Hi Andrew:
Excerpts from transarc.external.info-afs: 11-Jun-96 Backup tape label
problem Andrew [EMAIL PROTECTED] (1455)
> We recently crossed the threshold of requiring two tapes for our AFS
> backup. Unfortunately, when we try to reuse these tapes, AFS often
> refuses to write to previously-used tapes because they have the wrong
> label.
> Is there a way to tell AFS not to check the tape's label? After all, the
> tape should be considered a scratch tape. New tapes work fine.
Yes there is. In AFS 3.4 backup, there is a new configuration parameter
that turns tape name checking off. Within a configuration file for a
butc process, include the line:
NAME_CHECK no
The configuration file's name is "/usr/afs/backup/CFG_<devname>". Very
much like the "/usr/afs/backup/TL_<devname>" and
"/usr/afs/backup/TE_<devname>" filenames.
Permanent tape names provide the same thing (no tape name checking) but
only in the sense that permanent tape names are not AFS assigned tape
names and so tape name checking would not apply.
Tape name checking was designed to enforce the operator to use a strict
tape recycling scheme (which is why unlabeled tapes are also accepted:
use a new tape or a tape with the same name). Administrators wanted
control in how they manage their backup tapes so it was made an option.
The expiration date on the tape continues to be checked (it is important
to use them); as well as errors or warnings if operator mistakes are
made (like the first tape was left in the drive and the operator uses it
for the second tape, or if the operator uses a tape that contains the
most recent dump of a volumeset).
- John Morin.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
