DST BACKUP POLICY REQUIREMENTS

All stores must retain, if possible, their original AIX.BACKUP tape.  This tape would generally have been created when the system was installed (including recent hardware installation upgrades of your RS/6000). This tape is bootable and is used to rebuild the IBM RS/6000 system if IBM replaces the hard drive.

All stores must make a new aix.backup tape anytime a hardware upgrade or major hardware configuration change is made to the RS/6000 or to the network.

All stores should also make an aix.backup at least once per year, during the fiscal year-end process.   This yearly backup should be kept off-site along with the original Pick installation media and a current Database backup tape.

The following outlines the steps necessary to create your AIX.BACKUP tape.

AIX System Backup - mksysb

The mksysb command creates a backup of the operating system (the root volume group). You can use this backup to reinstall a system to its original state after it has been corrupted. If you create the backup on tape, the tape is bootable and includes the installation programs needed to install from the backup.

Performing the backup is very simple.  Label a blank tape “AIX System Backup” with the current date and put it in the tape drive.  On the system console (port 0), type the following at the TCL (:) prompt:

!aix.backup

press the [ENTER] key, and follow the on-screen instructions.

The AIX Tape Backup can be performed during normal business hours, but be aware that it may cause some slow down in the system.  This process will complete in approximately 1 hour depending on the speed of the system and tape drive.

Should you have any questions or wish to discuss this process further, please contact a member of the Database Support Team staff.