Access a DAT Tape 1

[perrymans]

I have a system with a DAT drive and the operators have asserted that the system wouldn't read the tape. Actually, they say none of the three systems read the tape, but that the tape is good.

Well, the tape is beyond reach right now, but I have my re-ingnite tape. I wanted to put this tape into the DAT drive and try to access the files or at least the file system. This would prove that the DAT drive is not bad, and that I won't have to re-ignite the three drives.

I guess I am looking for something like Windows Explorer to navigate. I tried finding the drive with an Xterm, but I could not. Aren't drives and hard disks mounted in /dev?

Thanks. Sean.

 

[KenCunningham]

Possibly /dev/rmt for tape drives.

 

[perrymans]

How do I access one if it is there?

Lets say in/dev/rmt I see numerous items. Would I cd (change directory) to it just like within the file system? Or is there another way it has to be done?

Thanks. Sean.

 

[KenCunningham]

I think the default device is /dev/rmt/0 and you should be able to check operations with mt, for example:

mt -f /dev/rmt/0 rewoffl

should unload the tape, whilst

mt -f /dev/rmt/0n fsf 1

will 'fast forward' the tape to the next logical tape on the spool, assuming there is one,

mt -f /dev/rmt/0n eom

will position the tape at the end of recorded media. The files in /dev/rmt are 'block special' ones which basically means they represent the device to the system so that it can be accessed.

Do a man mt for further options. HTH.