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Creating ISO image from a mksysb backup file

Question & Answer


Question

Creating ISO image from a mksysb backup file

Answer

If you have mksysb defined for a client and want to create bootable ISO image (assume the mksysb is called client1_mksysb and we want to store the ISO images in the directory /iso_images):
# /usr/sbin/mkcd -m client1_mksysb -S -L -I /iso_images

Reference: IBM Documentation: mkcd Command 

-m mksysb_image
Specifies a previously created mksysb image. If you do not specify the -m flag, the mkcd command calls mksysb. For more information about where the mksysb image is placed, see the -M flag.
-S
Stops the mkcd command before it writes to the CD-R, DVD-R, or DVD-RAM without removing the final CD images. The -S flag allows multiple CD sets to be created, or for CDs to be created on another system. The images remain in the directory marked by the -I flag, or in the /mkcd/cd_images directory if the -I flag is not used. If multiple volumes are required, the final images are uniquely named by using the process ID and volume suffixes.
-L Creates final CD images that are DVD sized (up to 4.38 GB).
-I cd_image_dir Specifies the directory or file system where the final CD images are stored before they are written to the CD-R, DVD-R, or DVD-RAM device. If this flag is not used, mkcd uses the /mkcd/cd_images directory if it already exists. If not, the command creates the /mkcd/cd_images file system in the volume group that is given with the -V flag, or in rootvg if that flag is not used.
If the mkcd command creates the file system, it is removed upon command completion, unless either the -R or -S flag is used. If the -R or -S flag is used, consideration must be made for adequate file system, directory, or disk space, especially when you create multi-volume CDs. The CD image consumes only as much room as is necessary to contain all the data on the CD.
Note: If performing DVD sized backups, the file systems must be large file enabled. This type of backup also requires setting the file ulimit size to unlimited.
SUPPORT

If you require more assistance, use the following step-by-step instructions to contact IBM to open a case for software with an active and valid support contract.  

1. Document (or collect screen captures of) all symptoms, errors, and messages related to your issue.

2. Capture any logs or data relevant to the situation.

3. Contact IBM to open a case:

   -For electronic support, see the IBM Support Community:
     https://www.ibm.com/mysupport
   -If you require telephone support, see the web page:
      https://www.ibm.com/planetwide/

4. Provide a clear, concise description of the issue.

 - See: Working with IBM AIX Support: Describing the problem.

5. Collect a system snap with cron data.

# snap -r (removes previous snap data)
# snap -aZ (excludes system dump)
# tar -cvf /tmp/ibmsupt/testcase/cron.tar -C /var adm/cron spool/cron -C /etc cronlog.conf
# ls -al /usr/sbin/cron /usr/bin/crontab /usr/bin/at > /tmp/ibmsupt/testcase/cronfiles.ls
6. Prepare the snap for upload.
# snap -c (Compress snap)
# mv /tmp/ibmsupt/snap.pax.Z /tmp/ibmsupt/yourcase#.snap.pax.Z (Rename file to associate with your case)
7. Upload all of the details and data for your case.
RECOMMENDED:
 
a) Attach to your case
 
b) Upload to the Enhanced Customer Data Repository(ECuRep)
 
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 
c) Blue Diamond customer data uploads (US only)

Related Information

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Document Information

Modified date:
12 February 2024

UID

isg3T1024466