Redirect a tape drive for a SysSav

[rnpIII]

Hello All,

I am a tech. Have some small (very small) responsibilities with the AS/400 midrange we have here.
Daily backups (initializing tapes only) that run from an automated process, and some small stuff like that.

I was wondering if there is any way to redirect a SysSav to a different tape drive, like our 3570E instead of it using the default 1/4" drive.

Can't really find anything concrete in the almost 1100 page book on backups.
Is it possible to redirect to a different drive for the SysSav?

Also, I have read in numerous places that it is only possible to run the SysSav from the console, yet I see some people have addressed a CL to do it remotely.

Does the system come up all the way, or does it still require some user input in the end?
I work for an Electric CO-OP, our dispatch unit requires access to the 400 24-7, but we have to take it down for a little while every night

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

rnpIII

 

[arrow483]

Do you mean SAVSYS ? I believe this does require the console. However, this DOES NOT save the entire system - only system data, security, and configuration. You do not usually need to run this every night, unless you have alot of security and/or configuration changes. You can use SAVSECDTA and SAVCFG to save this inormation with less issues.

If you are trying to save the entire system, use backup option 21. This will take the system to dedicated mode (shut down all subsystems), run the backup, then restart subsystems.

And yes, SAVSYS has a DEV parameter - you can specify any tape device.

 

[rnpIII]

Arrow483,

Appreciate the reply.
Yes, did mean SavSys.

Will look deeper into the DEV param and see just what I can accomplish with it.

Thanks for your time.

rnpIII

 

[rnpIII]

Hello again,

Was redirected by the Admin to redress this question.

The question should really have been stated "when taking option 21 or 22" as opposed to a SavSys command, is there a way to point to a different tape drive.

I assume there is a file with parameters in it or something it refers to?

Does anyone know if there could be some backlash by doing this... maybe not being able to restore from that tape or something like that. The book is not really clear so I turn to you guys.

Thanks for any input.

rnpIII

 

[arrow483]

Take option 20 and set your defaults. However, if your recovery requires an IPL from tape, the device must be your ALT-IPL device.

 

[rnpIII]

Once again Arrow483,

Many thanks. The option 20 was staring me in the face in the book. I apologize for that.

Thanks for the advice about the alternate device, saw some stuff in the book on it. Will investigate further.

Many thanks.

rnpIII