How do I create a mksysb tape backup on AIX?

These instructions are for AIX 7.1. If you are on AIX 6.1, the steps will be similar. If you are on a previous version of AIX, you should upgrade as soon as possible.

Use Eterm, the local console or HMC to log into the server as root.

At the root command prompt (#), run:

smit mksysb

At the “Back Up This System” screen, press ESC-4 or F4 to change the highlighted fields:

* Backup DEVICE or FILE                              [/dev/rmt0]
  Create MAP files?                                   no
  EXCLUDE files?                                      yes
  List files as they are backed up?                   no 
  Verify readability if tape device?                  no 
  Generate new /image.data file?                      yes
  EXPAND /tmp if needed?                              yes
  Disable software packing of backup?                 yes
  Backup extended attributes?                         yes
  Number of BLOCKS to write in a single output       []  
     (Leave blank to use a system default)
  Location of existing mksysb image                  []
  File system to use for temporary work space        []  
     (If blank, /tmp will be used.)
  Back up encrypted files?                            yes
  Back up DMAPI filesystem files?                     yes

When the fields have been correctly set, press Enter to begin the backup.

A progress indicator will indicate when the backup is running, and when it has completed, you will receive either an OK or Failed completion status message.

After creating the mksysb, you should verify the tape. The verification consists of reading the information stored on the tape back into the system.