measure?)

I think it MIGHT have something to do with permissions/owners? I'm on Windows and I notice the original db permissions are:

0rw-rw----

and when I replace in the tar, it changes to:

-rwxrwxrwx

Even tried editing fields in the new database and these weren't restored. Restore only seems to function as I want when I don't edit/replace anything.

Anyone have any suggestions on getting this database recovered?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] HarvHouHacker:
I messed up, I think. :( I extracted a backup file using the command java -jar abe.jar unpack <backup.ab> <backup.tar>, but then I extracted the TAR archive with an archive manager and I moved the folders from backup > apps to New Folder > apps, instead of typing out all the commands and making TAR lists and stuff like that mentioned in the first post. Then I simply packed it back into a TAR and converted it with java -jar abe.jar pack <backup.tar> <backup.ab>. Upon restoring, my device told me it completed, but the apps didn't appear. What exactly am I missing? :confused: Is it the TAR list?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] mickiemas:
Can someone help me please im a noob and i need a little assistance. I backed up an app using helium now i want to be able to read the .ab file to see whats in it. Can anybody help me in getting it into a readable format?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
No, Helium backups can't be extracted with Android Backup Extractor. You can install Genymotion or Nox Player on Windows to run a virtual machine of android there, restore the backup and do an adb backup.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] mickiemas:
I dnt need the backup i just need to be able to see the file in a readable format but i cant find a software anywhere that can do it. Any idea?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Try Helium Backup Extractor but I can't promise you it will work.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] heldc:
Does adb backup backup data for apps that Helium won't, or is Helium just adb backup with a pretty GUI? Helium won't backup my data for Signal.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
The things that they can backup or can't will be the same because Helium uses adb internally. What it the Play Store link of "Signal"?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] heldc:
I already know helium doesn't back up the data for it. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thoughtcrime.securesms
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
The AndroidManifest.xml of the apk clearly states that backups are not allowed (adb backup or Helium, it's the same). You can't override this setting with any of those because of security reasons (never allow to backup banking or sensitive data).

You would require root to use Titanium Backup, or use CWM or TWRP, which will allow you a more complete backup depending on the rom and android version.

android:allowBackup="false"

Signal Private Messenger v3.20.4 apk AndroidManifest.xml

You can run the following commands to see it:

apktool decode SignalPrivateMessenger.apk
I: Using Apktool 2.2.0-dirty on SignalPrivateMessenger.apk
I: Loading resource table...
I: Decoding AndroidManifest.xml with resources...
I: Loading resource table from file: /home/dalvik/.local/share/apktool/framework/1.apk
I: Regular manifest package...
I: Decoding file-resources...
I: Decoding values */* XMLs...
I: Baksmaling classes.dex...
I: Copying assets and libs...
I: Copying unknown files...
I: Copying original files...
cat SignalPrivateMessenger/AndroidManifest.xml

More info:

https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/install/

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/autobackup.html

[Guide] Types of Android backups
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] heldc:
Yeah, it's for a t-mobile note 7, and rooting wipes your data, and last I checked there wasn't a CWM or TWRP. Have to poke around on Monday and see if I can dd or something, so I can return the phone on monday. Teach me to put off rooting.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Will work for you to export the messages in plain text? You can import them later

http://support.whispersystems.org/hc/en-us/articles/212535828-How-do-I-import-or-export-messages-
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] heldc:
No, unfortunately. I need to keep them encrypted. I really wish they hadn't gotten rid of the encrypted backup. If dd doesn't work I don't even know what I'll do.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Apparently you can root the t-mobile note 7 without formatting:

http://xdaforums.com/tmobile-note-7/how-to/how-to-root-t-mobile-note-7-using-t3448844
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] heldc:
Thanks, but that flashes a new firmware, so yeah, it wipes /data. I did that on my first note 7. I really appreciate you looking tho!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Flashing a new firmware does not necessarily wipe data. In fact, I had the Galaxy S2 and the S4 and using CF-root does not delete anything.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] heldc:
I don't think chainfire's root was a whole new firmware, but maybe I'm misremembering. But that specific root method *is* a completely new firmware, and it wipes everything. I used it on my first note 7, before the first recall.

Thanks again tho!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Some manufacturers like Sony or LG have their own backup application, if Samsung has it too you can give it a try, but it may be just a variant of adb backup. Check before deleting if it restores properly on another device.

Anyway, I don't understand why you can't backup the messages to unencrypted and restore on another device and encrypt again. Also, you can extract, decompile and recompile the apk once you edit the AndroidManifest.xml, and the app supposedly will work with the backup feature, but requires a little bit of hacking.

I am also curious if this app will be backed up properly on iOS with its data and everything (from my understanding iTunes allows yuu to backup just everything the same exact way you have it). The backup feature on android is pretty incomplete.

In any case, when you want to use the backup feature in the future check that it works as you want it before diving in.

https://www.niih.de/android-allowbackup-false/
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] heldc:
I can't backup unencrypted because I have identifiable third party data, and storing it unencrypted is a violation of professional ethics.

The Samsung and LG backups doesn't transfer it either, I tried.

I'll look into extracting, editing, and recompiling it. If I sideload, maybe it'll accept it as an update and then let the backup work. Thanks!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
You can create a VeraCrypt volume on android, and export the plaintext backup to that volume. The veracrypt volume will be encrypted with the password/key of your choice.

In case you want to use Signal, I've modified successfully the AndroidManifest.xml of the apk to allow adb backup. I made an adb backup of org.thoughtcrime.securesms, uninstalled the application and restored the backup to check, and it works. I'll probably make shortly a simple guide about how to edit and recompile an apk. The downside of this, is that you can't overwrite your current installation because the signing key is different, so it will work from the new messages. You can export in plain text to a veracrypt volume, install the patched apk and import again the messages, and then you can use adb backup successfully. You can take screenshots too, but they will be stored first in a different location.

Also, instead of modifying the apk, you can compile directly from source with the AndroidManifest.xml already modified:

https://github.com/WhisperSystems/Signal-Android/wiki/How-to-build-Signal-from-the-sources

Here is EDS (Encrypted Data Store) for android.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Dakkaron:
This is amazing! Thank you, I couldn't have done it otherwise.

I used it to cheat at Disney's Enchanted Tales on my wife's non-rooted phone. No need to pay money for microtransactions anymore.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] alechef:
Hi guys, I have a backup made with cwm of my note 1 and backup of viber made with titanium.

I need import on my s6 edge viber chat but I would no root my s6, that it's still under warranty.

All your step by step tutorial is too much high level for my skill.

From what I understood the first part I can jump cause I have tar file made with back up by cwm.

I tried extract with 7z the viber folder, overwrite on s6, but obviously doesn't work.

Can you suggest a simpler way? I tried read many times the tutorial, but it's really difficult for me [emoji30] [emoji30]

Many thanks to all and sorry for my bad English

Ale
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Without root you can't restore those files. You should have used adb backup for that purpose and check that the restore works properly before wiping the old device.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] alechef:
Thanks for your answer.

You mean that the backup I did on my death note 1 is different from the one I could do with adb?

I would like avoid root my s6 edge still in warranty only to restore viber msg.

I hope I have other solutions [emoji30]

Thanks

Ale
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
adb backup and cwm are totally different backup methods and not compatible. I don't know how you can convert one to another but surely it's very difficult. CWM and TWRP always require that origin and destination phones are rooted.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Marmalize:
Hello, i wanted to ask i got backup.ab and wanted to restore it, is it possible to restore from backup.ab created from lollipop os to marshmallow os? Will my data on marshmallow phone be overwrited? sorry for my bad english, thanks.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] maeckesz:
Hey guys,

i did a full backup with this tool:

https://xdaforums.com/android/software-hacking/tool-twrp-backup-restore-tool-pc-t3572241

I thought it is only a CMD "script" for excecuting adb commands.

I saved the backup file to my PC, but the recovery fails.

There might be something wrong with my system partition.

Now i am trying to extract the full backup, but it seems to be a different file format.

the header is not the same as usual for adb-backups.

look at the debug info:

java -jar abe.jar -debug info "backup file"

Strong AES encryption not allowed

Magic: TWRP twstreamheader ♦ ☺ 5áíF

TWRP twfilename ñ? ☺ þ

é-í/data/media/0/TWRP/BACKUPS/d63f4797/2014-10-17--15-11-03_KOT49H.N900TUVUCNB4/

system.ext4.win

TWRP t

wdatablock DÝíº

ì¼♣\?Û¶(¾hIén$♦éî??î►é♫éF?♫◄♂I¥¤»A→ i??îN☺)?7↨º÷v{ö9

gßû¿÷½ÿûÝ7÷▲ëûÆ?1Ç∟=A▬«±?‼+ä¿·±±q±ñrs?çUûõÉÆÆÃ☺açààaãáææä?Îcgãæb?xþ7óuÕÜ\\??))!Î

??®ÿjÞ¿←ÿ¿´q³QªÉj°¸??º9[»z?↨;k7Oa7☺G‼←sSW#g☺↨/↨Ws{#♂k;s☺↨6?ÿÓ∟ÿ¿ö_ÙXÿÿàÿàýWÿç☻Oî

ÿf¾®Úÿpÿ¿Ò¿¸?????♂ Kk↨▬c'ÛÿÒ=?:Ùx¸¸þ]üçåáááåf¿Ò?0?ÿ↨ÿÿw´ÿ↨ÿÿg·ÿÓþÏÎÅËÍÅÉö?þ☼↔ÿ/å

☻?¹♣Þc¯Á?Ï¯BØÂé´??¸?çøV²?♠?öEÓ>%??'¢?T&â?¬Û?*·Jdîã?Û0é5¯4?ÊÓ¬cN©►ß°¥Pkëp?1Ü←Kwð(

?*L¡®@↓ÊÅÍx↓Ú©u?M∟F∟↨»??20h??_ÐÒ_n?®©§-hg?³gòdú,ù¬~æì|ºûÞ?▲z ãY> rpËý?öx¯

↕?Ôì?∟?58H|ØûùæTÊ¸î²ÒÒ ?TÍÆ

Version: Ù←-ÓÙoÞ<è?FîíÏ5Ö]oÞÞÞÖ¯´??Ï4)!Ì?!ì↔S½¯?£Á↑+←Ö☼⌂|vf*ÊÉÉihhè±3?þ☻♠?◄?N'È←

+«¡ª→È?-E?õ*ýFB:☻?þ*rNfy9??HÃ?7?∟∟jGqÂ>_Û::ô??mlm-ûS

Exception in thread "main" java.lang.reflect.InvocationTargetException

at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)

at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)

at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)

at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Unknown Source)

at org.eclipse.jdt.internal.jarinjarloader.JarRsrcLoader.main(JarRsrcLoa

der.java:58)

Caused by: java.lang.RuntimeException: java.lang.NumberFormatException: For inpu

t string: "Ù←-ÓÙoÞ<è?FîíÏ5Ö]oÞÞÞÖ¯´??Ï4)!Ì?!ì↔S½¯?£Á↑+←Ö☼⌂|vf*ÊÉÉihhè±3?þ☻♠?◄?N'

È←+«¡ª→È?-E?õ*ýFB:☻?þ*rNfy9??HÃ?7?∟∟jGqÂ>_Û::ô??mlm-ûS"

at org.nick.abe.AndroidBackup.infoBackup(AndroidBackup.java:260)

at org.nick.abe.Main.main(Main.java:103)

... 5 more

Caused by: java.lang.NumberFormatException: For input string: "Ù←-ÓÙoÞ<è?FîíÏ5Ö]

oÞÞÞÖ¯´??Ï4)!Ì?!ì↔S½¯?£Á↑+←Ö☼⌂|vf*ÊÉÉihhè±3?þ☻♠?◄?N'È←+«¡ª→È?-E?õ*ýFB:☻?þ*rNfy9?

?HÃ?7?∟∟jGqÂ>_Û::ô??mlm-ûS"

at java.lang.NumberFormatException.forInputString(Unknown Source)

at java.lang.Integer.parseInt(Unknown Source)

at java.lang.Integer.parseInt(Unknown Source)

at org.nick.abe.AndroidBackup.infoBackup(AndroidBackup.java:121)

... 6 more

i cant extract this file with abe.jar.

thanks for your help
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] anonxlg:
i'm getting the same type of error when i'm trying to unpack my .ab

also having trouble restoring my .ab file
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Report the bug here: https://sourceforge.net/p/adbextractor/discussion/
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scottocs:
Is there any other way to extract these android backup files that are backed up from Oreo?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Try android backup extractor, I think it works.

https://sourceforge.net/p/adbextractor/
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scottocs:
It doesn't seem to be working with an APK I extracted while using Oreo. It worked before I upgraded.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
What exact issue are you having? Post a problem to the developer, I can't help you more.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] dknight178:
Hi all,

Does anyone have a copy of the star.exe for cygwin x86_x64? Can you share it? Badly need the file. Thanks!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
Check if the 32 bit version works on 64 bit, copy it to the system bin folder.

You can also use ubuntu for Windows installing it from the microsoft app store.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] dknight178:
Hi,

Unfortunately I can't find a copy of the star.exe. The files in schily website were in .gz and .bz2 and I can't install them.

Do you have one? The link posted is already down
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/android-backup-toolkit/
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] dknight178:
I tried it already but it didn't work.

I have pax but filename was long.

Would you have a copy of "star.exe"?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] scandiun:
I don't have a copy of star.exe, use ubuntu for Windows instead.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] pongolo:
I made an ADB backup via TWRP of each partition (boot, system, data, cache) individually direct to my PC prior to flashing a new ROM. After flashing the new ROM, I realized I forgot to backup texts and wifi netwroks via Titanium Backup. I tried to restore each partition so I could go back and copy the texts and wifi networks but it didn't work. TWRP reported no OS installed and it didn't boot either. I did update the bootloader after I created the backup and am not sure if that's why it's failing.

I used ABE to try to extract one of the files (cache) to see if it works and got the following below. How do I get around the invalid Magic error?

Invlaid Magic: TWRP twstreamheader \ ù? TWRP twfilename ¬|?/data/media/0/TWRP/BACKUPS/XXXXXXXXXX/2018-06-30--19-27-08_lineage_shamu-userdebug_712_NJH47F_f0e1ca23/cache.ext4.win TWRP twdatablock D?íº /recovery/ 0040770 0001750 0003721 00000000072 00056161501 0012253 x ustar system cache 58 RHT.security.selinux=u:object_r:cache_recovery_file:s0
Exception in thread "main" java.lang.reflect.InvocationTargetException
at java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)
at java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)
at java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)
at java.base/java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Unknown Source)
at org.eclipse.jdt.internal.jarinjarloader.JarRsrcLoader.main(JarRsrcLoader.java:58)
Caused by: java.lang.RuntimeException: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Invalid Magic TWRP twstreamheader \ ù? TWRP twfilename ¬|?/data/media/0/TWRP/BACKUPS/XXXXXXXXXX/2018-06-30--19-27-08_lineage_shamu-userdebug_712_NJH47F_f0e1ca23/cache.ext4.win TWRP twdatablock D?íº /recovery/ 0040770 0001750 0003721 00000000072 00056161501 0012253 x ustar system cache 58 RHT.security.selinux=u:object_r:cache_recovery_file:s0
at org.nick.abe.AndroidBackup.extractAsTar(AndroidBackup.java:516)
at org.nick.abe.Main.main(Main.java:142)
... 5 more
Caused by: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Invalid Magic TWRP twstreamheader \ ù? TWRP twfilename ¬|?/data/media/0/TWRP/BACKUPS/XXXXXXXXXX/2018-06-30--19-27-08_lineage_shamu-userdebug_712_NJH47F_f0e1ca23/cache.ext4.win TWRP twdatablock D?íº /recovery/ 0040770 0001750 0003721 00000000072 00056161501 0012253 x ustar system cache 58 RHT.security.selinux=u:object_r:cache_recovery_file:s0
at org.nick.abe.AndroidBackup.extractAsTar(AndroidBackup.java:337)
... 6 more