01/10/96, 4FAX# 2482 "Tape Not in Backup Format" Error SPECIAL NOTICES Information in this document is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of this writing. Please send feedback by fax to "AIXServ Information" at (512) 823-4009. Please use this information with care. IBM will not be responsible for damages of any kind resulting from its use. The use of this information is the sole responsibility of the customer and depends on the customer's ability to eval- uate and integrate this information into the customer's operational environment. ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT This document addresses several situations that could cause a "tape not in backup format" error in AIX versions 3.1.x through 4.1.x. INSTALLING FROM CD-ROM If you are installing from a CD-ROM and receive the "tape not in backup format" error, you may not be accessing the CD-ROM properly. Use the following procedure to correct the problem: NOTE: (For AIX 4.1) If running install via SMIT, do not create cdrom fs mount as SMIT will automatically do this. | 1. Create a CD-ROM file system. NOTE: If you are using | "update_all" to update your system, the CD-ROM file | system must be mounted over "/usr/sys/inst.images". | This is still applicable at 4.1 when running "installp" | or "update all" at the command line. 2. Mount the CD-ROM file system. 3. Rerun the installp command using the mount-point direc- tory name as the input for the "d" flag. NO-REWIND OPTION NOT SET When you enter the input device, you need to specify the no-rewind option by appending ".1" to the input device name ("/dev/rmt0.1" or "/dev/rmt1.1", for example). If installing from SMIT, you can press the F4 key to list and select an input device. This way, SMIT will automat- ically append the no-rewind mode specification to the device name. "Tape Not in Backup Format" Error 1 01/10/96, 4FAX# 2482 WRONG TYPE OF MEDIA The "tape not in backup format" error can also be caused by the use of the wrong type of media for the drive. For example, you can get this error if you are using a 525 MB 1/4" tape in a 150 MB 1/4" tape drive. You can correct the problem by using the correct type of drive or by ordering the correct type of media. BROKEN "RESTBYNAME" COMMAND (FOR 3.2 SYSTEMS ONLY) | The following data has been corrected for AIX version 4.1 | and therefore DOES NOT APPLY to version 4.1. If you get the message the volume on - is not in backup format where the dash above is a dash and not some other string, then the restbyname command on your system may be broken. To verify whether this is the problem, run: lslpp -h U434736 lslpp -h U435126 If both of the PTFs are "complete commit" or "complete applied", then the restbyname command is not broken on your system. If neither PTF is installed, then the restbyname command is not broken on your system. If U434736 is "complete commit" or "complete applied" but U435126 is not installed, the the restbyname command is probably broken on your system and probably causing the "not in backup format" error. Fix You can correct the broken restbyname command by getting a copy of the command from a bootable install tape, mksysb tape, or another system of the same level. To get the restbyname command from an install tape or mksysb tape, run the following, substituting "X" with the appro- priate number for your tape drive. tctl -f /dev/rmtX rewind tctl -f /dev/rmtX.1 fsf 3 tar -xvf /dev/rmtX ./usr/sbin/restbyname The fix for this problem is U435126. However, it cannot be installed until a new copy of restbyname is obtained. If you cannot get another copy of restbyname from an install tape, mksysb tape, or another system, call 1-800-CALL-AIX to request a copy of restbyname on diskette and the fix U435126. "Tape Not in Backup Format" Error 2 01/10/96, 4FAX# 2482 DEFECTIVE MEDIA If the "tape not in backup format" error does not fit one of the above situations, the media is probably defective. In this case, request another copy. For installation media, contact your point of sale. Fixes (PTFs) for AIX 3.2.5 and later can be downloaded via Internet with the FixDist service. For FixDist information and instructions, order fax number 1228 from 1-800-IBM-4FAX. If you don't have access to Internet or if your machine is at a pre-3.2.5 AIX level, you can request a specific fix number from 1-800-CALL-AIX. All other services from 1-800-CALL-AIX which are not Program Services require a software support contract. "Tape Not in Backup Format" Error 3 01/10/96, 4FAX# 2482 READER'S COMMENTS Please fax this form to (512) 823-4009, attention "AIXServ Informa- tion". You may also e-mail comments to: elizabet@austin.ibm.com. These comments should include the same customer information requested below. 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Problem Report or Item #: Branch Office or Customer #: Be sure to print your name and fax number below if you would like a reply: ______________________________________________________________________ END OF DOCUMENT (bckup.format.32-41.anz, 4FAX# 2482) "Tape Not in Backup Format" Error 4