Tar Command limitation

[Vic006]

The tar command fails with prefix too long, errors due to long pathname limitations, is there any patch available for this for 11.23.

Thanks In advance

[Steven Schweda]

You might also consider "pax" and GNU "tar".

[OldSchool · Accepted solution]

from "man tar"

"Due to internal limitations in the header structure, not all file names of fewer than 256 characters fit when using the N version key. If a file name does not fit, tar prints a message and does not archive the file.

Link names are still limited to 100 characters when using the N version key."

I know of no "patches" that will fix this.

For hp-ux to hp-ux look at "pax". gnu tar might be an option, as well as ustar, but if you're sending the tape elsewhere (rather than archiving) the receiveing site will need compatible software as well

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom,

cpio and gnu tar have different limitations but may get you around this.

The only patch I know of for tar enables 8 GB tar files instead of the normal 2 GB filesize limit.

SEP

[whiteknight]

Vic,

here is the tar patch, but not related to your issue here.

PHCO_33431 11.23 tar(1) catalogs ; directory timestamp

The defect happens as tar uses an incorrect algorithm for updating the timestamps of the directories it restores.

WK