I used ROM Manager from the Market to install an updated ROM on my phone (EVO) and forgot to export my text messages first. I created a system backup before installing the ROM.

I'm wondering if there is any way to get my SMS/MMS messages out of the backup without restoring the backup, exporting my messages, and reinstalling the update.

I don't know what format the *.img files are that make up the nandroid backup. They don't open in WinRAR. Any ideas? I have a Linux desktop if necessary.

1/4/2011 2:27:01 PM

afaik, you'll need to restore the backup.

1/4/2011 2:30:01 PM

Looks like the backup is a yaffs image. I've extracted it, but I can't tell where the text messages are located. They must be somewhere.

1/4/2011 3:16:34 PM

Yeah I had to unyaffs one of mine to get my lengthy Angry Birds progress back, Titanium Backup hadn't actually backed up my new data because it didn't consider it to be a 'new' app.

You'll probably either need some kind of command line access or the very nice (but paid) Root Explorer to put your stuff back in the right place, It's probably in /data somewhere.

Also make sure you match r/w permissions when you do put your stuff back, forget to do that and you'll get some wonky shit that might take a while to figure out.

[Edited on January 4, 2011 at 4:06 PM. Reason : ]

1/4/2011 4:05:35 PM

FT Found it. For great justice take off every zig.

/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

1/4/2011 10:50:00 PM

The text messages are back but no MMS. I don't know where the picture data is stores. The MMS's show up as errors.

I got my angry birds scores back, but for some reason Angry Birds Seasons won't install.

1/4/2011 11:25:09 PM

Damn... I can't send or receive MMS now. I'm guessing it has something to do with the mmssms database I copied.

I might end up exporting my texts and reinstalling the ROM anyway.

1/5/2011 2:08:09 PM

I can't help with your issue, but I can prevent it:

Download these apps:

SMS Backup +
Titanium Backup

1/9/2011 9:55:36 PM

^ Or use Google Voice and the backup apps.

1/9/2011 10:03:55 PM

Quote :

"Also make sure you match r/w permissions when you do put your stuff back"

1/10/2011 9:27:24 AM

^^Yes. Google Voice FTW

1/10/2011 2:00:03 PM

The MMS issue wasn't caused by me copying the backup database.

I completely wiped my phone and reinstalled the ROM and MMS worked for a couple days then crapped out again. I think it's the ROM.

1/12/2011 12:10:18 AM