Linux OBDR

[Emir Faisal]

Guys,
I'm trying to backup my RHAS2.1 server to tape using mkCDRec with command "make OBDR". After the it finish, I try to boot from it using OBDR mode, and it fails. The source server (which I make the backup from) is Compaq Proliant ML370 G3, and the target server (Which I try to restore to) is Compaq Proliant ML 370 G4.

Whenever I try make test, it comes with this output:
[root@kapuas mkcdrec]# make test
scripts/dispatch.sh test
Checking architure...
Supported architecture: x86
Using Makefile.x86.
ls: cutstream*: No such file or directory
ls: pastestream*: No such file or directory
make[1]: Entering directory `/var/opt/mkcdrec'
/var/opt/mkcdrec/scripts/test.sh
/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin:/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/local/sbin:/opt/schily/bin:/var/opt/mkcdrec/bin:/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin:/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/local/sbin:/opt/schily/bin:/var/opt/mkcdrec/bin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/local/sbin:/usr/bin/X11:/usr/X11R6/bin:/opt/oracle/product/DB9i/bin:/root/bin:/dev:/dev
make test output of mkCDrec v0.8.7
Test 1: Are we root? Passed
Test 2: missing executables needed by mkCDrec Passed
Test 3: Filesystem for Initial ramdisk allowed? Passed
Test 4: loopback device works? Passed
Test 5: ram device available Passed
Test 6: romfs supported by the kernel? N/A
Test 7: cramfs supported by the kernel? N/A
Test 8: strip (from binutils) available? Passed
Test 9: BOOT_FLOPPY_DENSITY=ED ok? N/A
Test 10: cdrecord -scanbus N/A
Test 11: Header files present? Passed
Test 12: DEVFS supported by kernel? N/A
Test 13: filesystem tools present?
ext2: Passed
Test 14: initrd must be compiled in kernel! Passed
Test 15: Amount of memory available 12107 Mb
Test 16: scripts/Config.sh a link? Passed
Test 17: serial console N/A
Test 18: supported architecture? Passed
Test 19: is RAMDISK_SIZE=64 big enough? Passed
Test 20: is BLK_DEV_RAM_SIZE big enough for initrd? default
make[1]: Leaving directory `/var/opt/mkcdrec'
[root@kapuas mkcdrec]#

Please help.
EF

[Steven E. Protter]

A few thoughts come to mind:

1) Perhaps the difference in processor architechure, similar but not the same is causing a problem.

2) There may be a kernel parameter on the source machine causing the error on Test 20.

As general commentary, it would appear you are making a backup on a cd writer and then trying to boot off that image. Quite innovative, if its ever worked for you.

I hope this is a test to see if things work and not an emergency.

You might find http://www.mondorescue.org is a tool that can do the same job for you. I also think tape is a better media if you have it available.

SEP

[Huc_1]

I have not used this but I did read the doc and have this on the todo list, but have a look at the following link
http://mkcdrec.ota.be/project/faqs.html#Q:_What_is_One-Button_Disaster_Recovery

I would also try this from a cd "seems more strait forward on the tape/scsi front"

Hope this get you going

Jean-Pierre Huc

[Emir Faisal]

Hi Steve,
>> 2) There may be a kernel parameter on the source machine causing the error on Test 20.

If I failed test 20, I will notice it since it will print test output in red. I'm sure this is normal.

>> As general commentary, it would appear you are making a backup on a cd writer and then trying to boot off that image. Quite innovative, if its ever worked for you.

Yes, and this is how OBDR works, right?!
http://mkcdrec.ota.be/project/introduction.html

>> I hope this is a test to see if things work and not an emergency.

No. The source machine is our production machine. Due to strict deployment schedule, we can't make any test to the machine, until now in production environment.

>> You might find http://www.mondorescue.org
> is a tool that can do the same job for you. I also think tape is a better media if you have it available.

Can mondo do OBDR ?


many thanks,
EF

[Steven E. Protter]

No, I do not believe mondo can exactly replicate what you are doing.

I'm very impressed with this tool and how you are using it.

If you shut down open databases, Mondo Rescue should let you make an exact image of your entire machine. I use it to tape, because they hold more data than even DVD.

If your issue is system replication and you can afford to have databases down during the backup, mondorescue might do the job.

I'm still not familiar enough with what you are doing to be more precise.

Good Luck,

SEP
Jerusalem

[Stuart Browne]

Try 'backup edge'. It's a backup tool (to tape) that does ODBR. I've used it before under Linux, and was quite impressed.

It has a 30-day eval, but it should be enough to ensure your device is doing everything properly.

[Matt Palmer_2]

Hi,

I have used Arkeia Network Backup for DR and was quite impressed, also available for download at www.arkeia.com on 30 Day Eval, you need to contact the support team for a demo key for the DR module.

I have also used mondo, and thought that was great, although slow on its 'backup' it was very efficient at a speedy restore.

HTH

regards

Matt