[Tutorial] Full Flash Backup And Restore

[ClownWorld]

It is the download mode not EDL mode.
Search for how to get into EDL model.

got it now.

 

[alvxda]

I made this backup from an lg g8x at&t.. the weight of the files are the approximate ones?

 

[ClownWorld]

I made this backup from an lg g8x at&t.. the weight of the files are the approximate ones?

View attachment 5585415

Yes

 

[randz27]

Thanks!!! it also works on LG V50 Thinq.

This is what i did to make it work.

Open CMD as Admin then use "cd" command to change directory.

Example:

cd C: Program Files (x86)\Qualcomm\QPST\bin

Hit Enter then you can now copy and paste the Backup/Restore Command Line

 

[____Accelerator____]

Today, after running edl/bkerler tool to dump full LG V50S LGU version, i got this result. Could you confirm this is correct?

I got 7 folders from LUN0 to LUN6, in each folder there is a file "rawprogram<number>.xml" too.

 

[umminkug]

This saved me from a possible brick. Thank you.

Can this method be used to rollback/downgrade android version at a later time?

 

[umminkug]

This tutorial shows how to make a full backup of the phone flash and how to restore it. Codes fit LG G8 which with some minor modifications they can be used for any other Qualcomm based devices. If you provide me the "PartitionsList.xml" of other SDM855 devices maybe I'll modify codes for them too.

Be aware I'm not responsible if the phone gets harmed or backups get corrupted or harmful or any other jinx happens to the phone. You can just use the manual way to create backup, with the help of "partition manager".

Note 1: Phone must be in EDL mode. This is up to you to figure that out and get the phone into EDL mode. There are information in type of tubes and posts that tell how to do this.
Note 2: We can make backup of individual partitions or LUNs. In the process of restoring backup, the former can prove more efficient and I'd prepare such codes if OP partition didn't vary from one carrier/KDZ to another. So, thinking of a universal method, it will be concluded in making backup of LUNs. Since, some partitions are vital I prepared additional codes to create backup of them.
Note 3: There are 7 LUNs numbered from 0 to 6. The last LUN keeps FRP data and so is hidden; Qfil does not show any of this LUN. Be careful with that . There are some alignments and 4 other hidden partitions that are not shown in "partition manager". DevInfo and Limits in LUN4 whereas DDR and CDT in LUN3 are hidden. LUN3 itself is also completely hidden like LUN6. Anyway, in partition manager you can see what other LUNs are keeping. The provided codes make backup of all alignments and hidden partitions too.
Note 4: User data partition is not getting backed up due to the large size and yet not being necessary.
Note 5: The partition on the computer where QPST is installed should have at least 25GB free space.


Requisites
QPST and Qualcomm USB Driver (get)
LGE SM8150 Firehose (get)


Preparation
1. Install QPST and Qualcomm USB Driver.


Steps A
1. Open QFIL.
2. Change "Storage Type" to UFS.
3. Select "Flat Build".
4. Browse for "LGE SM8150 Firehose" and pick it.
5. Now, connect the phone to PC and boot into EDL mode.
6. Open "Select Port" and select the phone, press OK.
7. In "Tools" open the "Partition Manager". Keep the "Partition Manager" for the entire process.

Note 6: To dump partitions we use fh_loader which requires the "partition manager" to be opened so do not close it until after all get done, otherwise the phone may become bricked.
Note 7: In the following codes you need to add the port number of the phone right after "fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM". If yours is 3 then it should become "fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM3"

Steps B (Using fh_loader)
1. Go to QPST installation folder then go to bin folder.
2. Open CMD there.
3. In "partition manager" hit on "save partition file".
4. Go to "C:\Users\YOUR_USER_NAME\AppData\Roaming\Qualcomm\QFIL".
5. Open file named "COM#_PartitionsList.xml". (# is your phone port number)
6. Find the phrase "userdata" using search tool.
7. In this line, find "start_sector". There is a number in front of it, subtract 1 from this number and put it in place of "???????" in the code for LUN0.
For example: In VRZ a10, we see the number in front of "userdata" is 5285640 which we subtract 1 from it. The result will be 5285639 which we use in place of "???????" in LUN0 Code.
8. Put the following codes in CMD (make sure your phone's port number is added to codes).

Creating LUNs Backup

Spoiler

LUN 0
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=LUN0_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=0 --num_sectors=??????? --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN1
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=LUN1_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=1 --num_sectors=2048 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN2
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=LUN2_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=2 --num_sectors=2048 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN3
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=LUN3_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=3 --num_sectors=2048 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN4
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=LUN4_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=4 --num_sectors=383995 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN5
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=LUN5_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=5 --num_sectors=3072 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN6
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=LUN6_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=6 --num_sectors=1024 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

Note 8: Restoration process is the same as the making backup process, in preparation and all other stuff. All backup files should be placed in bin folder of QPST installation folder before running codes.

Restoring LUNs Backup

Spoiler

LUN0
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=LUN0_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=0 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN1
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=LUN1_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=1 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN2
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=LUN2_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=2 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN3
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=LUN3_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=3 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN4
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=LUN4_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=4 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN5
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=LUN5_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=5 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

LUN6
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=LUN6_Complete.bin --start_sector=0 --lun=6 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

Creating Backup of Vital Partitions (FTM, Modemst1, Modemst2, FSG, FSC)

Spoiler

FTM
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=ftm.bin --start_sector=23816 --lun=0 --num_sectors=8192 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

Modemst1
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=modemst1.bin --start_sector=32 --lun=5 --num_sectors=512 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

Modemst2
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=modemst2.bin --start_sector=544 --lun=5 --num_sectors=512 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

FSG
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=fsg.bin --start_sector=1056 --lun=5 --num_sectors=512 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

FSC
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=fsc.bin --start_sector=1568 --lun=5 --num_sectors=32 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

Restoring Partitions

Spoiler

FTM
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=ftm.bin --start_sector=23816 --lun=0 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

Modemst1
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=modemst1.bin --start_sector=32 --lun=5 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

Modemst2
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=modemst2.bin --start_sector=544 --lun=5 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

FSG
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=fsg.bin --start_sector=1056 --lun=5 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

FSC
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --sendimage=fsc.bin --start_sector=1568 --lun=5 --noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

Note 9: Where are the backup files stored? QPST installation folder/bin.
Note10: Can I restore my phone's backup to my friend's phone? Yes, but do not expect it to cure IMEI problems of the second phone.


And, that's it =)
I'll see you around

Thank you for everything you are doing. I am attaching a V50 Sprint PartitionsList. Would I have to change anything from your Original Post?

 

[netmsm]

Thank you for everything you are doing. I am attaching a V50 Sprint PartitionsList. Would I have to change anything from your Original Post?

The sizes of LUN0 and LUN4 are different from G8's. So consider these values:
1. For LUN0 put 4481671 in num_sectors.
2. For LUN4 put 453115 in num_sectors.

LUN5 is also different it has 3 additional partitions. So in case creating backup of vital partitions you need to add the following lines to the "Creating Backup of Vital Partitions" codes.

mdm1m9kefs3
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=modemst1.bin --start_sector=1600--lun=5 --num_sectors=256--noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

mdm1m9kefs1
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=modemst1.bin --start_sector=1856--lun=5 --num_sectors=256--noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

mdm1m9kefs2
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=modemst1.bin --start_sector=2112--lun=5 --num_sectors=256--noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

If you want to calculate numbers by yourself use the attached file and compare it with your V50 partition list file.

 

[umminkug]

Deleted. Accidental repost.

 

[umminkug]

The sizes of LUN0 and LUN4 are different from G8's. So consider these values:
1. For LUN0 put 4481671 in num_sectors.
2. For LUN4 put 453115 in num_sectors.

LUN5 is also different it has 3 additional partitions. So in case creating backup of vital partitions you need to add the following lines to the "Creating Backup of Vital Partitions" codes.

mdm1m9kefs3
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=modemst1.bin --start_sector=1600--lun=5 --num_sectors=256--noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

mdm1m9kefs1
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=modemst1.bin --start_sector=1856--lun=5 --num_sectors=256--noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

mdm1m9kefs2
fh_loader.exe --port=\\.\COM --convertprogram2read --sendimage=modemst1.bin --start_sector=2112--lun=5 --num_sectors=256--noprompt --showpercentagecomplete --zlpawarehost=1 --memoryname=ufs

If you want to calculate numbers by yourself use the attached file and compare it with your V50 partition list file.

Thanks for your response.
Oh no!

I've already backed up and restored with OP instructions.

I think i got LUN0 right but I got LUN4 wrong and did a back up and restore at V8's sector 383995.

Looking at the partition table,

Looks like I backed up and restored a part of...
"core_nhlos_b" instead of LUN4
What's that?
I hope I didn't mess it up too bad.

 

[netmsm]

I've already backed up and restored with OP instructions.

If you haven't deleted partitions before restoring, there shouldn't be any problem. In practice, you have created a backup of a segment of flash and then restored it.
The important information are those stored in LUN5 which you have them backed up. However, now you can create a full backup according to the recent post guide.

 

[____Accelerator____]

I have some questions before doing unlock my V50S:

- Can i flash back /persist to prevent losing Widewine L1? How about /frp too, can it work for fingerprint?
- Dual boot possible? Assume using stock rom on slot A & GSI on slot B and having disable force encryption & vbmeta disabled.
- Should I downgrade to Android 10 or keep using Android 11? Which one is better?

 

[olaglam]

i cant find FSC in my backup folder

 

[olaglam]

I made this backup from an lg g8x at&t.. the weight of the files are the approximate ones?

View attachment 5585415

i have tried this steps for several times still not able to get LUN6 backup in the folder i am also using LG g8x ATT , i discovered that from LUN1 - LUN5 we have the same size, can i get LUN6 from as i am about to crossflash and i will love to have backup on ground.

 

[netmsm]

i cant find FSC in my backup folder

FSC is in the LUN5.

 

[netmsm]

i have tried this steps for several times still not able to get LUN6 backup in the folder i am also using LG g8x ATT , i discovered that from LUN1 - LUN5 we have the same size, can i get LUN6 from as i am about to crossflash and i will love to have backup on ground.

View attachment 5631197

I can't guarantee it to work on any device except G8.

 

[olaglam]

I can't guarantee it to work on any device except G8.

Ok thanks, I have successfully crossflashed it with open ca a11, and when I even open it in partition manager I can't find LUN6, I guess my phone does not have that partition

 

[netmsm]

Ok thanks, I have successfully crossflashed it with open ca a11, and when I even open it in partition manager I can't find LUN6, I guess my phone does not have that partition

welcome, it has but this partition is hidden such as lun3.

 

[olaglam]

Ok

welcome, it has but this partition is hidden such as lun3.

 

[rifay78]

cannot do that with lgv60