Micro Solutions backpack 141080 User manual

MicroSolutions
Computer Products
User’s Guide
Tape Drive

i tape drive
User’s Guide

Second Edition (September 1993)
Part Number 141-2
© 1993 by Micro Solutions, Inc.
Micro Solutions, Inc., provides this manual as is, without warranty of any kind,
either express or implied. Micro Solutions, Inc., shall not be liable for errors con-
tained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are de-
signed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residen-
tial installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guar-
antee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equip-
ment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
€ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
€ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
€ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
€ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
MODIFICATIONS
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Micro Solutions could void
the user's authority to operate this equipment.
SHIELDED CABLES
Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with
FCC regulations.
backpack is a trademark of Micro Solutions, Inc.
IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corp. NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
Micro Solutions, Inc.
132 West Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
[phone]
[phone] FAX
[phone] BBS

Table of Contents
10 INtrOdUCtION: © 2. nis ce cee cee seen ewe eee eeu seee Ee Rees 1-1
1.1 System Requirements ........... 0.0.02 cece eee cece eee 1-1
2.0 3 Installation... ces ieee cee ae ee ete gre ee eet eine ate ani bie a 2-1
2.1 Drive Installation. 2... 2.2... eee cee eee oie ee ee wale 2-1
2.2. Software Installation ............ 0.00... cee cee eee ee 2-1
3.0 Using BPBACKUP ................ cece cece eee eee tenes 3-1
3.1 Main Mel isisesssivausikbiwcariuiBik* mixcuy epa ge wan 3-2
3.2 The Control Line and Control Keys ........ 0.0.0.0. 000 0000s 3-3
3.2.1 T l (Upand Down Arrow Keys) ........ esses 3-3
32.2 + € (Right and Left Arrow Keys).................-25-5 3-4
3.2.3. + - (Plus and Minus Keys). .............0 00000 eee eaeee 3-4
3.2.4 CTRL-BREAK Key ............. 0.0 eee cece ee eee 3-4
3.2.5 INS (Insert) and DEL (Delete) Keys....................-- 3-5
43/06 4 (BütSE Key) ciunzniniilimruineniWdus sisi€ervimeuui3s 3-5
3.2.7 ESC(Escape Key)... ioo: hs scae tee gig 28a Ere Bai 3-5
33.8 El Rey sissactssnia. cusarsgaanveretataresinierate gens 3-5
3.2.9 Using a Mouse with BPBACKUP ...................005- 3-6
3.3 Selecting Items and Responses ............. 00. 00sec eee eee 3-6
3 ESBS oat cree citi dea pr sible ss sues pin ols ay Saag! Sie) etn qp SI Oo S B SOR 3-6
3.5 Selecting Subdirectories and Files..................0.00000. 3-7
3.5.1 Selecting Using File Specifications....................04. 3-8
3.5.2 Selecting Files by Tagging ............. 0... cee eee eee 3-9
3.6 Password Protection... cesse eee 3-10
AJ Directory ofa Tape «ocscoe secs eem im e er mhi a 3-11
3.7.1 Multiple Tape Directory ......... 0.0.0... eee ee ee eee 3-12
S5 “Rape WUlties.. 10> ceses ex ceiaves saseees ee ywres vedas ees 3-13
8,8. Formatnga TdDescineaesasue seem io eorr mer 3d 3-13
3.82 MWenfymgaTlape ««isiosissosssie ema a ne EE ERG 3-16
3.8.3 ErasingaTape.......... PDINGISUEDGRSAIXGAEE NEEDLE 3-18
3.84 Retensioning a Tape .......... 0... cee eee eee eee 3-20
3.8.5 Comparing Tape Data............. 0.002000 0 022 eee ee 3-20
40 Backing Upto Tape ............ cc cece cece ee ee ee eee eeee 4-1
4.1 Backing Up AT) Files)... as cas ce eons eis mc nu baie ewes iia eg ee 4-3
42 Backing Up Selected Files.............. 00.00.00 eee eee 4-6
4.3. Backing Up Changed Files .................00 002 eee e eee 4-8
44 When the Backup Won’t Fit ...........0.... 0.000.000.0000. 4-9
4.4.1 File Set Directory Doesn’t Fit.................000.0008. 4-10
442. FilgSet DOeSIT EEG a eie pepe Ire pr EPIRI: 4-10
44.3 Multiple Tape Backup....................0-.0022 00005 4-11

5.0 Restoring from Tape...............02 cece ee eee eee eee eee 5-1
5.4 Restoring All Files.......... 000.0020. c cee cee ee eee 5-3
5.2. Restoring Selected Files... eres 5-7
5.3 Multiple Tape Restoring ............. 2... cc cece eens 5-9
6.0. | "MabcrOS ceo center mure Ee RUE STATUIS p nom RA edes 6-1
6.1 Creatinga Macro... acns kasmieriensete narar wran swem ms e 6-1
62 Scheduling a Macro......... 0.0... ccc eee eee 6-3
6.3 The Wakeup Alarm ...... 0.02... 0. ss 6-5
6.3.1 Using the /BAT Option................0000 02 e ee eee eee 6-5
7.0 — Networking with Novell ................llllleeeeeeeeeeee 7-1
7.1 Baeking Up to Tape enews oe 7-1
7-2 Restonnpctront Tape... ese mmm eges m eese 7-2
7.2.4] Restoring from an Earlier Version............2.00 0c eee eeee 7-3
8.0 Other Networks. ............ ccc cece cece cere ee eee e en eeeees 8-1
Appendix A Caring for Backpack ............ 02. ce eee eee eese. A-1
Appendix B Troubleshooting................ 0.0 c cece eee eee B-1
BL] —'MESSaBES eere rus us VO M x E rn e CERE XEDETAY By B-1
B2. Teéhnicál SUppOft «:ocsecoisreeosiciu e mimo ser tEIwiYs B-8
Appendix C Hardware Warranty ...............eseeeeeeee eee C-1
Appendix D Software License Agreement ....................... D-1

1.0 Introduction
Congratulations on your decision to purchase backpack, the easy-to-install tape
drive for PCs, XTs, ATs, PS/1s, PS/2s, laptops, and compatibles. This manual
provides information regarding the installation and use of backpack and the
BPBACKUP software program.
With BPBACKUP and the backpack tape drive installed in your system, you can
back up all files on your hard disk, select individual files for backup, or let the
program back up only the files that have changed since your last backup.
BPBACKUP includes many valuable features, among them powerful
error-correction codes to ensure the integrity of your data, optional data
compression to store more on a tape, and verification of backed up files.
1.1 System Requirements
Check thesystem requirements listed here to make sure you have everything needed
for proper operation of backpack:
€ IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2, laptop, or compatible computer with:
© 100% IBM compatible parallel printer port.
© 512K memory.
© MS-DOS version 3 .0 or above.
backpack supports, but does not require, LIM version 4.0 expanded memory.
Introduction 1—1

1-2 Introduction

2.0 Installation
The backpack drive and BPBACKUP software must be installed before you can
use the backpack drive. The step-by-step instructions in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 will
help you perform the installation.
2.1 Drive Installation
Installing the baekpack drive is a straightforward process. It consists of plugging
the drive into your computer’s parallel printer port. The instructions in this section
will guide you step by step through the installation procedure. Perform the
following steps to install the backpack drive:
1) Locate the parallel printer port connector on your computer. If you have
more than one parallel printer port, it doesn’t matter which one you use
for backpack.
2) If you have a printer connected to the parallel printer port, disconnect it
and attach the printer cable to the printer port on the backpack drive.
3) Connect the backpack cable to the printer port on the computer.
4) Plug the backpack power unit into a wall outlet and attach the power
cable to the power connector on the backpack drive.
5) Set the backpack power switch to the ON position.
Once you have completed the installation successfully, your computer should work
exactly as it did before. If it doesn't, review the installation procedure and check
for mistakes.
Note: Your printer may not operate properly if the power to the backpack is not
on. Forreliable operation make sure the power switch is in the ON position and the
power unit is plugged in securely.
2.2 Software Installation
The INSTALL program on your backpack master diskette will install the
BPBACKUP software for you automatically. Use the following procedure to run
INSTALL:
1) Turn on your computer and boot DOS as you normally would.
Installation 2—1

2) Place your backpack master diskette into drive A. Make sure you have
your DOS system prompt “A” before you proceed to the next step.
3) Run the INSTALL program with the following command at the DOS:
prompt (A>):
A»install.!
The + means that you should press the RETURN, or ENTER, key.
If you are using a notebook computer with a LCD display or have
difficulty reading the screen, press Esc and type:
A»install /mono.!
Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
4) The backpack diskette contains a file called PRINT.ME, which contains
information gathered since this guide was printed. This includes
troubleshooting information and a list of recommended tape cartridges.
Use the following command at the DOS prompt (A>) to print this file on
your printer:
A>copy print.me prn:
Take a moment to read this now and keep a copy of the file with this User’s Guide.
The BPBACKUP software should now be installed on your DOS system disk.
Remove the backpack master diskette and put it in a safe place. You should restart
the computer before using the BPBACKUP software. Either power the computer
off and then back on or hold down CTRL, ALT, and DEL on the keyboard.
2-2 installation

3.0 Using BPBACKUP
To start the BPBACKUP program, enter the following command at the DOS
prompt (C>):
C»bpbackup.!
The main menu will appear, and BPBACKUP is now operational. If your tape
cartridge is loaded, you are ready to perform any BPBACKUP function.
A more detailed summary of the BPBACKUP program options is presented below.
Syntax
BPBACKUP /options
Options
/BAT Use when running macros only, not with BPBACKUP alone.
The /BAT option disables screen output and keyboard input
while the macro runs. If an error occurs while running the
macro, the macro quits and an error message is displayed on
the screen.
/ MONO Specifies that only monochrome screen attributes are used
(normally color attributes are used). The /MONO option is
useful if your system has a composite monochrome monitor
attached to a color card or an LCD display on a portable. If part
of your screen is invisible or unreadable, try this option.
/ NOARC Prevents the clearing of the archive bit after a file is backed up.
Normally the archive bit is cleared for each file that is backed
up. This is useful when you want to back up changed files to
two different tapes, or when you want to back up some files
now but still want them included in a later changed-files
backup.
When files are restored, the archive bit is normally set for each
file. The /NOARC option prevents the setting of the archive bit
after restoration. The result is that files are marked as not being
backed up or restored even though they have been.
/ NOCON Specifies nonconcurrent mode. Normally BPBACKUP
switches between reading or writing between the disk and the
tape drive closely so that they appear to go on concurrently.
Under the /NOCON option each device is is dealt with in turn.
Using BPBACKUP 3-1

/NOSORT
/NOEMS
BPBACKUP may run more efficiently in slower computers
under /NOCON mode.
Prevents directory sorting. Directories are normally sorted by
the backup function before they are written to the tape. This
sorting process may be incompatible with your copy protection
system, or you just may not want your directories sorted. The
/NOSORT option prevents this sorting. The directories are
backed up and therefore restored in the order in which they
were found on the disk.
If available, BPBACKUP will automatically use expanded
memory (EMS 4.0) to allow it to back up a greater number of
files. If desired, the /NOEMS option prevents BPBACKUP
from using EMS memory.
Main Menu
BPBACKUP is a menu-driven program. All user functions originate from the Main
menu. The Main menu is displayed when you start BPBACKUP and whenever you
complete a Main menu function. (See Figure 3-1.)
Sep 1, 1993
BACKPACK Tape Drive Version 2.800 Wed 2:00 pn
Restore from tape
Directory of a tape
Tape utilities
Create a macro
Schedule a macro
4T:move pointer Enter:select item F1:help Esc:exit BPBACKUP
Figure 3-1 Main Menu
The Main menu functions are:
3-2 Using BPBACKUP

€ Backup to tape - backs up all, selected, or changed files from any
valid DOS drive (hard disk, floppy diskette, RAM disk).
€ Restore from tape - restores file sets or selected files from the tape
to the destination drive.
€ Directory of a tape - displays the tape's existing file sets and the
file directories in each set.
€ Tape utilities - displays the Tape utilities menu, where you can
format, verify, erase, retension the tape, or compare tape data to
disk.
€ Create a macro- lets you create a command file (macro) containing
frequently used keystrokes. Anytime you want to use that sequence
of keystrokes, simply run the command file. The macro
automatically performs the specified sequence of events.
€ Schedule a macro - lets you automatically perform such functions
as backup, restore, and tape format, at times you determine.
3.2 The Control Line and Control Keys
The control line, which appears at the bottom of most BPBACKUP screens, lists
the active control keys.
The active control keys and the control key functions vary from screen to screen.
Check the control line of each new screen before making any keystrokes until you
become accustomed to the BPBACKUP operations.
The control line at the bottom of the Main menu looks like this:
Tl :move pointer Enter:select item Fl:help
Esc:exit BPBACKUP
A control key is active only when it is listed in the control line at the bottom of the
Screen.
The following sections describe the BPBACKUP control keys.
3.2.0. T 4, (Up and Down Arrow Keys)
In a menu, the T and | keys move the highlight bar to select functions.
Using BPBACKUP 3-3

In a file table, the T and | keys scroll the list of files and subdirectories through a
set of pointers.
3.22 — c— (Right and Left Arrow Keys)
The — and < keys allow you to change directories while you are in a file table.
To list the files within a subdirectory, place the subdirectory between the triangular
pointers at the center of the screen and press the — key. To exit the subdirectory,
press the < key.
3.2.3. +- (Plus and Minus Keys)
The plus key is used to tag files or subdirectories in a file table. Tagging adds the
file or subdirectory to the list of those to be backed up or restored. The INS (insert)
key also performs this function.
The minus key is used to remove a tag from a file or subdirectory in a file table.
Removing a tag deletes the tagged file or subdirectory from the list of those to be
backed up or restored. The DEL (delete) key also performs this function.
3.24 CTRL-BREAK Key
CTRL-BREAK is available only when the following message is displayed at the
bottom of the screen:
Press CTL«BRK» to interrupt current activity
The CTRL-BREAK key combination interrupts program activity and causes a
prompt to be displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Hint: Don't be alarmed if the program activity does not pause immediately after
you press CTRL-BREAK. The drive completes the present activity before the pause
takes effect.
The prompt allows you to continue with the operation or abort the operation.
For example; if you press CTRL-BREAK while a restore is in process, the restore
pauses, and the following prompt is displayed:
Do you wish to abort this restore? No Yes
@ Select No and the restore resumes.
€ Select Yes and the restore is aborted with the following prompt:
3-4 Using BPBACKUP

*** This restore was NOT successfully completed ***
3.2.5 INS (Insert) and DEL (Delete) Keys
The INS key performs the same function as the plus key. Use the INS key to tag
files or subdirectories in a file table. Adding a tag includes the file or subdirectory
in the list of those to be backed up or restored.
The DEL key performs the same function as the minus key. Use the DEL key to
remove a tag from a file or subdirectory. Removing a tag deletes the tagged file or
subdirectory from the list of files to be backed up or restored.
3.2.6 .! (Enter Key)
The key takes you to the next step in an operation. It has several specific
functions:
€ In a menu, the — key is used to select the highlighted item.
@ Inselecting files in a file table, the ~ key is used to end the selection
mode and continue the BPBACKUP operation.
€ In a file set table, the J key is used to select a file set.
€ At the conclusion of an operation, the key takes you back to the
original BPBACKUP menu.
3.2.7 ESC (Escape Key)
The ESC key backs you out of the program. In most cases, ESC takes you to the
previous screen. At the Main menu, ESC exits you from BPBACKUP, taking you
back to the DOS prompt.
3.2.8 F1 Key
The F1 key gives you context-sensitive help messages during all BPBACKUP
operations. If you encounter an error message, F1 provides an explanation of the
error condition.
Using BPBACKUP 3-5

3.2.9 Using a Mouse with BPBACKUP
Most operations that can be performed with the the T and | keys and the — and —
keys can be performed with a mouse. On most mice the left mouse button
corresponds to the key and the right mouse button to the ESC key.
3.3 Selecting Items and Responses
There are two ways to make selections from menus and prompts:
€ Use the arrow keys to move the highlight bar to the item or response
you wish to select. Then press the .! key.
€ Type the first character (letter or number) of the item or response
you wish to select; then press J. The first character is highlighted
on the screen. On a color monitor, the first character appears in a
different color from the rest of the item. For example, if you want
to erase a tape, type the letter E.
3.4 File Sets
When you perform a restore, verify, or directory of tape operation, you have the
option of performing the operation on the entire tape or on a single file set.
If you choose to select a file set, a file set table is displayed. This table lists all the
file sets on the tape and lets you select one file set for the restore operation.
Figure 3-2 is a sample file set table.
3-6 Using BPBACKUP

Sep 1, 1993 BACKPACK Tape Drive Version 2.08 Wed 2:88 pm
Select file set to restore
Identif ication Size Date Tine
> Full
d
Daily Backup (changed files only)
22,893,872 bytes used in 3 file set(s) - 2B,594,176/57,188, 352 bytes free
§f:move list Enter:select file set Fi:help Esc:previous screen
Figure 3-2 Select File Set to Restore Screen
To selecta file set, use the T and 1 keys to position the file set between the triangular
pointers and then press the .! key.
Note: The c after the size indicates a compressed file set. The size shown is its
uncompressed size.
Note: If you see two numbers as the bytes free, the second is the remaining
capacity if compression is used.
3.5 Selecting Subdirectories and Files
BPBACKUP lets you select individual files. Whenever you choose to select files
for a BPBACKUP backup or restore, a file table is displayed.
The backup file table lets you view all files and subdirectories on the source drive.
The restore file table lets you view all files and subdirectories contained in a file
set on the tape.
The screen in Figure 3—3 shows a sample file table:
Using BPBACKUP 3-7

Sep 1, 1993 BACKPACK Tape Drive Version 2.00 Ved 2:68 pm
Tag files to backup
Mame Ext Size Att Date Time Tagging Commands
10 s : fidd file or «DIR»
MSDOS š f to selected set
ACCT
ACCTDATA
ACCTPGMS
ASSYDWG
#
: Remove file or <DIR>
from selected set mum
N
*
SES
PREIS
I: Include files by name
-
| a an w w m wN
SE
S E: Exclude files by name
MPOINT
UNIDOS
UNIFORM
N a
sus
B: Include/Exclude Date
through..... 12-31-99 S8
Total bytes- 856,877 Total files- 61
Path= C:N
4t:move list »e:change<DIR> Enter:continue Fi:help Esc:prev screen
Figure 3-3 Tag Files to Backup Screen
3.5.1 Selecting Using File Specifications
The right side of the screen displays the character options I, E, and D:
€ | stands for Include files by name. This allows you to back up
specific files or a group of files by using "wild cards" the asterisk
(*) and question mark (?), or by date range or by file attribute.
€ E stands for Exclude files by name. This allows you to back up all
files except for the files you have specified.
€ D stands for Include/exclude date. This allows you to specify the
date range to be applied to files included or excluded with the /D
option (see below).
To include or exclude files by name enter I or E followed by a file specification,
optionally followed by a parameter.
File specifications consist of a path name anda file name. The file name may include
the DOS wildcard characters the asterisk (*) and question mark (?). Do not include
the drive letter. Examples of file specifications are:
\B*.* (all files beginning with the letter B)
\TEXT\* .BAK (all .BAK files in the TEXT directory)
3-8 Using BPBACKUP

\ACCT\* .* (all files in the ACCT directory)
You may enter more than one file specification, each separated by a space.
Parameters include +A, +R, +S, +H, /S, and /D. Parameters may be combined.
The +A, +R, +S, and +H parameters specify files with the archive attribute, the
read-only attribute, the system attribute, or the hidden attribute set. Only files with
the specified attributes will included or excluded.
The /S parameter will apply the file specification to all subdirectories.
The /D parameter specifies that only a given date range is to be included or
excluded. To use a date range:
1) Choose the Include or Exclude option described above.
2) Enter the file specification followed by the /D parameter.
3) Choose the Include/Exclude Date option and enter the date range desired.
Examples of file specifications with parameters are:
\BACKPACK\*.BAT /S (all .BAT files in the Backpack directory and its
subdirectories.
\TEXT\*.* +A (all changed files in the TEXT directory )
\*.* +R /S (all read-only files in all directories )
Press the F1 (Help) Key for more examples of file specifications and parameters.
3.5.2 Selecting Files by Tagging
To tag a file or subdirectory:
1) Position the file or subdirectory name between the pointers using the >
or & keys.
2) Press the INS or plus key. The tagged item is highlighted on screen.
3) Remove a tag from an item, position it between the pointers, and press
the DEL or minus key.
You can use the — key to view files within a subdirectory. You can tag any number
of files while in the subdirectory. Exit the subdirectory by pressing the < key.
Once you have tagged all the files you wish to back up, press to begin the backup
procedure.
Using BPBACKUP 3-9

3.6 Password Protection
The password protection routine is a conditional feature of BPBACKUP; that is,
you can bypass it if you do not wish to use it. You do not need to perform the
password-related instructions if you do not want to use the password protection
feature.
BPBACKUP lets you secure your backups with the password protection option.
To protect the information on the backup tape:
1) Proceed with any backup routine. Once you reach the password prompt,
you can either
€ Enter your password and press —, or
€ Press .! only, to avoid password-protecting your backup.
The screen in Figure 3-4 displays the password protection prompt.
Sep 1, 1993 BACKPACK Tape Drive Version 2.80 Wed 2:60 pm
Enter an identification string for the backup
Important Programs and Data.................
Enter a passuord (return only for none)
Enter:complete entry Fi:help Esc: previous screen
Figure 3-4 Password Protection Screen
Hint: Choose a personal password that is easy for you to remember. Write it down
and put it in a safe place for reference. The password is case-sensitive, so use this
same password and its proper capitalization whenever you protect your backups.
If you forget your password, your protected backups cannot be restored.
2) If you enter a password, it is concealed on the screen:
Enter a password (return only for none)
3) You are then prompted to re-enter your password for verification:
3-10 Using BPBACKUP

Re-enter the password for verification
4) Re-enter your password. Once you re-enter it, the password routine is
completed and the backup resumes.
The password-protected file set is easy to recognize. Itis displayed in reverse video,
highlighted in each operations file set table.
To access the file set for a BPBACKUP operation (restore, verify, directory
display), you must enter the password when the following prompt is displayed:
File set is password protected. Enter password: .....
Access to the file set is denied unless the correct password is entered. Remember,
passwords are case-sensitive. Type the correct upper- and lowercase characters.
3.7 Directory of a Tape
To list the directory of a tape:
1) Select Directory of a tape from the BPBACKUP Main menu.
The menu screen will clear, and the file set table will be displayed (see
Figure 3-5).
Sep 1, 1993 BACKPACK Tape Drive Version 2.08 Wed 2:08 pm
Select file set for directory display
Identification Size Date Time
i
Daily Backup (changed files only)
22,593,872 bytes used in 3 file set(s) - 28,594,176/57,188,352 bytes free
timove list Enter:select file set Fi:help Esc:previous screen
Figure 3-5 Select File Set Screen
The directory file set table lists all the file sets stored in the tape cartridge.
Note: Password-protected file sets appear in the table in reverse video.
When you select these file sets, you are prompted for the password.
Using BPBACKUP 3-11