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HP OpenVMS Systemsask the wizard |
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The Question is:
Hello!
I'm using DEC File Optimizer for VMS DFG V1.0 on
VAX 3100 running VMS v5.5-2.
How reliable is it? I mean if electricity goes out or my machine crashes
during defragmentation
process, will I lose data?
Tank you very much,
Borut
The Answer is : There can be no certain or single answer to open-ended questions, and particularly those involving the potential implications of unspecified electrical problems or random glitches. As has been the case elsewhere, the OpenVMS Wizard would recommend various upgrades -- both your DFO and OpenVMS versions are rather old. The Wizard would particularly recommend upgrading DFO to the V2.3 release or (if/when available) later. The curmudgeonly Wizard generally prefers to use offline means for disk defragmentation -- BACKUP with verify to archival media and a subsequent restoration -- but even this reliable method has occasionally failed the Wizard. (These were hardware failures.) The Wizard has also seen the results of electrical problems and even lightning strikes, and the defragmentation tool would tend to be low on your priorities. Current online defragmentations tools such as DFO are reliable and are particularly applicable in those environments that cannot afford or tolerate the required downtime, or cannot afford the labor involved with performing the offline defragmentation technique. If you are particularly concerned around reliability and uptime, you will want to contact your Compaq reseller or Compaq presales support for information on shadowing, UPS and power protection options, StorageWorks batteries, consulting services, and other options. The Wizard would recommend periodic BACKUP of your data, regardless of the use of shadowing or defragmentation tools -- neither of these tools will protect against catastrophic failures, fires, application failures, or accidental or intentional data deletions.
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