Old patch files: Can they be deleted?

[Randy Swenson]

I found a whole pile of files in the /var/adm/patch/backup directory with a filename format similar to "OSFPAT0008400425.tar.gz" The creation dates on all of these files are August 15th, 2000.

They appear to be aged, zipped versions of patch files. Can I safely delete all of these? Thanks!

[Alex Lavrov.]

Just back up the directory and remove it. It's not used once you finished patching your system.

Also, try "cleanup". It's HP tool to commit patches and this way to clean /var file system. (man cleanup)

Alex.

[Robert-Jan Goossens]

Hi Randy,

Patches are installed in the /var/adm/sw/patch directory. I think if you create a backup of the backup directory you can safely remove it.

Regards,
Robert-Jan

[Basheer_2]

I agree with Robert

since these are in /var/adm/patch/backup
make sure it is NOT linked to /var/adm/sw/save
If they are not linked, its safe to rm

2) If they are linked to /var/adm/sw/save
then you must
backup
use cleanup -c 1
even if this is not enough
then commit all apllied patches using swmodify.

[DCE]

I would use the cleanup command. This removes all old patches and does not affect the system Removing patches without letting the system know (swremove, cleanup) can have adverse effects when installing later patches. The system keeps track of all patches installed, and old patches can provide the prereq's for new patches.

Dave

[generic_1]

Cleanup command is the safest :)
cleanup -c 1 The number is how many patch levels you with to be able to roll back.
Also trim your logs. Sam has some log cleanup utilities.
cd /fileystem
du -sk * | sort -nr | more is nice for finding pesky bloated files too.

[MarkSyder]

I have a standard procedure for files I suspect may not be needed (patches or other files):

1. copy to tape

2. remove from the server

3. if anyone screams, restore from tape

4. if no one's screamed after a year, re-use the tape.

Mark Syder (like the drink but spelt different)

[Mahesh Kumar Malik]

Hi Randy

Since patches are installed in /var/adm/sw/patch directory, check you do not have link setup for /var/adm/patch/backup
If no , you can safely delete its contents

You have backup with you anyway

Regards
Mahesh