This procedure tells you how to perform an Informix database archive with ontape .

You have an up-to-date copy of the ONCONFIG file, which you might need for a restore.

1. Place a write-enabled tape in your tape drive.
2. Log on as user informix and enter the following command:

$ ontape -s

Immediately after you execute this command, ontape prompts you to specify an archive level. If you wish, you can directly specify the level of the archive on the command line, as in the following example:

$ ontape -s -L 0

3. When ontape prompts you, mount a tape on the tape drives specified by TAPEDEV .
4. Label the tape after ontape has filled and rewound it.

Depending on the volume of data, an archive can require multiple tapes. After a tape fills, ontape rewinds the tape, displays the tape number for labeling, and prompts you to mount the next tape, if necessary.

5. Follow the prompts for labeling and mounting new tapes.

The database is archived. Therefore, you have a copy of database data that can be restored in the event of database failure. Make sure that you check the tapes.