root@netdev.Comsys.COM (Alex Huppenthal) (03/14/90)
Warning - Warning ------ HACK METHOD APPROACHING -------
Discovery note:
SCO XENIX 2.3.2 GT
Adaptec AHA-1540-A SCSI Controller
Archive 2150s Tape drive
[ Disclaimer: I don't personally reccommend this, but it does work here. ]
The Problem:
How can I add to the end of tar archives ? tar cv, tar cv works, but
tape rewind, tape rfm, tar cv - does not!
1. Change the /etc/default/tar file to archive=/dev/nrct0
2. Change the /etc/default/tape file to /dev/nrct0
3. tar cv file1
4. tar cv file2
5. tape rewind
6. tape rfm - moves you to the end of file one
7. tape rfm - moves you to the end of file two
8. tape rfm - this is not a failure, it's a *feature* :-)
it will complain, not able to do rfm on /dev/nrct0,
at this point ( which makes sense )
9. tar cv file3
10. tape rewind
11. tape rfm
12. tape rfm
13. tape rfm - now you are positioned at the end of the second file.
14. tar tvf ( or xvf ) /dev/rct0 ( can you beleive this? I can't )
15. THIS WORKS..... ^^^^--- notice *rct0* not nrct0, - ask SCO why!
I am amazed that we've stumbled on this combination of elements to
force this to work properly. The technique is bloody awful, but the
results to us - are worth it. We now can make use of tape space.
I hope you folks at SCO are watching, given that a way exists now
( albeit crude, and ruthless ), to add to tape archives with this configuration.
Now, don't you think a more graceful, and elegant approach should be available
on YOUR XENIX or UNIX product?
Good luck,
-Alex
--
Alex Internet: root@comsys.COM
Huppenthal UUCP: {cs.utexas.edu!texbell}!netdev!alex
Communication Systems Research 6045 Buffridge Tr, Dallas, TX 75252