MACALLSTR%vax1.physics.oxford.ac.uk@CS.UCL.AC.UK (09/04/86)
We've been using BACKUP and writing to several continuation tapes. We have restored data on several occasions, including full disk restores, without trouble. In our regular backup procedures I specify /DENSITY in both the MOUNT and BACKUP commands. I also use the /LABEL qualifier in the BACKUP command and allow BACKUP to write its own continuation labels : our local software keeps track of which 'sticky label' relates to which backup tape. Some general advice for anyone writing tapes on any system. When writing tapes specify the DENSITY wherever a command allows. My past experience has shown this is the only way to GUARANTEE that your tape is being written at the particular density. Software/hardware bugs/defaults can make the outcome uncertain. Reading tapes, provided the drive supports the particular density, is usually more reliable.