Is it possible to delete directories from a Tru64 backup tape?

[R Swenson]

I've discovered some confidential data that is stored on dated backup tapes that needs to be erased, but we still need to keep the rest of the data on the tapes intact.

The tapes were backed up using the following script:
vdump -0uf /dev/ntape/tape4 /
vdump -0uf /dev/ntape/tape4 /usr
vdump -0uf /dev/ntape/tape4 /usr/local
vdump -0uf /dev/ntape/tape4 /home
(etc.)

Is this possible? I cannot dump the entire tape to a spare disk, delete the confidential data, and then re-backup the original data as I don't have additional disks/space on my system. Any help is appreciated.

-- Randy Swenson

[Steven Schweda · Accepted solution]

> Is this possible?

I don't see a practical way to do it. Tapes
are not, in general, file-structured devices.

> I cannot dump [...]

Buy a disk? $100 on Ebay can get you a disk
which can store a considerable number of
bytes. What are these confidential data
worth to you? How big is the biggest file
system?

[R Swenson]

Thanks for your help, Steven.

RE: the disk question, it's more of a lack of Tru64 ability in our shop than anything else that precludes us from enacting your suggestion.

In fact, I'm going to close this thread and open a new thread which may solve a number of problems with this system. Thanks again!

[R Swenson]

Steven Schweda posted a definitive answer to my question. How do I go about assigning points?

[Dennis Handly]

>How do I go about assigning points?

For each reply there is a menu where you can select the number of points.
At the bottom is a button to assign points. Make sure you click that and not the "close" thread button. After assigning points, you can then close the thread.
http://forums.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/helptips.do?#33

[R Swenson]

Many thanks, Dennis. I appreciate your courteous and professional response.