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.
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.
If this is PTF media: Rerun the installp command using the [mount-point] as the input for the "d" flag.
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 automatically append the no-rewind mode specification to the device name.
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.
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 formatwhere 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, then the restbyname command is probably broken on your system and probably causing the "not in backup format" error.
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 appropriate 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, contact your AIX support center.
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 the Internet with the FixDist service.