Changing the Default Backup Device

Changing the Default Backup Device

At some point in the life of your workstation, you may choose to add a new storage media device. If you wish to change the default backup device to use your new hardware, the following instructions provide complete information. You can also use the graphical System Manager; it is the preferred tool for this operation and is described completely in the Personal System Administration Guide. Note, however, that no matter which method you use to select your preferred device, installing new system software or using the MAKEDEV(1M) command may reset the default Backup device. For more information on adding a storage media device, see "IRIX Admin: Peripheral Devices."

The method of changing the system default tape device is to relink /dev/nrtape to the desired device. Use the following procedure:

Enter the commands:
cd /dev
ls -l nrtape
You see something similar to this:

crw-rw-rw- 2 root sys 144,1251 Aug 4 01:29 nrtape
The major device numbers is 144, and the minor device numbers is 65.
Examine the device numbers of all tape devices by entering the command:
ls -l mt
You see something similar to this:

total 0
crw-rw-rw- 2 root sys 144, 32 Mar 23 1993 tps0d4
crw-rw-rw- 2 root sys 144, 33 Mar 23 1993 tps0d4nr
crw-rw-rw- 2 root sys 144, 35 Mar 23 1993 tps0d4nrns
crw-rw-rw- 2 root sys 144, 34 Mar 23 1993 tps0d4nrs
crw-rw-rw- 3 root sys 144, 64 Mar 23 1993 tps0d2
crw-rw-rw- 3 root sys 144, 65 Mar 23 1993 tps0d2nr
The device at the bottom of this listing has the matching major and minor device numbers and therefore must be the device you're looking for. If more than one device has the correct major and minor numbers, then either device will do.
Remove the /dev/nrtape link and create the new link with the same name. Use the commands:
rm /dev/nrtape
ln mt/tps0d4 /dev/nrtape

Repeat this procedure for the /dev/tape device.

Most programs use /dev/nrtape or /dev/tape as the default tape device. If a program does not seem to be working correctly, first ensure that it is using the correct tape device.