tar converts simlinks to directories

[Robert Millan <zeratul2@wanadoo.es>]

Hello!

A command like "tar -C / -xf package.tar" will destroy the /usr
simlink of my system if package.tar contains a /usr directory,
which replaces the simlink. note that all Debian packages
contain a /usr directory.

This behaviour isn't new in tar, version 1.13.17-2 does
the same.

Am I missing some option for tar not to override simlinks?

Besides, dpkg passes either "-xf" or "-xpf". I have tried
both manualy, and both destroy the simlink.

Does anyone know why dpkg calling tar doesn't destroy
the /usr simlink?

btw, this is the main problem i'm having to install GDB
in Bochs. see http://khazad.dyndns.org/gnu-hurd/PROBLEMS

cheers,

-- 
Robert Millan

"5 years from now everyone will be running
free GNU on their 200 MIPS, 64M SPARCstation-5"

              Andrew S. Tanenbaum, 30 Jan 1992


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