Networker

Re: [Networker] Recovering from a parially overwritten tape?

2003-03-18 08:36:50
Subject: Re: [Networker] Recovering from a parially overwritten tape?
From: Dag Nygren <dag AT NEWTECH DOT FI>
To: NETWORKER AT LISTMAIL.TEMPLE DOT EDU
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 15:36:46 +0200
> At 08:45 AM 2/25/2003 +0200, Dag Nygren wrote:
> >The problem is not that much Networker in this case.... Actually the
> >Networker tape format enables Networker to figure out what is on the tape.
> >But the problem is the tape drive and it's firmware. When you write the
> >tar-stuff on the tape you will generate an Logical EndOfTape mark
> >(actually two consequtive  EOF:s) after the data and no unmodified tape
> >drive will move the tape beyond this mark.
>
> On any of the UNIX systems I use a "mt -f <path_to_no-rewind_drive> fsf 2"
> will put you at the beginning of the original data.  What you can do with
> it then, in the absence of a valid Networker tape label, I don't
> know.  Perhaps you could use "dd" to copy a label from some other tape
> (damaging a small bit more of the original data) and then copy what you've
> got left to a new tape (again with "dd").  Then run scanner.  It should
> find the synchronization blocks along the way, a bit like the "-k" switch
> in "cpio".
>
> At least, that's what I'd try...

You can try, but I want to see that mt-command working
before I believe it.... Not seen a drive like that during my 20+ years
of working with tape drives....

Good luck

Dag

--
Note: To sign off this list, send a "signoff networker" command via email
to listserv AT listmail.temple DOT edu or visit the list's Web site at
http://listmail.temple.edu/archives/networker.html where you can
also view and post messages to the list.
=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>