AIX Backup and Restore

AIX

rootvg

Backup Using MKSYSB

1. Backup to a file.

   # mksysb -iv <path to mksysb image>

2. Backup to a tape drive.

   # mksysb -iv /dev/rmt0

Restore Using MKSYSB and NIM

1. These steps differ from what power platform firmware the system is on.
2. Bring system down, and boot up and select SMS mode on startup usually by pressing 1 or F1.
3. If this server is managed by NIM, configure a remote IPL device.
4. If not, manually select the boot device and continue with the restore.

Backup Using MKCD/MKDVD

1. # /usr/sbin/mkcd -V'rootvg' -R -S -A
2. Note: You must use CDs
3. # /usr/sbin/mkdvd -V'rootvg' -R -S -A
4. Note DVDs must be at least 4.7GB.

Restore Using MKDVD

1. These steps differ from what power platform firmware the system is on.
2. Bring system down, and boot up and select SMS mode on startup usually by pressing 1 or F1.
3. Insert the first DVD.
4. Setup Boot Options to install from DVD.

non-rootvg

Backup

1. # savevg -if <device> <volume group>

Restore

1. Restore entire savevg image:
   1. # restvg -f<path to savevg image> <hdisk ...>
2. Restore files from a savevg:
   1. # restorevgfiles -f <absolute path to savevg image> -s -d <restore directory> <.absolute path of file to be restored>
   2. Important Note: The . in absolute path to be restored is necessary.

Further Reading

1. IBM pSeries and AIX Information Center