tar error unrecoverable?

[David Fletcher]

I also use tar.

My method:-

1) use cron and some scripts to create a tar file of everything
important to back up on my little network, on my desktop computer.

2) copy the tar file to external device (flash drive, hard drive, tape,
whatever) number 1.

3) copy the tar file directly from external device 1 to external device
2.

4) repeat step 3 up to external device X.

5) copy the tar file from external device X to a different computer, in
my case my little netbook machine.

6) test extract the tar file on the different computer. This makes damn
sure that you have X good copies, and that any copy you pick WILL
extract without problems.


This was learned through the experience of checking out a microsoft
backup program many years ago, that said it had successfully backed up
to several floppies, but finding that it told lies. Also placing a
single copy of a backup archive file on an LS120 disk. That almost
turned into a very painful experience.

Also, hard drives have become cheap, so these days I NEVER wipe a
working installation. Put in a fresh drive and use that, just in case. A
hard drive caddy system is a great investment.

Dave