/dev/rmt/0m vs /dev/rmt/0mn

[YMJ]

I am trying to backup a folder incrementally, so that, I don't want to backup old files as long as they are in the tape ...

if I use this command,
fbackup -f /dev/rmt/0mn -i /xyz

Could it be help ?

Any Idea?

Regards

[James R. Ferguson · Accepted solution]

HI:

Have a look at the man pages for 'fbackup(1M)'. For incremental backups you need to first setup a database for prior backups. This is discussed in these man pages.

As for the difference between '/dev/rmt/0m' and /dev/rmt/0mn', the first is a rewind type device; the second is a no-rewind device. 'fbackup' should not be used with no-rewind devices, for example, '/dev/rmt/0mn'. Neither will 'fbackup' ever append to a tape.

For more information on tape device files, see the 'mt(7) man pages.

Regards!

...JRF...

[Ian Dennison_1]

From the manpage of 'fbackup'

fbackup should not be used with no-rewing devices.

Try this (test it first),.....

mt -f /dev/rmt/0mn eod
fbackup etc etc etc

The mt command will forward to end of data on the tape, then you can start writing from then on.

Easier still - tapes are cheap, use a new one each time and label it up as an incremental.

Share and Enjoy! Ian