TAR backups taking too long

[chaz123]

I have recently upgraded to SCO Unixware 713.

I am using an SDLT tape drive on a brand new Compaq server.

I am using a TAR to do my system backups, but my backups take about 11 hours to complete.

They used to take around 5 on my old system.

Can anyone help.

rgds Chaz

 

[ScoobyDoobyDoo]

I had the problem years ago, are you putting in a blocking factor on your tar command, ie. tar cvbf 20 /dev/.... files ...
If so then remove the blocking factor cos tape drives don't need it really ...

 

[tshot]

this is realyy confusing . could u pls give some meore details as i got confused. till date i believed thta blocking factor helps.




----------------
ur feedback is a very welcome desire

 

[rawebley]

A bit late I know - but I ws just flicking through the old log. Personally I wouldn't use "tar" for system backups because in my experience "tar" often has problems when backing up system / special files. For that reason I would use "cpio" i.e

find / -depth -print|cpio -ocB > /dev/rStp0

 

[chaz123]

Thanks for the ideas chaps + chapesses.

I played around with the blocking facto and found that if i set it to 20 the backup went don to just over 1 hour.

regards Chaz