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 8.3.4 Old V7 Archives
 ---------------------
 
 Certain old versions of 'tar' cannot handle additional information
 recorded by newer 'tar' programs.  To create an archive in V7 format
 (not ANSI), which can be read by these old versions, specify the
 '--format=v7' option in conjunction with the '--create' ('-c') ('tar'
 also accepts '--portability' or '--old-archive' for this option).  When
 you specify it, 'tar' leaves out information about directories, pipes,
 fifos, contiguous files, and device files, and specifies file ownership
 by group and user IDs instead of group and user names.
 
    When updating an archive, do not use '--format=v7' unless the archive
 was created using this option.
 
    In most cases, a _new_ format archive can be read by an _old_ 'tar'
 program without serious trouble, so this option should seldom be needed.
 On the other hand, most modern 'tar's are able to read old format
 archives, so it might be safer for you to always use '--format=v7' for
 your distributions.  Notice, however, that 'ustar' format is a better
 alternative, as it is free from many of 'v7''s drawbacks.
 
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