Full System Save

Aug
22
2007

A Full system save on the AS / 400 is a system backup that captures the whole “hard drive” to tape so that a full restore can be performed if needed. To perform this backup the system must be put into a restricted state, which means that while it is running, there will be no connectivity to the system.

There are two steps involved in running the backup, 1: initialize the tape, and 2: schedule the backup. The process is described below.

	First, log in and initalize (clear) the tape Log On to the 400 as QSECOFR
	Insert your backup tape into the AS/400 tape drive.
	Enter Go Tape Press enter
	Select option 2 to Initalize a tape Press enter
	Fill out the INZTAP form: Device……………………….TAP01 New Volume Identifier……..BACKUP New owner identifier……….BLANK Volume identifier…………..MOUNTED Check for active files………NO Tape Density……………….CTGTYPE CODE……………………….EBCDIC End of tape operation……..REWIND CLEAR………………………*NO Press enter
	After a minute or two the status line at teh bottom of the screen will appear.
	Now, schedule the full system backup Note, this full system backup can ONLY be scheduled from the terminal that is physically attached to the AS/400. You must be sitting in front of the AS/400 to schedule this backup. (This is also the reason that my screen shots are actual photographs… because I could not screen capture the session.) Enter the command go backup Press enter
	Select option 1 to Run Backup Press enter
	Select option 11 to Back up the entire system Press enter
	This warning screen is displayed to advise you that this operation will take the system into a restricted and unreachable state for its duration.Press enter
	Fill out the Backup job form: Device:……………………………TAP01 Prompt for commands:………….N Check for Active files:…………..N Message queue delivery…………BREAK Start time:……………………….0200 (Pick your start time in military format with 4 digits and no punctuation) Vary off network servers:………NONE Unmount file systems:………….N Hold shift and press the up arrow to scroll to the next page.
	On the 2nd screen select: Print system information:….N Use system reply list:………N When you press enter the job will be submitted and will run when the time you specified is reached. Congrats, your full system backup is now scheduled. It should take around 2 hours to run.