Unix data tape backup

[TCerven]

I have a 3M DC 6150 Data Cartridge Tape (150 Mbytes).  It has some data on it that I need.  I know it is Unix and I currently have the system (ancient) still operating in my department.  I am looking for someone who is capable of converting this data to MS Office.  The person who developed the inhouse database is being very difficult in helping me convert the data.  The system has a floppy disk available and even if I could get the data on the floppy, I would be ahead of the game.  Any suggestions?  

 

[AndyBo]

You need to know two things, I think:<br><br>1) What format is the tape in?&nbsp;&nbsp;tar or cpio?&nbsp;&nbsp;or Something Else?<br><br>2) Once you manage to get the data extracted, what format is it in?&nbsp;&nbsp;Is it a binary format?&nbsp;&nbsp;Is it a specific database type?<br><br>If you can post back with the answers, I might be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[edfair]

Can you look at the data residing on the unix box?&nbsp;&nbsp;Is it understandable when you look at it?<br>If it is stored in ascii format (text) then you will be able to get it easily. If it looks like gibberish then it is compressed and will have to be extracted which may be more complicated.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;As an alternative you might use a pc as a terminal , do a query to dump everything to a serial printer port (unix only knows that is a serial port, not what is out there) which is the pc , and save the stuff to a file on the pc. Then you clean up the data on the pc.<br>An alternate is to do the same query to printer dump and run it through a parallel/serial converter into the pc.<br>I have used all three methods at various times with success on ascii data and the last two on pseudo printed output. Basic on a pc will help in cleaning up the data you capture on the the last two methods.<br>Feel free to ask further info at <A HREF="mailto:efair@atlnet.com">efair@atlnet.com</A> for faster response.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ed

 

[abovebrd]

I have used the doscp command in the past. This would allow you to copy your file right into a dos readable format.<br><br>doscp (filename) A: (filename)<br><br>It is very simple to use.<br><br>I may not have the syntax correct,<br><br>If you need help with this, me e-mail address is <A HREF="mailto:dcd@aboveboardelectronics.com">dcd@aboveboardelectronics.com</A><br><br><br>