All backup methods are performed using backup Procs. Each backup Proc contains a series of TCL commands, and prompts the user to load and unload backup media and to print a File Statistics Report at the end of the backup. See The File Statistics Report for more information.
All backup Procs include the SAVE command; the type of backup that results depends on which options are used with the SAVE command.
Any of these commands may be typed from the SYSPROG account, or the user may log to one of the operator accounts such as filesave or INCR-SAVE, which are set up to do backups. Logging on to one of these accounts automatically runs the backup Proc. System operators can run backup Procs simply by logging on to these accounts; there is no need for them to log to the SYSPROG account.
Backup Procs automatically attach the backup medium to the process; some of them prompt the user to specify whether to print a File Statistics Report or run a filesave verification after the backup is finished. If using more than one tape for the backup, the user is prompted to change reels whenever a tape is full. If several tape drives are set up to make a multireel backup, the backup automatically continues on the next drive when the first tape is full.
When the backup is finished, the Proc either logs itself off or returns to the TCL prompt.
Data can be saved on the backup medium using the following Procs:
|
Backup Proc |
Contents on Tape |
|
FILE-SAVE |
Use for a full file-restore; saves the entire data area to the backup media. Data integrity is checked during the save. The save can also be verified to ensure the data was correctly transferred to the backup media. |
|
ACCOUNT-SAVE |
A formatted copy of all files in the specified account(s). Use to restore one or more accounts with the ACCOUNT- RESTORE command. |
|
INCR-SAVE |
All groups in the data area that have been modified since the last full backup or filesave. INCR-SAVE tapes can be restored only after a full file-restore. |
Filesave media contain a formatted copy of the data area, and are useful because they can warn the operator of any structural errors in the data files. They can also help consolidate unused space on the disk drive when they are used to restore data.
Use the ACCOUNT-SAVE Proc to back up the entire contents of a single account. See the Backing Up An Account section in Partial Backup Procedures for details.
A properly implemented routine of weekly full filesaves (created using FILE-SAVE) and daily incremental filesaves (created using INCR-SAVE) can significantly reduce the amount of time spent performing daily backups. To fully restore a system from incremental-save tapes or diskettes, however, a full file-restore using the most recent full filesave must be performed first. Then, an incremental restore must be performed using the most recent incremental save. For details on performing a full or incremental file-restore using :FILELOAD or the System Configuration Menu, see Restoring Files and Accounts.
If you suspect there is a problem with the data or with the way the mvBase system is operating, contact your mvBase dealer for help in diagnosing and solving the problem.
Be sure each event is documented fully. Note the following information:
When the problem was discovered.
What users were doing on the system at the time.
What messages (if any) were displayed on the system console or other terminals.
What messages (if any) were generated in the event logs.
Keep track of all activity in the system log.
See Also