AIX

I have an IBM, P-series Intellistation running AIX5.1. I have installed an IBM DAT72 4mm tape drive. It is installed as an Other Scsi Device(ost). When I schedule a backup it fail's to run (input or output error). Does this device need an Auto mount of some kind? If I run a diagnostic test (for example), it will do the backup and will do all the incrementals for the week, but when I put a new tape in for the next week, the scheduled backup will fail.

Any thoughts?

Joe

This is just kind of a "duct tape" temp fix but if you could just write a script that autoruns diagnostic test when the error for the backup fail pops up? Not sure if it will work, and even if it does it should only be for a short period of time until you can find the 'appropriate way' to fix the problem

do you use cron to backup at times in the week ?


this is one you can use
=================
mt-f /dev/rmt0 rewind
find /your filesystems -print |backup -iqvf /dev/rmt0.1
#(.1 prevents rewind )
you can create a script that will backup a list of file systems


Restore
======
tctl -f /dev/rmt0 rewind

restore -qvf /dev/rmt0 will restore all files no the tape

Restore files (only)

mt -f /dev/rmt0 feof restore Move to the next on the tape
restore -qvf /dev/rmt0 /filesytems/frans.txt file restoe only this file

Note !! 1.restore -xdvqf /dev/rmt0 /home/my/tools
The -x flag tells restore to extract files by their file name. The -d tells restore to extract all the files and subdirectories in the /home/my/tools directory. File and directory names must be specified as they are displayed when using the -T flag. If the directories do not exist, they are created.

Yes, I do use cron. Here is my entries:

0 22 * * 1,5 backup -0 -uf/dev/rmt1.1
0 22 * * 2-4 backup -1 -uf/dev/rmt1.1

I beleive the backup is not taking place, because the tape drive is either, not mounting or not recognizing that there is a mount.

For some reason, the input / output error is taking place because the tape drive is not being recognized at the time of the cron command. Even if I do a manual command, I get the same error.

When I do a diagnostic test on the tape drive, it is recognized and does pass all tests.

I am "new" to being responsible for the backup's. I had to buy and install a new tape drive, and am not sure if I am missing something very general.

Thanks for the response,
Joe