Error "could not populate devices directory" During a mksysb Clone

Environment

OS Level: AIX Version 4.1.5
Type/Model: 990

Problem

While creating a mksysb clone, the user received the following error: 
   could not populate devices directory

The following steps were taken:

  1. Booted from the install CD-ROM.
  2. Inserted the mksysb tape.
  3. From the displayed menu, selected option 3, Start Maintenance Mode for System Recovery.
  4. Selected option 3, Access Advanced Maintenance Functions.
  5. Entered the following commands: 
       tctl -f /dev/rmt0 rewind
   dd if=/dev/rmt0 fskip-2
These steps resulted in the display of the contents of the dummy toc image: 
   sysback

Solution

This content indicates that the tape is not a mksysb tape but rather a Sysback system image tape. The error is occurring because the fourth image of a Sysback system image tape is a backup of the Sysback installation and maintenance files.

The shell script bi_main performs the main operating system installation. This script expects the image to be in backup/restore format, this is interpreted as the image of the system and begins running. However, all that is restored are the Sysback installation and maintenance files. The /etc/objrepos directory is not available for bi_main to populate the devices directory.

To run this type of clone, a mksysb tape is needed. To clone using Sysback, contact an IBM Support Specialist.


[ Doc Ref: 95634964612576     Publish Date: Apr. 28, 2000     4FAX Ref: none ]