[Info-vax] Some questions on software for VMS 7.3 VAX

[David Froble]

Bob Koehler wrote:
> In article <mailman.0.1453656042.20778.info-vax_rbnsn.com at rbnsn.com>, lists at openmailbox.org writes:
>> On Sat, 16 Jan 2016 12:55:47 +0100
>> hb via Info-vax <info-vax at rbnsn.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Restore the backup save set
>>> $ BACKUP EMACS21_2_VAX_BIN.BCK/SAV [.LOCAL...]
>> This is causing the saveset to expand into [.local.local]
>>
>> How can get it to not create two local subdirectories?
> 
>    Once upon a time, this was easier, but was changed for consistency
>    (ca. VMS 3.x timeframe?).
> 
>    IIRC, the correct incantation is in your case should be
> 
>    $ BACKUP EMACS21_2_VAX_BIN.BCK/SAV [...]
> 

This is not something that you "just do".  BACKUP is doing exactly what it's 
being asked to do.  The reason you're getting the 2 subdirectories is, because 
there is a subdirectory in the save set.  You really need to know what's in the 
save set before you can instruct BACKUP on what you desire it to do.

Yeah, today a GUI might have an application that takes a look at the save set, 
and displays what it's going to do, and waits for a confirmation (click).  Would 
be nice, but, VMS has been neglected for way to long and such niceties have not 
been added to what is basically a good application.

For serious users, BACKUP is usually run in batch jobs, and you would not want 
all the user interaction there.  That can be handled.  Or, perhaps an 
application that would do the display before running BACKUP.  lots of ways to 
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