Linux versions of Amiga archive programs?

[pkivolowitz]

Hi,

I was asked if I could locate source code to ASDG software. I have some backup tapes (Exabyte) from 1994. I purchased an Exabyte tape drive from around that era and have installed it on my Linux machine. I have loaded a few hundred megabytes from the most promising tape before it his a bad block.

The question now is how to make sense of the loaded data.

The data is not tar format (which I thought it was). Can you all point me to safe downloads of Linux versions of Amiga archiving programs?

I'll try those and if I still can't make send of the files I will post an octal dump of the header - maybe someone can recognize the format.

[runequester]

Do you have any idea what the format is ?
 
I know ubuntu has an option for reading LHA files. Im sure if we know the file type, something out there can open it

[pkivolowitz]

Do you have any idea what the format is ?
 
I know ubuntu has an option for reading LHA files. Im sure if we know the file type, something out there can open it

No idea of the file format.  I loaded the LHA for Linux. No joy.

The first 32 bits are
0x036001

Byte swapped they are:
0x000474

I bought an Amiga Forever license and will try that.

[the_leander]

Quarterback Tools had some nifty things in it, I believe amongst them was the option to backup to a tape.

Otherwise try Aminet if you're going the AmigaForever route.

[pkivolowitz]

One tape down. It contained only accounting records.

I have another two tapes to try.

[johnklos]

The question now is how to make sense of the loaded data.

The data is not tar format (which I thought it was). Can you all point me to safe downloads of Linux versions of Amiga archiving programs?

dd the tapes to files on disk (with conv=noerror) and then bring them into UAE or something equivalent so you don't have to keep trying the tapes over and over. It'll make getting help from others easier, too, if you want to send the dd'ed files over the Internet.

[pkivolowitz]

That's what I did.

Turns out the tapes were written on early Windows machines. The file format must be an early backup format.

I was able to make out the file names using a hex editor and the tapes do not contain the source code to ADPro.

I purchased a USB Zip drive and started looking through old Zip disks. I have located the source code to ADPro loaders and operators - not enough to build ADPro.

I have a number of 4mm DATs from that era. I will have to purchase a DAT drive. And load those tapes. At least I know how now.

Lastly, I have an A3000 that hasn't been powered on in more than 10 years. It might have the source on its hard drive.

Hope somebody appreciates the trouble I'm going through.

[Gulliver]

@pkivolowitz

Thank you! I hope in the end you find the sourcecode. Dont give up!

[johnklos]

That's what I did.

I should've realized when you said you were successful with at least one tape.

I have a number of 4mm DATs from that era. I will have to purchase a DAT drive. And load those tapes. At least I know how now.

If you don't feel like buying one or can't find a suitable one, I'd be happy to dump the tapes to files for you. I have two SCSI DAT drives, one DDS-3 and one DDS.

Hope somebody appreciates the trouble I'm going through.

It's appreciated! Thanks!

[LoadWB]

Done on early Windows machines could be the built-in backup (.qic format) or one of the Colorado formats.  I am not familiar with the Exabyte or what programs supported it, so my idea is a shot in the dark.

If is it a .qic format, you can only read it with the backup program found in 95 and 98, possibly ME.  Although some other commercial programs would/can read .qic.

So long as you have a dd copy of the tape, you are in good shape to try things out.  Quick search on QIC:

Primary association: Windows Backup
Company: Microsoft Corporation
Identifying characters Hex: 56 54 42 4C , ASCII: VTBL
Program ID: Backup_Data
Related links: CKNOW QIC Info

Does not seem to match your dump, though.

Edit: If, by chance, it is a QIC or BKF format and my thoughts are not a red herring, this site has some neat information

http://www.fpns.net/willy/msbackup.htm

[LoadWB]

If you don't feel like buying one or can't find a suitable one, I'd be happy to dump the tapes to files for you. I have two SCSI DAT drives, one DDS-3 and one DDS.

Fortunately, DDS drives are backwards compatible. If you have a DDS-4 drive you can read earlier formats.  Some DAT-72 drives with which I have come into contact refuse to read back past DDS-2.  I think your DDS-3 drive should work fine, though.

In any case, I as well have a number of tape drives I would offer up to the cause.  Just keep me reminded, as I tend to wander off.

It's appreciated! Thanks!

Seconded and carried.