problems with backup of rootvg (again)

[holdahl]

I've had this problem before on another machine.

I get an error message trying to do a backup of rootvg
-------------------------------------------------------
bosboot: Boot image is 27253 512 byte blocks.

***** ATTENTION *****
The boot image you just created might fail to boot because
the size exceeds the system limit. For information about
fixes or workarounds, see /usr/lpp/bos.sysmgt/README.
***** ATTENTION *****

0301-161 bosboot: dd failed to copy /dev/rmt0.1.

0301-165 bosboot: WARNING! bosboot failed - do not attempt to boot device.

Creating information file (/image.data) for rootvg...

Creating tape boot image.....
0512-016 mksysb: Attempt to create a bootable tape failed:
bosboot -d /dev/rmt0.1 -a failed with return code 48.
---------------------------------------------------------
I don't know whats wrong, tried these things:

- extend the /tmp directory (now 128mb) and it says that it only needs approx 25mb in the /tmp directory
- tried removing unnecessary files from the /usr/sys/inst.images (installation files)
- removed the tape device and adding it again

I still get the error, and I don't know what to try now..

anyone had this problem and found a solution?

sH

 

[KenCunningham]

Some info here:

http://www.dbforums.com/showthread.php?t=1005314

but I'm not sure how useful it is in your situation.

All I ask of you
Is make my wildest dreams come true

 

[KenCunningham]

Apologies, I hadn't realised it had been dealt with here too:

Thread52-1185864

All I ask of you
Is make my wildest dreams come true

 

[holdahl]

hmm, don't understand whats wrong: still get the message
--------------------------------------------
bosboot: Boot image is 27253 512 byte blocks.

***** ATTENTION *****
The boot image you just created might fail to boot because
the size exceeds the system limit. For information about
fixes or workarounds, see /usr/lpp/bos.sysmgt/README.
***** ATTENTION *****

0301-161 bosboot: dd failed to copy /dev/rmt0.1.

0301-165 bosboot: WARNING! bosboot failed - do not attempt to boot device.

Creating information file (/image.data) for rootvg...

Creating tape boot image.....
0512-016 mksysb: Attempt to create a bootable tape failed:
bosboot -d /dev/rmt0.1 -a failed with return code 48.
-------------------------------------------------------

have tried:

- remove and add the tape device
- extend the /tmp directory
- upgraded to latest firmware level for the system
- upgraded to latest firmware for the tape drive rmt0

still the same error message...

any suggestions?

sH

 

[11613753]

Hi,
you can try to replace the tape.
To me the same error has happened and I has resolved in this way.

 

[DukeSSD]

I don't think there is a fix for tapes, unless you reduce the boot image by removing unnecessary drivers before you take the mksysb.

There is a hard limit of about 12Meg for the tape boot loader.

The workaround to restore such a mksysb is to boot from AIX install media (CD) of exactly the same oslevel and ML and then take the option to restore from the tape device.

I think the APAR mentioned in the other thread just posts the message you see, so you probably have the APAR or the 5.2 / 5.3 equivalent.

Your boot image is 27253 times 512 bytes, which is 14771126 bytes, or about 14.5meg, too big for a tape mksysb.

So just make sure you have an AIX install CD of exactly the same oslevel and maintenance level stored with the backup tape.