Replacing and/or updating files in archived tape backup

[Mike_Eldridge]

Hi,

     We have a few tapes with files that are archived from our system onto a couple copies of tape. Once in a while someone will give me a file that needs to be added to a folder or replace a file in the folder. Is there a way to do this without restoring the whole archive and making changes and then re-archiving it?

I really do not want these added/replaced files to be in another spot or anything because they will get forgotten about if someone requests the files/folder later. I am hoping there is a way to do this without writing the whole archive back from tape as I do not know if i have the room to restore it all just to add a few files.

Thanks

[Colin_Weaver]

Unfortunately tape is a serial storage device and it is only random access devices like disk storage (with replication technology not traditional backup technology) that can achive what you are after.

Similarly if someone comes to you and asks you to delete one file from all backup sets - you wouldn't be able to do it

[Mike_Eldridge]

I assumed that would be the case but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

Thanks!

[pkh]

Even if this can be done, it is not kosher from a legal stand-point, it is like altering or deleting your old records.