using tar on files larger that 2gb

[lawrenzo_1]

Hello,

I use this command to write files to tape,

#tar cvf |rsh dd of=/dev/rmt/1m obs=20b

This doesn't work on files larger that 2gb because tar doesn't support this.

what are the implications of changing the block size? will this allow me to write the larger files to tape?

TIA

[RAC_1]

tar does not support files larger than 2gb. With patch you can do that.

Also you can use GNU tar.

[Michael Tully]

You could have a look at the GNU offering which does support files larger than 2Gb

http://hpux.connect.org.uk/hppd/hpux/Gnu/tar-1.14/

[Sridhar Bhaskarla]

Hi,

Changing the block size will have no effect on the limitation of tar.

Try the patch PHCO_29229. It should allow upto 8GB. This is for 11.0.. Search for 'tar' in itrc's patch website.

Or try gtar as indicated above.

-Sri

[Sundar_7]

Why not use dd on both the sides

# dd if=/file of=- | rsh dd of=/dev/rmt/1m obs=20b

[lawrenzo_1]

Sundar,

where dd if=/file of=-

what is the output of=- ?

I'm not sure what to replace at -

many thanks

[Sundar_7 · Accepted solution]

Sorry, try this

# dd if= bs=1024k | rsh "dd of=/target-file bs=1024k"

[Rick Garland]

In addition to the tar utility not supporting over 2GB, other utilities so not support over 2GB as well. The cpio comes to mind. Get the GNU versions of these utilities and no more worries.

[Geoff Wild]

Get gnu tar or use HP's fbackup.

Rgds...Geoff

[Cheryl Griffin]

At 11i you can tar over 2 gig
8 gig 11i tar patch
http://www2.itrc.hp.com/service/cki/patchDocDisplay.do?patchId=PHCO_28992

Pre 11.11, go with gnutar.

[Geoff Wild]

BTW - you can also patch HP's 11.11 tar to do up to 8GB:

Patch Name: PHCO_28992

Patch Description: s700_800 11.11 tar(1) cumulative patch


http://www2.itrc.hp.com/service/patch/patchDetail.do?BC=patch.breadcrumb.main|patch.breadcrumb.search|&patchid=PHCO_28992&context=hpux:800:11:11

Rgds...Geoff

[lawrenzo_1]

Thanks everyone for all your help

Sundar has given me the best solution for my task at hand!

"Only Sundar has the answer!"

Thanks to all again

[lawrenzo_1]

Thank you!