AS400 INZTAP command
I recently backed up our AS400 using GO SAVE command. The tape that I was using had an active file written to it from a previous backup. Is it necessary to initilize the tape each time it is used?
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ASKED:
May 23, 2005 5:02 PM
UPDATED:
May 24, 2005 10:41 AM
Answer Wiki:
It is a very good idea to INZTAP before each backup use, yes.
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The general IBM answer applies here, that depends.
Certain tape/drive combinations do not require INZTAP every time. Best bet is to check with your service provider on that one.
The tape you were using had active files, this means that the criteria for expiry was not met. This can be resolved by altering the paramiters when you do the save.
It?s been my experience that it?s best to INZTAP before reusing any tape for the next backup unless there is a reason to keep active files on the tape and append new ones to the old.
If you want consistently good clean backups, take the extra time to initialize the tapes.
Another option would be to use a scratch pool and making sure all backups have expiration dates. These tapes would not be used again until after they?ve expired.
Hope this helps.