READING TAR TAPES
To read TAR tapes use the TPP option
TPP>T 0,1

which will ask what to do next. A single letter is needed.
D means just create TARDIR.LIS with all Unix pathnames and
"translated" DEC filenames that would be used. S means Spread
which will open a file named TARFIL.LST. This file should be
normally an edited TARDIR.LIS. If the first character is a Y
in the line, the filename in the rest of the line, complete
with directories, is used as the destination file name. The
device spec should be included with the filename as well as
desired directories. If you reply C (copy all), all files on
the tape are put into the current directory with the names
in tardir.lis. This can be a mess with a TAR tape of a whole
tree. A selective copy reads TARFIL.LST and copies files where
the first character in the TARFIL.LST line is Y into the current
directory with the name as used in TARDIR.LST. Thus the S (Spread)
command gives greatest control over final filename. One line of
TARFIL.LST is read per file on the tape which is why it's a
good idea to edit TARDIR.LIS to get the file. You need a device
spec. since otherwise the default of NL: will get used. Be
aware that TPP prompts for DEvice:UIC. You can just type return
(or space, return) to that prompt; it does nothing much in spread
mode but was intended to let a device or directory spec to
be used other than current default for files.