CWM Recovery is a custom image that allows you to fully save the current state of your Android operating system. The so-called backup is needed so that if, after installing the unofficial firmware, your system crashes, you can return to its normal state, that is, roll back the changes. As practice shows, CWM Recovery is the best assistant in this, since the program is simple and convenient to use. In our article, we will talk in detail about the operation of this utility.
Recovery CWM: installation and first steps
On almost all devices, the installation process is identical. To install ClockworkMod (CWM), you first need to download Rom Manager from the Network. In the menu of this program (the first item), you can choose to install a custom image, and this is just what we need. At the end of the process, you can start the program - for this you need to go to Rom Manager and select "download recovery" there. You can also enter the utility using a combination of hot keys. However, much depends on the model of the phone or tablet. For example, you can try to hold down the power off and volume down button, after which the device will automatically go to the CWM menu. But there is another method. Since you can also enter CWM Recovery through the ADB program, do not write off this path either. The method is considered the most convenient. You only need to configure the connection of the tablet or phone to the computer through this utility and enter the command: “adb reboot recovery”.
We understand the program interface and the main menu commands
As an example, take version 3.0, as it is recognized as the most popular and often used. As for other modifications, slight differences are possible, however, the developers did not change anything but the design, so the main points are identical. Moving is carried out using the volume buttons on the device, and the power key, you can select the appropriate item. “Reboot systems” - rebooting the system (performed immediately). Apply update.zip - allows you to install unofficial firmware and themes with software. If you go through this item, you get to the next menu where you need to confirm your choice. Wipe Data / factory reset - this function allows you to restore the original state of your device. All settings will be reset, and the cache will be cleared. The next section, called Install zip from sdcard, allows you to install Zip permission files from the CWM Recovery menu.
Key Backup and Restore Features
We figured out a little with the main functions of the main menu of the program. Now let's see how to back up or perform a copy, which, in fact, is the main purpose of the utility. The section that interests us is in the main dialog box and is called Backup and Restore. If you move on, you can observe several sections. Backup - allows you to create a copy of absolutely all sections of the device’s system. The result will be saved on your memory card, and the file will be called the time and date of creation. Restore is a backup restore. There is nothing complicated, you just need to select the desired file, and everything else will be done automatically. Using the Advanced restore function, you can restore a specific partition and leave the rest in the current state. In principle, this knowledge is enough for you to use CWM Recovery. How to install the utility, you already know, so let's deal with another important point.
Things to be careful with
As noted above, the capabilities of this utility are not limited to creating backups. You can format any section of your device. But pay attention to the fact that the Format system will permanently erase your operating system, that is, the firmware of the “Android” or tablet, and when you delete the Boot partition, you can’t do anything with your device at all, and you will have to bring it to a specialist. You can also delete all data from your memory card or format certain sections of the Sd Card. If at some point you notice that the battery indicator is displaying incorrect information, then this is also treated using this utility. You need to go to the Advanced section and select Wipe Dalvik Cache. This will allow you to completely reset the battery statistics and restore the normal operation of all indicators. Immediately you can conduct a test of the device keys by selecting the Key test section. As you can see, working with this program is quite simple, only you need to navigate at least a little in the English language, since there is no Russian version yet.
How to create and restore a backup: step-by-step instructions
First of all, you need to reboot the device and go directly to CWM. Next, open the Backup and Restore item. We select the “Backup” subsection and agree by clicking “Yes”. The process will start automatically, and upon completion we exit with a reboot. As noted above, the created file will appear on the memory card at the address CWM / backup. If you wish, you can rename it, but it is forbidden to use the characters and letters of the Russian alphabet. As for recovery, you need to restart the tablet and go to the Restore item. A list appears in which all available backups are displayed, select the one you need (if there are several) and confirm your decision. The process will start automatically. At the end, reboot. After that, you can use your device.
Conclusion
Now you know what the utility is for and how to install CWM through Recovery. If you plan to install unofficial kernels, firmware, themes, games or applications, then first of all pack them in a zip format, and then install them via the CWM menu. Another small detail is that backup and recovery should be performed when the battery is at a sufficient level. The fact is that if in the middle of the operation the device is turned off, there is a high probability that it will not turn on already, or the backup copy will be created incorrectly. In principle, this is all the useful information that you may need while working with this utility. It is strongly discouraged to delete system folders and files, even if you are backing up or restoring. Pay special attention to the integrity of the Root and System files, since the operability of the device directly depends on their safety. If you do something wrong, you will not be able to repair the device under warranty.