"Tape Not in Backup Format" Error


Contents

About this document
Installing from CD-ROM
No-rewind option not set
Wrong type of media
Defective media

About this document

This document addresses several situations that could cause the error tape not in backup format in AIX version 4.1.x.


Installing from CD-ROM

If you are installing from a CD-ROM and receive the error tape not in backup format, you may not be accessing the CD-ROM properly. Use the following procedure to correct the problem:

NOTE: For AIX Version 4.1, if you are installing via SMIT, do not create cdrom fs mount as SMIT will automatically do this.

  1. Create a CD-ROM file system.
  2. Mount the CD-ROM file system.
  3. If this is BASE media, rerun the installp command using <mount-point>/usr/sys/inst.images as the input for the d flag.

    If this is PTF media, rerun the installp command using the <mount-point> as the input for the d flag.


No-rewind option not set

When you enter the input device, specify the no-rewind option by appending .1 to the input device name, for example, /dev/rmt0.1 or /dev/rmt1.1.

If you are installing from SMIT, press the F4 key to list and select an input device. This way, SMIT will automatically append the no-rewind mode specification to the device name.


Wrong type of media

The tape not in backup format error can also be caused by the use of the wrong type of media for the drive. For example, this error occurs if you are using a 525 MB 1/4" tape in a 150 MB 1/4" tape drive. Correct the problem by using the correct type of drive or by ordering the correct type of media.


Defective media

If the tape not in backup format error does not fit one of the preceding situations, the media is probably defective. In this case, request another copy.

For installation media, contact your point of sale.

Fixes (PTFs) for AIX 3.2.5 and later can be downloaded via the Internet with the FixDist service.


[ Doc Ref: 90605197914820     Publish Date: Spt. 12, 2000     4FAX Ref: 2434 ]