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I am currently using a system I cannot change that writes tar files to a floppy disk.
I need to read/write the same type of disk on a windows machine.
The command used to create the disk in Linux is: "tar -cf /dev/sdb myfile"
Unfortunately, windows does not recognize disks created like this. I get the "disk not formatted" error when I plug in the usb floppy drive. (Expected, as it is not an actual filesystem)
I am trying to use 7zip command line to access the file, by typing "7z.exe -l A:" The floppy light comes on, but no archive is found. Is there a way to allow some software like 7zip to see the actual raw floppy contents? Because it IS a tar file, but has no mountable filesystem.
Wow. this is the closest I have seen so far! I was able to read the file via the 7zip gui, but not write. And as you mentioned, the command line 7z was unable to access it. So close. Do you know a commandline tool that might be able to interact a little better with this device namespace? Also, SUPER helpful on the \.\ information. I had no idea something like that existed -- you have given me a new avenue to explore. – izzmit – 2015-09-17T21:47:38.287
@izzmit I have not read your question carefully enough (that you also want to create/write that way)... I think Cygwin (https://cygwin.com/) is your best bet then.
– wmz – 2015-09-17T22:57:13.073I ran into an issue downloading Cygwin @ my work, so I will tackle that later. I did try GnuWin32 LibArchive (http://gnuwin32.sourceforge.net/packages/libarchive.htm), using the command: "bsdtar.exe tf \.\A:" The floppy drive activates (attempt to read) but the program gives "Invalid argument". I will post back here after I try Cygwin.
– izzmit – 2015-09-21T20:47:04.277Cygwin works! Actually, I installed Cygwin and was able to directly access the bsdtar.exe executable without starting Cygwin. Now I can check a tar floppy disk with "bsdtar.exe -tf /dev/fd0" – izzmit – 2015-10-12T16:44:03.980
1I'm pretty sure the problem is the backslash should not be on the end of the path. – Joshua – 2017-04-29T19:38:16.953