Tag: tape
-
Ubuntu: How to add or append a file to an existing tape backup
Sometimes you may with to add files to an existing backup; if you issue a command like: tar -cvf /dev/st0 backupfiles …and the tape is not already set to the end of the previous archive you will over-write any data from the position on the tape. Use the “eom” command to move…
-
Ubuntu: Using compression on your tape backups
If you have compressible data you may save space on you tapes by using compression; this comes at a cost of CPU cycles to do the compressing, which can often be a worthwhile tradeoff for a long-term backup. To do this is quite simple – add in the -z switch to your tar command.…
-
Ubuntu: Using tar to span a backup across multiple tapes
Following on from the article on writing files to a tape backup, what happens if you want to back up more than what fits on a single tape? Here we want to use the –multi-volume switch, or -M. Use it so: tar -cvMf /dev/[path-to-tape] [backup folder or files] As a working example:…
-
How to test and check a HP StoreWorks Ultrium tape drive
With used tape drives falling in price they are now finding their ways into the hands of more home storage enthusiasts; one should be wary about purchasing a tape drive in unknown condition, though, as there’s a good chance that it may be faulty or require servicing. One way to check the status of…
-
How to update the firmware of a HP tape drive – StorageWorks Ultrium 448
The quickest and easiest way of updating the firmware is through HP’s Library and Tape Tools – at the time of writing it is available here: http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storageworks/ltt/ Click on the “Link to free download” link to acquire the software. Assuming you have the correct drivers for your setup (SCSI/SAS/etc card), the tape…
-
Ubuntu: How to restore your files from a tape
This is just like extracting a regular tar archive: tar -xvf /dev/[path to tape] [directory or file to restore] e.g.: tar -xvf /dev/st0 backups This will restore the “backups” file/folder to the current working directory. To check your current directory, you can use: pwd to make sure that…
-
Ubuntu: How to check the contents of a tape
To check the contents of a tape, insert the tape and run the following: tar -tf /dev/[path to tape device] e.g.: tar -tf /dev/st0 Note that typically it’s a zero, not a letter o, at the end.
-
Ubuntu: How to write files to a tape
To put files onto a tape, run the following: tar -cvf /dev/[path to tape] [file or directory] [file or directory] [file or directory] An example would be: tar -cvf /dev/st0 /home/bob This will back up the user bob’s home directory to the tape, here located at /dev/st0 (a typical location…
-
How to erase a tape in Ubuntu
This is another nice and easy one, though it may take a while depending on the size/speed of the tape: sudo mt -f [/path/to/tape] erase e.g.: sudo mt -f /dev/st0 erase That’s /dev/st(zero) not /dev/st(letter o), in case it’s not clear from the font. This will likely take some time…
-
How to rewind a tape drive in Ubuntu
This again uses the mt command, and is nice and easy: sudo mt -f [path/to/tape/drive] rewind A common example would be: sudo mt -f /dev/st0 rewind Easy done! In the above example it’s st (zero) not st (letter o) – in case it’s not clear from the font.