12/24 tape takes backup only upto 4GB!!!!

[MBLR]

I have a DAT tape drive. The capacity of the cartridge is 12/24. Through software compression, the backup being taken in 24GB tape. But now adays scheduled backups are terminating the backup once it reaches 4gb itself.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Zelandakh]

Overwrite or append?

Hardware or software compression? How you know its 4GB?

 

[dvannoy]

What OS are you running??

 

[MBLR]

I am using overwrite mode. It comes out afer 4gb of data backup. I tried format the tape and take the backup, still same.

My OS is Windows 2000 Server

 

[Zelandakh]

Who says its backing up 4GB? Can you post the log file or email it to logfile@zelandakh.co.uk if nervous about posting?

 

[MBLR]

It requests for another tape after copying 4GB. The second tape get copied 4-6Gb data and prompts for another tape.....

Zelandakh, please do not use "Who says..." "nervous" general posting. It does not look nice.

 

[Zelandakh]

??

ok, let me rephrase.

Exactly which part of the log file says you have reached the end of the tape at 4gb? What exactly does it say?

You can post the whole log file here if you want, but as it contains specific information about your server, you may not be happy about posting it in a public forum that is viewable by thousands of potential hackers.

Hell, I'm only trying to help and after 3 years in this forum I've seen plenty of people unwilling to post sensitive info about their topology.

 

[SteelBurner]

What DAT drive do you use? DDS-x ?
Did your backup ever took more than 4 gig with that drive?

Steelburner

 

[MBLR]

I am using DDS3 C5708A. Yes we have taken nearly 18GB on that. How many times a tape can be re-used?

 

[SteelBurner]

Sounds like your tapes have seen better days

Thats what I found on HPs website:

"Owing to variations in individual usage, there is no definitive lifetime period that will apply equally to all customers. For warranty purposes, "normal working life" for DAT cartridges equates to 2,000 passes or 100 full back ups (whichever occurs first). Although tapes may continue to function beyond these parameters, prolonged usage is not recommended or warranted by HP."

Keep in mind that if you compare data after each backup you might replace your tapes after 50 cycles.

Steelburner

 

[SteelBurner]

Almost forgot: Have you ever used a cleaning tape on that drive?
Cleaning your drive once a week on daily backup is recommended.

Steelburner

 

[MBLR]

Yes. We use to clean once in 15days....