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Database Record DA192


ABSTRACT: Incompatible <Block> <Sizes> for AIX 3.1

      +----------------------------------------------------------+
       |                                                          |
       | NOTE:  The information in this document has NOT been     |
       | verified for AIX 4.1.                                    |
       |                                                          |
       +----------------------------------------------------------+


  ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

       This document contains steps to the resolution to the
       problem and cause of backup <tape> <block> <size> and is appli-
       cable to AIX 3.1.

  PROBLEM:

       Backup <tape> was made with <block> <size> set to 512.  When the
       user tried to restore the <tape> from the install diskettes,
       the <block> <size> was set to 1024.  The machine gave a read
       error when it tried to read the <tape>.

  CAUSE:

       These <block> <sizes> are inconsistent because the information
       is taken from two different places.  When the <tape> is made
       up, the <block> <size> is taken from the ODM (CuAt specif-
       ically).  When the <tape> is restored, the <block> <size> is taken
       from the install diskette.

  RESOLUTION (FOR AIX 3.1 ONLY):

       To solve the problem, change the <block> <size> that the install
       diskette uses.  To do this, use the following procedure:

       1.  Enter:

           "mkdir /tmp/inst"

           to create a temporary directory.

       2.  Enter:

           "cp /etc/objrepos/boot/mediadd.bff /etc/objrepos/boot/mediadd.bffold

           to create a backup of mediadd.bff.

       3.  Enter:

           "cp /etc/objrepos/boot/mediadd.bff /tmp/inst"

           This puts the file in the temporary directory so we can
           play with it.

       4.  Enter:

           "cd /tmp/inst"

       5.  Enter:

           "restore -xvqf mediadd.bff"

           The files which are restored are basically the ODM which
           is used by the install process.

      6.  Enter:

          "vi scsidev.add"

           Search on "block_size".  The cursor should be on "attri-
           bute = block_size".  The line above the cursor should
           read "uniquetype = tape/scsi/8mm" and the line below
           "deflt = 1024".

           Cursor down one line to "deflt = 1024" and change the
           1024 to 512.  Save the file.

       7.  Enter:

           "rm mediadd.bff"

           so that the file isn't backed up by the next command.

       8.  Enter:

           "ls | backup -ivqf mediadd.bff"

           to put the files back into the backup file.

       9.  Enter:

           "cp mediadd.bff /etc/objrepos/boot"

       10. Enter:

           "/usr/lpp/bosinst/diskette/mkinstdskt /usr/bin/bosinst.image"

           to make the install image.

       11. Enter:

           "dd if=/usr/bin/bosinst.image of=/dev/rdf0"

           to put the install image on diskette.
      12. Boot up using this new diskette as the installation
           disk.


  SPECIAL NOTICES

       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.