The latest revision of the LoDOWN Tape Backup/Restore (version 3.1) contains new features that improve reliability and add flexibility to the product.
When the "backup multiple volumes" option in the backup menu of version 2.2, was selected, a double "end of file" (EOF) mark was written to tape at the end of the first backup session. Any data written to tape using "Append to end" option during subsequent backup sessions would be placed after this double EOF mark. Although data was written to tape, the restore segment would indicate that the tape was "blank" beyond the first backup session.
Any backup sessions made using the version 2.2 "multiple volumes" mode can be recovered using version 3.1.
NEW FEATURES:
Information in the "Get Info" file information box is now included automatically in the backup/restore process.
Verify (Backup v3.1):
When this option is selected, tape will be verified against actual volume contents by sector immediately after backup. This option will slow overall backup time, however, it will insure the tape cassette integrity.
Because verify takes place AFTER the backup is complete, this feature can only be used in a backup session using a single cassette for the entire session. The verify option is automatically deselected if either the backup session requires more than one tape cassette, or if the "append to end" option is selected.
Save Backup Set (File Menu Option):
This option saves your commonly used backup options and is launched from the Macintosh desktop. It is a real timesaver for those who only backup a portion of their hard disk frequently as no additional key strokes are necessary to complete a predefined backup session.
To create a custom backup set:
Launch Backup v3.1 and immediately select "Save Backup Set", located in the File Menu. Select a name that is meaningful, such as..."Daily Backup", or, "Save accounts receivable".
Select options as you normally would in a typical backup session. This includes selecting specific files or folders for backup, etc. When done, click "OK" button.
Instead of the backup session beginning, you will return to the desktop. Notice a new icon on the desktop which looks like the backup icon, but contains your filename and an exclamation point integral to the icon.
Your custom backup set has been saved. You merely insert a tape cassette, and double click the "backup set" icon to perform a complete backup.
Delay Backup until... (Backup v3.1 Option):
This option is useful when the LoDOWN tape drive is intended for use from a remote Macintosh attached to a network such as Appleshare, Tops, Corvus. Your backup options are saved as a "backup set" and are invoked at a predesignated time selected by the user. This will allow for an unattended backup session without operator intervention. The backup time is usually chosen during the "slack" network usage periods such as 2AM daily.
To select this option:
Click "Delay Backup Until" box and select time for backup to begin. Correct format for entering time follows:
Test a backup set prior to selecting "Delay Backup Until" option. Make sure there is sufficient tape remaining on the cassette for the entire operation.
Print (File Menu Option):
A print option has been included to print tape/volume directory information during backup or restore. To list all files on volume:
Click "select files" option in Backup or Restore. When "Select Files" window opens, select Print from File menu or, to print contents of all folders, before selecting print, hold down option key while clicking Folder button which displays contents of all folders. Another Option Folders will return folders to previous state.
Set Memory (Special Menu Option):
Is intended for use when Backup 3.1 is used in systems that include non standard Desk Accessories that require large amounts of memory such as Tops. To increase set memory size, enter memory size followed with "K", ie "64K".
NOTE: Backup and/or Restore with not enough memory to load DA's will have inconsistent system bombs and require additional memory be allocated for DA use. Default size is 32K. As it is impossible to predict memory requirements in a specific system configuration, LoDOWN recommends increasing set memory size by two until consistent backups are achieved without system errors.
Restore into Folder (Restore v3.1):
Allows selected files or the entire cassette to be placed in a folder upon restore. This will allow files with the same name to reside on the same volume without overwriting existing files.
To use:
Create a new folder on the desktop prior to invoking Restore v3.1 and invoke Restore v3.1.
Select "Files onto Folder" option under "File Structure". Select other options desired and click "Start Restore" button.
When Dialog box requesting "Directory for Tree Restore" appears, scroll window to locate the folder where you wish restored file(s) to reside.
Open the folder by either double clicking on your folder or highlight folder and click "Save". Folder will open; click "Save" again to begin restore process into the selected folder.
Troubleshooting Tips
Errors during backup:
The directory of a "volume", in this case, a hard disk volume, is like a map that tells the Macintosh about files on your hard disk. Part of the directory is kept in the Macintosh memory and is, therefore, easily corrupted. When a file is updated on the volume (disk), the corrupted directory information will be permanently written to disk. This damage may not be detected until either the file is reopened, or a backup is attempted.
Software bugs are the most common cause of damaged directories, the most serious culprits are usually found in public domain and prerelease programs and Desk Accessories. There is no sure way to prevent such occurrences other than to BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP. Do it frequently. Especially when large amounts of original data are involved. Corrupted files can result in peculiar behavior of a backup session.
Some examples are:
A checksum error that occurs at approximately the same interval into the session. This means that a file is probably damaged and may require some repair. Backup will NOT repair a damaged file. Try "Disk First Aid" available from Apple Computer or "MacZap" by Micro Analyst or ask your Apple Dealer for other disk/file repair utilities.
An unexpected catastrophic system failure (System error ID=02) during a backup session, again occurring at approximately the same interval into the session. A recommended solution is to backup the hard disk file by file until the damaged file is located. This can be a tedious task, so backup data before a problem occurs.
We recommend cleaning of heads EVERY MONTH or 200 passes in a NORMAL environment. Frequency of cleaning depends on the age of the tape and operating conditions, (see page 19 of your manual). Use only recommended head cleaning kit, (Teac PN TZ-380), available from your dealer or from LoDOWN ($29.95) plus tax and shipping.
Installation:
If more than three SCSI devices (including the Macintosh), are connected to the SCSI bus, devices at both ends of the physical daisy chain should be terminated. Devices midway in the physical chain should have terminators removed. More than three terminated devices on the same SCSI bus can electrically load the bus thus causing random operating errors.
The Tape Drive power MUST BE ON to operate your Macintosh.
Tape unit must be set at SCSi device address 6 (factory default). See page 15 of manual.
