"TZ87" indicates the model of the tape unit, what sort of tapes the unit is compatible with, and the compression capability of the unit (eg TZ87 will compress to a greater density using the correct tapes(!) than a TZ85 unit... we're up to TZ89 last I heard - 40GB normal, 80GB compressed?). This should take up to a "DLT IV" type tape.
To init the tape, as per the first reply, enter
>> INIT/MEDIA=COMPAC MKA100: dummy
(where ">>" is your DCL prompt, and "dummy" is whatever you want to label the tape - remembering that you only have six chars for the label!) Lookup the "HELP INIT" command for more details...
The "IN USE" and "COMPRESSED" lights should be lit on the unit (I assume it is a desktop tape unit?) when the tape has been loaded and initialised withthe /media=compac qualifier...
The "/foreign" command is how the tape must be mounted to perform a backup or restore... in other words, it's not mounted files-11 (as are disks). This can also be used to read/write files that are not in native VMS file format - e.g. reading an IBM tape.
An example of performing a full image backup of your system disk to tape:
>> init/media=compac mka100: dummy
>> mount/foreign mka100:
>> backup/image/log/ignore=(interlock,nobackup,label) -
sys$sysdevice: -
mka100:bootdisk.bck/sav -
/rewind/media=compac
... backup copy messages are displayed...
>> DISMOUNT/nounload mka100:
The above would put the tape drive into it's higher possible compaction ratio (which saves tape space and can decreares the backup time)
Cheers,
Hugh.
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