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Hi

I'm trying to get Edge to BackUp to a local FTP Server, but the
Initialise Media fails, despite all the various combinations I've
tried.

There is no problem with directories, firewalls etc since I can
connect with the SCO FTP client and transfer data.

From the server logs this seems to be failing because the inital ctl
file that Edge writes is size 0, so nothing actually gets written, so
nothing gets retrieved and it fails.

Anyone know what I haven't done correctly ? Why is this ctl file size
0 ?

Thanks for any advice.

PS I have exchanged several emails with microlite support but these
haven't been helpful.

(To reply use candr AT iinet.net.au)

On Fri, Feb 09, 2007 at 08:57:14AM +0900, candr wrote:
> Hi
>
> I'm trying to get Edge to BackUp to a local FTP Server, but the
> Initialise Media fails, despite all the various combinations I've
> tried.
>
> There is no problem with directories, firewalls etc since I can
> connect with the SCO FTP client and transfer data.
>
> From the server logs this seems to be failing because the inital ctl
> file that Edge writes is size 0, so nothing actually gets written, so
> nothing gets retrieved and it fails.
>
> Anyone know what I haven't done correctly ? Why is this ctl file size
> 0 ?
>
> Thanks for any advice.
>
> PS I have exchanged several emails with microlite support but these
> haven't been helpful.
>
> (To reply use candr AT iinet.net.au)


Hmm. I went through the support log and didn't see anything
but questions being asked to try to move the support process along.

The next questions we'd probably have would be:

1 - Have you tried using a fully qualified hostname?

2 - Can you try adding ",p" after the hostname to try passive mode?

Based on your resource information, BackupEDGE will authenticate to your
system (not showing the name here) and do a:

cd /edge

not a "cd edge" or a "cd ~edge".

So you'd want to make sure this is correct.


Last step would be to remove the ctl file and try re-initializing.

The size of the ctl file after initialization but before any files
are written is 0. The file (as well as the entire directory) must
have read and write permission, and there should be nothing in the
directory but BackupEDGE-created files.

Apologies to the people here for whom this will be out of context. Hope it
gets you running ok. Please respond to the support alias if you have any
additional questions.

--
Tom
D. Thomas Podnar
Microlite Corporation
2315 Mill Street
Aliquippa PA USA 15001-2228
724-375-6711
888-257-3343 Sales
Developers of Microlite BackupEDGE

I and at least a few others I know personally and seen the machines myself,
have used backupedge to do backups & restores to/from ftp where the ftp
server was a sco box, and where the backupedge box was a sco box,
and both linux, and all combinations of the two. It's a little unclear how
to set up the ftp source the first time you do it, but it's not unclear to
microlite at all and with them on the phone it takes about 13 1/2 seconds to
set up, assuming edge is installed already and that you have a working ftp
server and account to use.

I'd have said the quickest way to solve the problem is to call microlite
support since they are excellent in my experience.

Define not helpful?

To be frank, if the exchanges haven't been helpful, then my first guess is
that you are not doing what they suggest, or not answering questions they
ask. (maybe you think you are, or maybe you are only partially etc...)

If they ask you a question you don't know how to answer, or ask you to do
something you don't know how to do, then post _that_ here and perhaps
someone will be willing to explain it.

Brian K. White -- brian@aljex.com -- http://www.aljex.com/bkw/
+++++[>+++[>+++++>+++++++<<-]<-]>>+.>.+++++.+++++++.-.[>+<---]>++.
filePro BBx Linux SCO FreeBSD #callahans Satriani Filk!

----- Original Message -----
From: "candr" <candr@not.here>
Newsgroups: comp.unix.sco.misc
To: <distro@jpr.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 6:57 PM
Subject: SCO OS 5 and BackUpEdge and FTP Server


> Hi
>
> I'm trying to get Edge to BackUp to a local FTP Server, but the
> Initialise Media fails, despite all the various combinations I've
> tried.
>
> There is no problem with directories, firewalls etc since I can
> connect with the SCO FTP client and transfer data.
>
> From the server logs this seems to be failing because the inital ctl
> file that Edge writes is size 0, so nothing actually gets written, so
> nothing gets retrieved and it fails.
>
> Anyone know what I haven't done correctly ? Why is this ctl file size
> 0 ?
>
> Thanks for any advice.
>
> PS I have exchanged several emails with microlite support but these
> haven't been helpful.
>
> (To reply use candr AT iinet.net.au)
>

On Thu, 8 Feb 2007 19:48:15 -0500, "Brian K. White" <brian@aljex.com>
wrote:

>
>I'd have said the quickest way to solve the problem is to call microlite
>support since they are excellent in my experience.
>
>Define not helpful?
>
>To be frank, if the exchanges haven't been helpful, then my first guess is
>that you are not doing what they suggest, or not answering questions they
>ask. (maybe you think you are, or maybe you are only partially etc...)

I'm not about dissing anyone, and I accept that Microlite support
generally has a good reputation BUT when I send an email saying

"When I try to Initialise Medium, (... etc, etc as detailed here..)"

I get a one line reply saying "Have you tried to Initialise Medium ?",
no, I don't think that's very helpful

That's why I posted the same question here, that's all.

>If they ask you a question you don't know how to answer, or ask you to do
>something you don't know how to do, then post _that_ here and perhaps
>someone will be willing to explain it.
>
>Brian K. White -- brian@aljex.com -- http://www.aljex.com/bkw/
>+++++[>+++[>+++++>+++++++<<-]<-]>>+.>.+++++.+++++++.-.[>+<---]>++.
>filePro BBx Linux SCO FreeBSD #callahans Satriani Filk!
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "candr" <candr@not.here>
>Newsgroups: comp.unix.sco.misc
>To: <distro@jpr.com>
>Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 6:57 PM
>Subject: SCO OS 5 and BackUpEdge and FTP Server
>
>
>> Hi
>>
>> I'm trying to get Edge to BackUp to a local FTP Server, but the
>> Initialise Media fails, despite all the various combinations I've
>> tried.
>>
>> There is no problem with directories, firewalls etc since I can
>> connect with the SCO FTP client and transfer data.
>>
>> From the server logs this seems to be failing because the inital ctl
>> file that Edge writes is size 0, so nothing actually gets written, so
>> nothing gets retrieved and it fails.
>>
>> Anyone know what I haven't done correctly ? Why is this ctl file size
>> 0 ?
>>
>> Thanks for any advice.
>>
>> PS I have exchanged several emails with microlite support but these
>> haven't been helpful.
>>
>> (To reply use candr AT iinet.net.au)
>>

On Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:57:14 +0900, candr <candr@not.here> wrote:

>Hi
>
>I'm trying to get Edge to BackUp to a local FTP Server, but the
>Initialise Media fails, despite all the various combinations I've
>tried.
>
>There is no problem with directories, firewalls etc since I can
>connect with the SCO FTP client and transfer data.
>
>From the server logs this seems to be failing because the inital ctl
>file that Edge writes is size 0, so nothing actually gets written, so
>nothing gets retrieved and it fails.
>
>Anyone know what I haven't done correctly ? Why is this ctl file size
>0 ?

Resolved !

Just a follow up in case someone else has the same problem. The
various FTP severs I had been trying didn't actually save 0 sized
files. I found one that did, and all is well.

Bit of a trap for young players

----- Original Message -----
From: "candr" <candr@not.here>
Newsgroups: comp.unix.sco.misc
To: <distro@jpr.com>
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2007 2:47 AM
Subject: Re: SCO OS 5 and BackUpEdge and FTP Server


> On Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:57:14 +0900, candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>
>>Hi
>>
>>I'm trying to get Edge to BackUp to a local FTP Server, but the
>>Initialise Media fails, despite all the various combinations I've
>>tried.
>>
>>There is no problem with directories, firewalls etc since I can
>>connect with the SCO FTP client and transfer data.
>>
>>From the server logs this seems to be failing because the inital ctl
>>file that Edge writes is size 0, so nothing actually gets written, so
>>nothing gets retrieved and it fails.
>>
>>Anyone know what I haven't done correctly ? Why is this ctl file size
>>0 ?
>
> Resolved !
>
> Just a follow up in case someone else has the same problem. The
> various FTP severs I had been trying didn't actually save 0 sized
> files. I found one that did, and all is well.
>
> Bit of a trap for young players

Wow, holy b0rken ftp server batman!
There are many reasons for 0 byte files and untill you said this, I'd have
considered it iconceivable for an ftp server to arbitrarily decide that
files can be ignored because they happen to be zero bytes long.
What ftp server was this so that we can all stay away from it?

Don't get me started on non-standard ftp servers and the utterly pointless
wastes of everyones time & customers money they cause just because they
can't be bothered to adhere to standards.
Hint: Sterling Commerce... and it's wonderful bizarre thing they call an
"ftp mailbox" ...shudder.

Brian K. White -- brian@aljex.com -- http://www.aljex.com/bkw/
+++++[>+++[>+++++>+++++++<<-]<-]>>+.>.+++++.+++++++.-.[>+<---]>++.
filePro BBx Linux SCO FreeBSD #callahans Satriani Filk!

On Fri, 9 Feb 2007 04:06:38 -0500, "Brian K. White" <brian@aljex.com>
wrote:

>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "candr" <candr@not.here>
>Newsgroups: comp.unix.sco.misc
>To: <distro@jpr.com>
>Sent: Friday, February 09, 2007 2:47 AM
>Subject: Re: SCO OS 5 and BackUpEdge and FTP Server
>
>
>> On Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:57:14 +0900, candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>>

>> Just a follow up in case someone else has the same problem. The
>> various FTP severs I had been trying didn't actually save 0 sized
>> files. I found one that did, and all is well.
>>
>> Bit of a trap for young players
>
>Wow, holy b0rken ftp server batman!
>There are many reasons for 0 byte files and untill you said this, I'd have
>considered it iconceivable for an ftp server to arbitrarily decide that
>files can be ignored because they happen to be zero bytes long.
>What ftp server was this so that we can all stay away from it?

Hehe. Actually several, which I've all since tossed so they shall
remain nameless...

It wasn't until I did a google search for

ftp server 0 size files

that I spotted this:

"What's new in IQWF Server 11.0.6? - 0-size files could now be
uploaded in FTP "

So I downloaded it, installed it and Bob's Your Uncle !

In article <kthos21elmreruclov6n950gs1ksgk39vt@4ax.com>,
candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>On Fri, 9 Feb 2007 04:06:38 -0500, "Brian K. White" <brian@aljex.com>
>wrote:
>
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "candr" <candr@not.here>
>>Newsgroups: comp.unix.sco.misc
>>To: <distro@jpr.com>
>>Sent: Friday, February 09, 2007 2:47 AM
>>Subject: Re: SCO OS 5 and BackUpEdge and FTP Server
>>
>>
>>> On Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:57:14 +0900, candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>>>
>
>>> Just a follow up in case someone else has the same problem. The
>>> various FTP severs I had been trying didn't actually save 0 sized
>>> files. I found one that did, and all is well.
>>>
>>> Bit of a trap for young players
>>
>>Wow, holy b0rken ftp server batman!
>>There are many reasons for 0 byte files and untill you said this, I'd have
>>considered it iconceivable for an ftp server to arbitrarily decide that
>>files can be ignored because they happen to be zero bytes long.
>>What ftp server was this so that we can all stay away from it?

>Hehe. Actually several, which I've all since tossed so they shall
>remain nameless...

Well your comments might be quite helpful to others knowing which
ones to avoid. Not naming broken software doesn't help others who
may be having the same problem.

The concept of Usenet used to be about sharing information so the
synergy makes us all smarter.

Bill



--
Bill Vermillion - bv @ wjv . com

On Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:35:01 GMT, bv@wjv.com (Bill Vermillion) wrote:

>In article <kthos21elmreruclov6n950gs1ksgk39vt@4ax.com>,
>candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>>On Fri, 9 Feb 2007 04:06:38 -0500, "Brian K. White" <brian@aljex.com>
>>wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>----- Original Message -----
>>>From: "candr" <candr@not.here>
>>>Newsgroups: comp.unix.sco.misc
>>>To: <distro@jpr.com>
>>>Sent: Friday, February 09, 2007 2:47 AM
>>>Subject: Re: SCO OS 5 and BackUpEdge and FTP Server
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:57:14 +0900, candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>>>>
>>
>>>> Just a follow up in case someone else has the same problem. The
>>>> various FTP severs I had been trying didn't actually save 0 sized
>>>> files. I found one that did, and all is well.
>>>>
>>>> Bit of a trap for young players
>>>
>>>Wow, holy b0rken ftp server batman!
>>>There are many reasons for 0 byte files and untill you said this, I'd have
>>>considered it iconceivable for an ftp server to arbitrarily decide that
>>>files can be ignored because they happen to be zero bytes long.
>>>What ftp server was this so that we can all stay away from it?
>
>>Hehe. Actually several, which I've all since tossed so they shall
>>remain nameless...
>
>Well your comments might be quite helpful to others knowing which
>ones to avoid. Not naming broken software doesn't help others who
>may be having the same problem.
>
Quite honestly Bill, I forgot the names once I uninstalled them. It
was a matter of searching for ftp servers, installing them, trying
them then discarding them when I realised they didn't do the job !

But I do get the idea that MOST windows ftp servers don't store 0 size
files (or I may just have been unlucky) so the thing to check out for
in this respect is that people make sure they get one that does.

>The concept of Usenet used to be about sharing information so the
>synergy makes us all smarter.

I'm very much aware of that Bill, which is why I immediately posted
the cause of, and solution to, the problem I was having.

In article <e24qs2hg4aat7jj9qtv1h3rkn65amkunii@4ax.com>,
candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>On Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:35:01 GMT, bv@wjv.com (Bill Vermillion) wrote:

>>In article <kthos21elmreruclov6n950gs1ksgk39vt@4ax.com>,
>>candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>>>On Fri, 9 Feb 2007 04:06:38 -0500, "Brian K. White" <brian@aljex.com>
>>>wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>----- Original Message -----
>>>>From: "candr" <candr@not.here>
>>>>Newsgroups: comp.unix.sco.misc
>>>>To: <distro@jpr.com>
>>>>Sent: Friday, February 09, 2007 2:47 AM
>>>>Subject: Re: SCO OS 5 and BackUpEdge and FTP Server
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:57:14 +0900, candr <candr@not.here> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>
>>>>> Just a follow up in case someone else has the same problem. The
>>>>> various FTP severs I had been trying didn't actually save 0 sized
>>>>> files. I found one that did, and all is well.
>>>>>
>>>>> Bit of a trap for young players
>>>>
>>>>Wow, holy b0rken ftp server batman!
>>>>There are many reasons for 0 byte files and untill you said this, I'd have
>>>>considered it iconceivable for an ftp server to arbitrarily decide that
>>>>files can be ignored because they happen to be zero bytes long.
>>>>What ftp server was this so that we can all stay away from it?
>>
>>>Hehe. Actually several, which I've all since tossed so they shall
>>>remain nameless...
>>
>>Well your comments might be quite helpful to others knowing which
>>ones to avoid. Not naming broken software doesn't help others who
>>may be having the same problem.

>Quite honestly Bill, I forgot the names once I uninstalled them. It
>was a matter of searching for ftp servers, installing them, trying
>them then discarding them when I realised they didn't do the job !

I'll accept that.

>But I do get the idea that MOST windows ftp servers don't store 0 size
>files (or I may just have been unlucky) so the thing to check out for
>in this respect is that people make sure they get one that does.

A lot of MS utilities don't [or at least didn't] copy 0 length
files over either. On an application called filePro - when moved
from another system, the .dat files [which were typically 0 length
in most instances, but were used in others] never got copied and
when the ap was fired up it complained about a missing .dat file.

Whoever at MS thought that 0 length files had no meaning had never
worked with a REAL operating system where 0 length files are often
used as markers, or similar.

The only time I ftp on an MS machine I do it from a command shell
prompt. At least that one works - most of the time :-)


>>The concept of Usenet used to be about sharing information so the
>>synergy makes us all smarter.

>I'm very much aware of that Bill, which is why I immediately posted
>the cause of, and solution to, the problem I was having.

I do wish more people would let the world know of problematic
programs. Of course for many MS owned products saying ANYTHING
about them is forbidden in the 'shrink-wrap license'.

I really thought it was pretty small of MS not to allow
performance comparisons of their products with competing products.
From my POV that makes MS the one to avoid, and I've done pretty
well for most of the instances, after having gotten so tired of
things that should have worked in DOS 2.0 that I moved to
Xenix in 1983 and then on to various Unix variants for my prime
systems, using MS only when an app requires I use it - such as the
control programs for an external video processor I use.

The world suffered when Gates forgot that he once said that Xenix
was the future - but the money from IBM changed his mind - as money
always did for those people from Alburquerque - before they moved
to Redmond. [And I used some MS products when they were in NM -
which most people don't realize]. [that is don't realize they were
in NM - not that I used the product then :-) ].

He was just as much anti-home-user then as he has been for years.

Bill

--
Bill Vermillion - bv @ wjv . com