[comp.unix.xenix] backing up an entire unix/xenix system

steve@icdi50.UUCP (Steve M. Ciarciello) (08/09/90)

Does anybody know of a utility that will back up an entire disk drive to
streaming tape under SCO Xenix or Unix.

The utility that I would like to have would allow the end user to backup 
every block of the disk thereby allowing a complete disk restore from the
tape. This would therefore include the operating system and all filesystems.

I ask this question because I come from a world of mini computers that would
backup everything. A restore of the entire system from this type backup was
very easy.

I would appreciate any help.

Thank you.

Steve Ciarciello
CompuData, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA

bob@consult.UUCP (Bob Willey) (08/11/90)

In article <4@icdi50.UUCP> steve@icdi50.UUCP (Steve M. Ciarciello) writes:
>Does anybody know of a utility that will back up an entire disk drive to
>streaming tape under SCO Xenix or Unix.
>The utility that I would like to have would allow the end user to backup 
>every block of the disk thereby allowing a complete disk restore from the
>tape. This would therefore include the operating system and all filesystems.
>I ask this question because I come from a world of mini computers that would
>backup everything. A restore of the entire system from this type backup was
>Steve Ciarciello
>CompuData, Inc.
>Philadelphia, PA

This is a common problem.  Using tar and the like will only give
you mixed results.  You must be very careful.
We have been using CTAR from MicroLite with EXCELLENT results.
It does a complete backup of ALL files including character, fifo, etc.
It also comes with a utility to create a rootable/bootable floppy.
This creates all the necessary utilities, and YOUR kernel and device
drivers so that if you have a crash.
1. Replace disk
2. Boot up from rootable/bootable CTAR disk
3. Pick NEW Disk (format and all done)
4. Restore option (use most recent tape)
5. Reboot system and you are up and running.

Much easier that the horse X#$% you have to do using tar, and reinstalling
Unix/Xenix.
You can reach MicroLite  on uunet!mlite!info   uunet!mlite!tom
We have this installed at ALL customer sites and would not leave
home without it.  We consider it a mandatory option.

Hope this helps.

-- 
>.. CCS Enterprises, Inc.           ..    Bob Willey, CDP     ..<
>.. P.O. Drawer 1690                ..    uunet!consult!bob   ..<
>.. Easton, Maryland  21601         ..    (301) 820-4670      ..<
>.......................BBS: (301) 476-5098.....................<

bbs@alchemy.UUCP (BBS Administration) (08/11/90)

In article <201@consult.UUCP> bob@consult.UUCP (Bob Willey) writes:
>In article <4@icdi50.UUCP> steve@icdi50.UUCP (Steve M. Ciarciello) writes:
>>Does anybody know of a utility that will back up an entire disk drive to
>>streaming tape under SCO Xenix or Unix.
[Stuff Deleted]
>This is a common problem.  Using tar and the like will only give
>you mixed results.  You must be very careful.
>We have been using CTAR from MicroLite with EXCELLENT results.
>It does a complete backup of ALL files including character, fifo, etc.

To the best of my knowledge, so does GNU TAR. I just FTP'd a copy and
read most of the documentation and was rather impressed. From what I
understand, it will backup special files, device files and all the things
Xenix TAR will not. Additionally, you can have it compress/uncompress
on the fly as it is creating or restoring an archive. Pretty spiffy if
you ask me. And since it's free... need I say more? Check it out for
yourself and if I'm wrong... I apologize, but I think this is what the
documentation (incredibly lengthy, and in "tex" format which is completely
useless for me) says.

Good luck,

-- John

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