tar multivolume timeout - file descriptor too old
 

Hi all

A user is complaining that when they are writing a large tar they are not really paying attention so when the tar asks for the second volume it gets missed with the error "file descriptor too old". I have not replicated this, how long does it take? Other than telling him to pay more attention is there a workaround? Can you put a longer I/O wait or temporarily remove the timeout?

The script that's doing the tar is written in bash, any suggestions?

Thanks.

Without seeing the script, it's hard to say what it's doing or how. Also, you don't say what version/distro of Linux you're using, or anything about the version of tar (which may affect what options you have).

First step would be to post the script here, and maybe we'll have some ideas. But really, the problem is with your user; 'fixing' this issue will only make things worse in the long run, in my experience. If you adjust it to 10 minutes, say...all they'll do is say "Gee, I only used to have five....I can make it to the snack machine now!", and you'll then have to bump it to 20...repeat ad-nauseum. No matter what you do, the user will say they need more/less time, more/less options, etc. There is no perfect solution...tell the user to pay attention, and get the job done.