zipped tar archive on Fat32 partition

mikieboy · 03-10-2005, 08:14 AM

I have done some reading around the tar command with a view to setting up a backup routine, but still have some questions.
I have a Fat32 Windoze partition with room to spare. If my understanding is correct, I can create a zipped tar archive of my Linux files onto that partition and burn it to CD or DVD. Can anyone confirm that it would restore OK?
Are there any particular flags I must use or any pitfalls to avoid?

harken · 03-10-2005, 08:23 AM

Basically, the answer is yes, you can create a tarred backup, save it to a CD and restore it. The main options you should pay attention to is preservation of file attributes (-p switch) and preservation of leading '/' (-P switch).
But the problem that might occur is that if the archives gets corrupted, you can say goodbye to it.
The solution would be using DAR wich is a sort of tar but has more features and, if the archive gets corrupted there will be only one or very few files inside affected, the rest will be sane.
http://dar.linux.free.fr/

mikieboy · 03-10-2005, 10:00 AM

The solution would be using DAR wich is a sort of tar but has more features and, if the archive gets corrupted there will be only one or very few files inside affected, the rest will be sane.

Thanks for the prompt reply. You reminded me that I had read about DAR somewhere but had forgot about it. I've had a quick look at DAR's features via your link and it seems to be just the ticket, so many thanks for that

harken · 03-10-2005, 10:41 AM

I warmly recommend DAR as I've found out about it about 2 months ago and I'm using it for regular backups since and never had problems with it. You're welcome.