How to determine utility used to create backup

[rholt]

We recently received a 20/40 DAT from a customer containing data they want to be converted. Unfortunately, due to employee turnover, they are unable to tell us what utility they used to create the backup. Is there any way to 'read' the tape to determine how it was created? Thanks!

 

[bjverzal]

Do you at least know what hardware platform/OS it was created with ?

Bill.

 

[rholt]

I have no idea. However, I believe that the files on the tape have been tar'd. Should I assume that means we're dealing with a UNIX system?

 

[bjverzal]

Possible. If that is so, you can use "tar -tvf [tape drive id]" to test the tar file out. This won't actually un-tar anything, but it will verify if it a tar file ("tarball&quot, and if so, if it can be read or not.

Bill.

 

[rholt]

I'm assuming that this command needs to be run on a UNIX box? Currently we are running strictly NT/2000 only. Looks like our efforts would be better utilized trying to track down this tape's creator.

 

[bjverzal]

That would be easier. By far.

Bill.

 

[2ffat]

There are data recovery companies that can take data from an unknown archive and translate it into a different format. James P. Cottingham

I am the Unknown lead by the Unknowing.
I have done so much with so little
for so long that I am now qualified
to do anything with nothing.