it seems amanda does do a level 0 more
often than 7 days on almost every server, no matter what I put for
runcycle or dumpcycle

This  triggers a memory.  Maybe you are having the problem I had --
or something like it.

------------
I was doing something I didn't realize was a problem.
It's a scope and nesting issue.
Perhaps other may benefit from my goof:



global file:
    define dumptype AAA   {}

ERRONEOUS config file:
    include global file
    dumpcycle 1 week
    define dumptype BBB {AAA;  then more stuff}


ERRONEOUS diskfile:
    node      disk     BBB     #this is fine;  uses dumpcycle 7 days = 1week

The FIX:
config file:
     include global file
     dumpcycle 1 week
     define dumptype BBB  {AAA;  more stuff}
     define dumptype CCC  {AAA}


You may use BBB or CCC   but do not ever use AAA directly in a disklist.

It's a scope and nesting issue.
AAA has only heard of the *default*  value for dumpcycle.

Deb Baddorf


-------------------
Deb Baddorf         baddorf AT fnal DOT gov              840-2289
"You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old."
- George Burns                                          <IXOYE><