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v AIX Version 6.1 with the 6100-04 Technology Level, or later
v Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 3 Update 7, or later
v SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10, or later
Using the USB Removable Disk Drive for backup and restore
The disk drive is a backup and restore device that can be used as an alternative to tape drives. The
removable disk drive is not a replacement for regular disk drives and cannot be used as part of a disk
array.
Note: If power is lost during a backup to the disk, the data can be compromised. Verify the data or rerun
the backup.
Using the drive with AIX
AIX names the drive usbmsx. For example, usbms1 and usbms2. AIX also can use the device as a raw
device. For example, rusbms1 and rusbms2.
AIX uses the removable disk drive differently depending on the program being used. The AIX mksysb
command builds a list of files to back up, creates a universal disk format (UDF) file system, and puts a
boot image and the root volume group on the removable disk drive. When the mksysb process is
complete the removable disk drive can be used to boot the system. If you mount the removable disk
drive, you can display and copy files to and from the UDF file system on the removable disk drive.
The AIX tar, backup, restore, dd, and cpio commands can write to the removable disk drive as a raw
device or non raw device. You might get improved performance by using the device as a raw device.
See the AIX documentation for additional information.
Using the drive with Linux
Linux configures the drive as a disk drive with a name in the format sdx, for example, sda, sdb, and sdc.
See the Linux documentation for information about using Linux copy and backup commands.
Setting the write-protect switch
The removable disk drives have a red, write-protect tab that is located on the back of the drive. To
write-protect a drive, slide the write-protect tab toward the lock symbol. To disengage write protection,
slide the tab to the unlock symbol.
Using the emergency eject function
To eject a removable disk drive, press the eject button. If a drive is stuck, follow these steps:
1. If you using the internal docking station, power off the system. If you are using the external docking
station, unplug the power cable from the device.
2. Insert a large straightened paper clip (or similar object) into the emergency eject hole. Do not insert
the object in the hole at an angle. Keep the object straight and apply some force to eject the drive.
3. When the drive has been ejected by the docking station, grasp the exposed sides of the drive and pull
the drive straight out.
4. Restart your system to reset the docking station. If you are using the external docking station,
reconnect the power cable for the docking station and then restart the system.
Chapter 6. Managing removable disk drives
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