about tape device!

[leyearn]

when i used
tar cv /etc/hosts
the following message are printed :
tar : cannot open /dev/rmt/0m
when i used #ioscan -funC tape
on output appeared
and the kernel is ni !

[Steven E. Protter]

Either there is no tape in the unit or the write tab on the tape is set to write protect.

Happens to me all the time.

SEP

[Michael Tully]

There are a number of reasons, but generally it is because there is no tape loaded. Perhaps your using an incorrectly sized media for your drive, you have pushed it in and walked away, and then the drive may have ejected it.

[Rajeev Shukla]

You should get some output with ioscan -fnCtape either the device files and if not atleast as claimed or unclaimed. If this not happening there is definately something wrong with the tape drive.
If its an external tape trive, check its connectors and power (if its powered off/on).
If its internal there might be some loose connection with the power or the tape drive is faulty.

[Rajeev Shukla]

Oh i am sorry, i missunderstood..
I thought you wrote even ioscan showed no output..
I am sorry, ignore my last post

[Shahul]

Hi,

Before going ahead with tar command, you need to make sure the status of attached tape drive. As you mentioned, please take an output of ioscan command and see tape drive is listed and it is showing as CLAIMED.

If not, you need to correct this first. Once it's through

#mt -f "device file" rew

See that it is coming back to prompt. If not, something wrong with tape drive or it is not added to kenel properly. You may need to physically check or may need to remove and add from kernel once again.

If it's through you can go ahead with tar command.

#tar -cvf "device file" "data"

It's always suggested to give right device file to avoid taking the default device file.

Hope this helps
Shahul

[Todd McDaniel_1]

You might also check

mt status

To check the default tape device 0mn...


If you have more than one tape device, I would try to use the other drive.

If you have a bad tape, get a new one. Also, run a clean tape thru the tape device just to help with reading.