Re: Promblem: /tmp space during 8.1.6 install

In our last gripping episode James Hanway <hanwayj_at_m1a2r3.dfompo. gc.cax> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I am attempting an install of 8.1.6 Enterprise on a Tru64 box. The
> install keeps wanting to write to my /tmp directory which isn't big
> enough for the install (bombs out part way though).
>
> Is there a way to get the install to write to a different temp
 directory
> for the install?
>
> Cheers,
>
> James
>
>

The /tmp directory SHOULD be a separate file system, i.e., should have a separate device mounted to it. The /tmp directory works far harder than one would imagine; text editors regularly deposit working copies of open files there and other UNIX processes write files there as well. To be short on space in /tmp can be a true show-stopper as many processes will hang until sufficient space is available. Software installs will cut that space even shorter, as you, no doubt, have realized. It would appear that your /tmp is still using the piddly leftovers from root (/) -- this is not good since there is precious little space left over in /. Also, if regular system reboots are few and far between the /tmp directory (read 'filesystem') should be cleared out on a regular basis; a script, run from cron, can accomplish this. Your Sys Admin should see to this straight away and also make /tmp a separate file system.

I doubt that you'll be able to re-assign the temporary storage from /tmp to any other directory as many times that location is hardcoded  into the application. You can, however, check your documentation for any environment variables that can be set to re-direct /tmp writes. I don't believe you will find any, especially on DEC/Compaq True64 UNIX, but things may have changed since I administered a True64 box.

--
David Fitzjarrell
Oracle Certified DBA


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