wht@tridom.uucp (Warren Tucker) (08/09/89)
XENIX /bin/cpio uses /bin/mkdir to create directories when it is invokes with the -id switches. This statement may hold true for Real(TM) S5R2 and other derivatives which lack mkdir(S) (mkdir(2)). I wanted to use cpio rather than tar to backup/mkfs/restore my root filesystem (under SCO XENIX/386 on a Compaq with 1.2 Mb floppy and mini cartridge tape). Cpio, unlike tar, will save/restore special files (which are rather important to a self-respecting root partition :-)). I copied cpio onto the "emergency boot floppy" (the basic version of which *AIN'T* equipped for too much of an emergency). I made the tape backup. I even remembered to put /etc/mkfs on the floppy. Then, I booted the floppy and made sure cpio -iBtv would read the tape. /etc/mkfs /dev/hd0root 81000:10000 1 306 mkfs: /dev/hd0root contains data. Overwrite? (y/n): y Gulp ... hold breath ... well, lets see if the rust stayed on the tape. Imagine my surprise when cpio reported something like "cannot create bin directory: error 2" when told to please -iB. Fortunately I had done find . -print | sort | cpio -oB > /dev/rctmini ^^^ and "bin" is near the top of the alphabet and a mount /dev/hd0root /mnt; cd /mnt cpio -irB < /dev/rctmini ^ didn't require TOO many carriage returns before cpio asked Rename <bin/mkdir>? whereupon, I answered mkdir and cpio plopped mkdir right into the / directory of the root partition. I interrupted tar, copied mkdir to /bin on the floppy and then did the full bore restore again, this time successfully. ("Hi Ho" -- Kurt Vonnegut). -- ------------------------------------------------------------------- Warren Tucker, Tridom Corporation ...!gatech!emory!tridom!wht "Might as well be frank, monsieur. It would take a miracle to get you out of Casablanca and the Germans have outlawed miracles."