SCSI tape backup

[SAngeli]

Hi,

I have an adaptec SCSI with an HP tape backup.
I enabled from kernel, the adapter and the SCSI tape backup.

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scsi0 : Adaptec AIC7XXX EISA/VLB/PCI SCSI HBA DRIVER, Rev 6.2.36
        <Adaptec 19160B Ultra160 SCSI adapter>
        aic7892: Ultra160 Wide Channel A, SCSI Id=7, 32/253 SCBs

(scsi0:A:3): 10.000MB/s transfers (10.000MHz, offset 32)
  Vendor: HP        Model: C1537A            Rev: L708
  Type:   Sequential-Access                  ANSI SCSI revision: 02

What to do to have it working?
Would I have to add it in the fstab? If so, what would the device name and its fstab settings be?
Also, what application allows me to backup on tapes (I use kde)?

Thank you,
Spiro

[hds]

naw, not in fstab. with my dds2 streamer i always used taper (not in portage):
http://taper.sourceforge.net/


this works on bash. also cpio does, and some others..

see also:
http://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic-t-21 ... taper.html

[SAngeli]

thanks for the info.

What I need, as for now, is exactely the following:

Software indipendent, I need to know how to make my tape backup device recognized and available to the system. As for the software, I will thenk choose my preferred one.

Thank you,
Spiro

[Doogman]

Well, it's been a long time since I've used a tape drive (and they were IDE at that) so you should search google for better information, but here's something to get you started.

Stick in a tape in your drive. Make sure it's blank or contains data you aren't worried about losing.

Assuming your drive is setup correctly and working, you control it with two device names, st0 and nst0. Try this at the command line:

mt -f /dev/nst0 status

That should give you some drive information.

mt -f /dev/nst0 rewind

Should rewind the tape, if it isn't already at BOT.

cd /
tar cvf /dev/st0 /home/yourhomedir

Replace the last bit with yourhomedir name. This will backup your homedir to tape. Using the "/dev/st0" will make the drive automatically rewind after writing.

cd /
tar df /dev/st0

Will compare your tape backup to the hard drive. Do a "man mt" "man tar" for more information.

When I used a tape drive, I used only command-line utilities, specifically tar, afio and the flexbackup perl script. I have no knowledge of GUI alternatives. If nothing from above works, it's probably a SCSI problem and I don't have enough experience with that to help you further.

[SAngeli]

Hi

when running mt -f /dev/nst0 status I get this: -bash: mt: command not found

I guess, the most important part is getting the device properly working.

What should I do to get it properly working or configured other than what I already done (you can see it at the beginning of this thread)?

How to see in dmesg if I have the tape backup recognized? Also, does udev have anything to do with this?

Thank you,
Spiro

[hds]

for scsi, AFAIk that should be /dev/st (/dev/st0 or something like that).
i would first check if i have such a device..

then check taper. even if you dont want to use it later on, it is IMHO the most easyest software to get your device working.

if taper works, you should be able to use it with any software you like. tar, cpio by just accessing the correct device, or whatever

[SAngeli]

Hi,

here is my /dev output:

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  891   0 crw-rw----   1 root    tape    9,   0 May  2  2005 st0
  899   0 crw-rw----   1 root    tape    9,  96 May  2  2005 st0a
  907   0 crw-rw----   1 root    tape    9,  32 May  2  2005 st0l
  915   0 crw-rw----   1 root    tape    9,  64 May  2  2005 st0m

Now, does this mean I have my scsi tape device recognized?

I do not know anything about taper. Can you please explain what to do to?

Also, I run KDat (what comes with kde) and when loaded and select mount tape, I get this error:

There appears to be no tape in the drive /dev/tape. Please check "Edit->Preferences" to make sure the
correct device is selected as the tape drive (e.g. /dev/st0)

Here is my kernel setup:

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<*> SCSI device support
[*]   legacy /proc/scsi/ support
---   SCSI support type (disk, tape, CD-ROM)
<*>   SCSI disk support 
<*>   SCSI tape support 

Thank you,
Spiro

[hds]

Now, does this mean I have my scsi tape device recognized?

looks good!

I do not know anything about taper. Can you please explain what to do to?

see taper.sf.net

Also, I run KDat (what comes with kde) and when loaded and select mount tape, I get this error:

There appears to be no tape in the drive /dev/tape. Please check "Edit->Preferences" to make sure the
correct device is selected as the tape drive (e.g. /dev/st0)

so do as the message tells you. try /dev/st0, st0a, etc.. does one of them work?

[SAngeli]

Hi,

too much work for this now. I am busy with another task.

I was able to install taper but all /dev/st... do not work.

I will resume later on.

I assumed it was easier than this. It is really true, thou: Linux is a big pain in the _ _ _ when you have to do admin stuff. I now understand why many times, people choose distros like redhad, suse, or others.
But I like gentoo and will hold tight, while sometimes crying.

Thank you for now,
Spiro

[hds]

too much work for this now. I am bosy with another task.

so am I, sorry for stealing your time ;(

[SAngeli]

Hi hds,

thank you. As soon as I complete my current tasks, I will resume my issue hoping to get it done.

For now, I thank you for your assistance and I wish you a good day.

Spiro

[Mark Clegg]

The mt command mentioned above is in the mt-st ebuild, so....

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emerge mt-st

then do....

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mt -f /dev/st0 status

(both as root) and it will tell you if your tape drive has been found, and what it thinks it is.

[SAngeli]

Hi Mark Clegg,

great! It works. I thank you for this. It was quick resolution, indeed.

I will play around a bit with mt trying to learn about it and if am able will try a GUI application too. But, will do this later on as soon as have time. At least, for now I know the tape is working.

Thank you again.
Spiro