Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!spool.mu.edu!uunet!consult!bob From: bob@consult.UUCP (Bob Willey) Newsgroups: comp.unix.xenix.sco Subject: Re: Best way to backup SCO Xenix/UNIX Keywords: backup unix xenix sco Message-ID: <566@consult.UUCP> Date: 3 Apr 91 13:22:09 GMT Article-I.D.: consult.566 References: <3599@sixhub.UUCP> Reply-To: bob@consult.UUCP (Bob Willey) Organization: CCS Enterprises, Inc. - Easton, MD Lines: 51 In article <3599@sixhub.UUCP> davidsen@sixhub.UUCP (bill davidsen) writes: >In article aris@tabbs.UUCP (Aris Stathakis) writes: >| I'd like to know the best way to do a backup so that I can recover from >| a FULL crash i.e. having to re-install on a different machine from >| a tape backup. I'm sure there are lots of ways to do it, like using >| the standard backup proggram SCO give you, but find it too inflexible. > > Since you say Xenix and I've been running a bunch of these for years, >I would first say don't use tar, it skips empty directories, and they >may be needed to make things work. A new version might have cured that, > > First, of course, you use mkdev fd to create a bootable floppy with > For each partition take a level zero dump using the error correcting > If you use cpio use the -depth option, as it will insure correct time >Example: > from floppy boot, single user mode: > dump 0ufk /dev/erct0 55000 /dev/hd0root > dump 0ufk /dev/erct0 55000 /dev/ru > incremental, single user mode highly preferred! > (five days after level zero) > find / \( -mtime -5 -o -ctime -5 \) -depth -print | > cpio -oBc > /dev/erct0 There is another alternative, use a commerical program like CTar. It is more in-depth program than tar, and backs up ALL the files and directories of a system (including device drivers, char files, zero dirs, and sorts of other interesting items).. CTAR also comes with a utility program to create a rootable/bootable diskette with all the necessary utilities and even a menu front-end to make disaster recovery much easier. (especially at 3am, when your eyes don't work so well). You can create all of the above yourself, or use CTAR to do all the work for you, and not have to worry about (did I get ALL the programs I wil need in a disaster on my recovery diskette). CTAR also includes scripts to automatically create an entry in cron for automated backups at whatever time is appropriate, will auto- failure scripts to do whatever you want if the backup fails. In other words, you can fish thru the manuals and create everything yourself if you have the inclination, or a commercial program to do all of the work for you. We have been using Ctar for several years now on all of our client's machines and have been very impressed. We are not affiliated with Microlite (CTAR) other than a satisfied user. -- >.. CCS Enterprises, Inc. .. Bob Willey, CDP ..< >.. P.O. Drawer 1690 .. uunet!consult!bob ..< >.. Easton, Maryland 21601 .. (301) 820-4670 ..< >.......................BBS: (301) 476-5098.....................<