Using Irwin Tape Drives under SCO Xenix Vr 2.3.2

Irwin tape usage under SCO Xenix 386 VR 2.3.2 is different from the procedures followed under SCO Xenix VR 2.2.3.

1. New Installations

   For new systems, the DC2000 tapes supplied by Apricot will function correctly without the need for re-formatting. It is recommended that fresh tapes are NOT formatted prior to use. (Under SCO Xenix 286 VR 2.2.3 tapes had to be formatted prior to use).

2. Systems upgraded from SCO Xenix 386 VR 2.2.3

   Tapes created under SCO Xenix 386 VR 2.2.3 can be recovered under SCO Xenix 386 VR 2.3.2. However, it is important to check the integrity of the restored data.

   Tapes formatted under SCO Xenix 386 VR 2.2.3 CANNOT be written under SCO Xenix VR 2.3.2. If it is attempted, the system will respond with the following error:-

   • ir: error: write error: can't write old tape format

   Before using such tapes, they must be FULLY bulk erased and then reformatted under SCO Xenix VR 2.3.2, using the following syntax:-

   • tape -i format
     
     
3. General Information

   Under SCO Xenix 386 VR 2.3.2, the correct command for backing up user data is:-

   • tar cv9 filelist

   Where filelist represents the files/directories to be backed up. The cpio(c) command should be used for full system backups since this will backup device special files and empty directories.

It is recommended that tape backups are carried out with no other users logged onto the system.

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