You can install a system from a backup image that is stored either on tape or in a file. This chapter describes the procedure for installing a backup image stored on tape. To install a backup stored in a directory on your network installation server, refer to AIX Version 4.3 Network Installation Management Guide and Reference.
Typical uses for a backup are to:
This discussion refers to source system and target system. The source system is the system from which you created the backup copy; the target system is the system on which you are installing the backup copy.
Installing a system from backup reduces, and often eliminates, repetitive installation and configuration tasks. For example, a backup installation can copy optional software installed on the source system, in addition to the basic operating system. The backup image also transfers many user configuration settings.
An installation from backup operates in either prompted or nonprompted mode, depending on conditions set in the bosinst.data file and on compatibility between the backup image and the installed machine. See "Customizing the BOS Installation Program" for information on how to modify the bosinst.data file to preset installation parameters when you create a system backup.
The procedure in this chapter requires the backup copy to be created using AIX Version 4.3. AIX provides different ways to create backups: with the Web-based System Manager Backups application, the SMIT Back Up the System menu, or the command line, using the mksysb -i TargetDevice command. See "Backing Up Your System" for further information.
During the installation of the backup, the system checks to see if the target system has enough disk space to create all the logical volumes that are stored on the backup. If there is not enough disk space, the system prompts you to choose more destination hard disks. When file systems are created on the target system, they are the same size as they were on the source.
After the installation completes, the Object Data Manager (ODM) and /dev directory on the target system are reconfigured. The installation modifies device attributes for all files beginning with `Cu' in the /etc/objrepos directory on the target system. The installation also deletes and recreates all files in the target /dev directory.
Consider altering passwords and network addresses if you use a backup to make master copies of a source system. Copying passwords from the source to a target system can create security problems. Also, if network addresses are copied to a target system, duplicate addresses can disrupt network communications. See "Source and Target Differences" for more information.
Use the following techniques if you do not want certain information saved on your target system: