Verify tar command tape backup under Linux or UNIX
Q. I am using tar command to backup data to tape. How do I verify that tape backup is in a good condition?
A. GNU/tar has -w or --verify option. This option attempt to verify the archive after writing it to tape, use command as follows to backup and verify the backup.
Verify TAR backup with -w and --verify options
Type the command as follows to backup /home to /dev/st0 and attempt to verify the archive after writing it /dev/st0.
# tar -cvpWlf /dev/st0 /home
Where,
c : create a new archive of /home
v : Verbose output
p : Ignore umask when extracting files i.e. preserve permissions on files
W : attempt to verify the archive after writing it
l : stay in local file system when creating an archive
f : Specify /dev/st0 as tape device (file)
/dev/st0: Tape device name.
/home : Directory to backup
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Tags: gnu_tar, tape_backup, tar_command, verify_tar_backup
March 20th, 2007 at 10:48 am
dear Sir/madam,
I am facing problem whihle writing cammand in Unix to take backup on tape device. sir/madan kindly help me in quick time. i am trying this command on SCo Unix System V/386 release 3.2
# tar cvfb /dev/rct0 20 ./usr/shares backup taken on: 20/03/2007
please tell me eather my command is correct and also help if it is not correct
thanks
Sajjad Ahmad
Pakistan
April 17th, 2007 at 6:01 am
Hi ,
I’m taking backup on a tape through an automated script but lately i’ve been getting an error
/dev/nst0: Input/output error
How do i check this error in advance so that a mail could be fired ??
Can u please give me the commands ??
February 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
i want to take backup daily but i don’t know how to do.. any one can help me. im using linux redhat enterprise ws4 u5.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:09 am
sir/madam
i am taking backup on a tape (HP DDS-2 data catridge).the command like “tar cvf /dev/st0 test” is using for copying & “tar rvf /dev/st0 test1″ using append the file.but rvf command not working … why?