How do I append a backup to an existing tape after rewinding or ejecting?

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ANSWER

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You can only append a backup to a tape if the tape is positioned at the end of the last backup. If you re-insert a tape, it will be at the beginning and will therefore not overwrite without expiring the last label. To append to the existing label after the tape has been rewound or reinserted:

To do this from the GUI or Web Interface:

1. Select “Utilities->Perform Tape Operations” from the main menu.
2. Select your server (if any) and tape drive
3. Click on “Forward to Backup”. Note the word “end” will appear in the box to the right.
4. Select “Continue”.

To do this from the command line, you can also use the following:

stfwdtape {-s server} -d device -n end

This command could be placed in a pre-backup script, if necessary, to ensure the tape is always at the end before starting the backup. If the tape is already at the end, then this command will have no affect.

Either option will forward the tape to the end of the last backup, and your next backup will automatically append to the current backup label.