heres some simplification cpio -ocvB -O - copies out cpio -icvdB -I - copies in cpio -icvtB -I - lists files cpio -pdmv - replicates file hierarchies (input for i and p is a list of filenames - like that generated by find for e.g ) SO find / -depth -print | cpio -ocvB -O/dev/whateverTheEntryIsForYour4mmtape or find / -depth -print | cpio -ocvB > /dev/whateverTheEntryIsForYour4mmtape for backup The find generates the list of files the cpio options are -o - copy out -c - use character header -v - verbose - print filename list -B - block io to 5120 bytes/record (10 blocks) if going to a char device (you can probably get away wihout the v and B options ). restore fm tape with cd / cpio -icvBd -I /dev/whateverTheEntryIsForYour4mmtape or cpio -icvBd < /dev/whateverTheEntryIsForYour4mmtape -i - copy in -c - Character header -B - same blocking -d - create directories if needed look at tape with cpio -icvBt -I /dev/whateverTheEntryIsForYour4mmtape --