Receiving Return Code 48 When Making a mksysb Tape

Environment

OS Level: AIX Versions 3.2.5, 4.1.5, 4.2.1, and 4.3.0
Type/Model: Unspecified

Problem

The following errors are received when attempting to create a mksysb tape:

  0103-161 Bosboot dd failed to copy /dev/rmt0.1
  0301-165 Bosboot warning bosboot failed do not attempt to boot device
  0512-016 Mkysyb attempt to create a bootable tape failed
  bosboot -ad failed with return code 48

Solution

One or more of the following solutions may eliminate the preceding errors:

Replace the tape.
Clean the tape drive.
If solutions 1 and 2 fail, the errors may indicate there is a hardware problem related to the tape drive itself. You should pursue service with hardware support.
If the return code of 48 is occurring on a 20GB tape drive, be aware of the following information:
- This tape drive is supported only at 4.1.5.0 or higher.
- Tapes made from 2.3, 5.0, or 7.0 GIG tape drives can be read.
- When writing, a 170 meter tape must be used.
- When writing, a density setting of 39 must be used.
- The following fileset must be available and at least at the level indicated.
```
   devices.scsi.tape.rte 4.2.1.1  (lslpp -l FileSetName)
   devices.scsi.tape.rte 4.3.0.0  (lslpp -l FileSetName)
```
  To verify that the filesets are installed and are at the required level, enter the following command:
```
   lslpp -l [FileSetName]
```
- The tape drive microcode must be updated to at least 37VA or 37SA.
NOTE: If you read from anything but a 170 meter tape, you must reset the drive with the reset button on the case and clean the drive. These steps must be completed in order to accomplish any task with a 170 meter tape. This problem is corrected by microcode level 38ZA.

[ Doc Ref: 95635006312630 Publish Date: Apr. 28, 2000 4FAX Ref: none ]