See Below....
Stew Benedict

On Sat, 4 Nov 2000, Jeff Malka wrote:

> Questions re backing up to tape.
> 1) Which is the correct command tor a full tape backup:
> tar cvf /dev/ht0     or    tar cvf /dev/ht0 /
> Does it include the "/"?
> 

yes you need *something* after /dev/ht0, / or . work if you want
everything 

> Does this erase the previous backup on the tape or add it after the previous
> archive on tape?
> 

I don't use IDE tape drives, but in SCSI you have to devices, the
rewinding and non-rewinding device.  If you want to append files to the
end of an existing tape, you need to use the non-rewinding device and the
mt commands "mt fsf 1" for example to move to a free area on the tape.
Looks like there is a nonrewinding version of ht0: /dev/nht0

> 2) How does one exclude the /mnt partition from the backup?
> 
man tar - you need to use the exclude option:

tar -cf /dev/st0 --exclude proc .

> 3) To restore, what would be the command?  Does this restore the "system" or
> does one also need to re-install to restore a working linux system?
> 

cd /
tar -xf /dev/ht0 
 .
of for multiple volumes:

cd /
mt -f /dev/ht0 fsf 1
tar -xf /dev/ht0 

Of course you'll need a boot disk like tomsrtbt to get to a command line,
and you'll need to mount your partitions, etc, and you'll need the
driver/module for you tape device - plan now, before disaster strikes

> 4) how to delete the tape contents?
> 

Just write over 'em.  Or use: mt -f /dev/ht0 erase

> Thank you.


> 
> 
> -- 
> Jeff Malka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Registered Linux User 348854
> 
> 
> 


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