Backup Exec 7 Compression

[wrldruler]

Hello,

I am using Backup Exec 7 on a HP DAT72e drive. I'm using 4mm 20/40 tapes.

This setup was working perfectly for 6 months. Last week, our data size reached 24 GB and suddenly the tape backups are failing. The tape pops out and asks for a second tape. If I give it a second tape, the backup continues just fine.

So, the tape obviously isn't compressing -- because 24 GB of data is consuming 24 GB of tape and won't fit on the 20/40 tape.

Backup Exec job options are set to "Hardware (if available, otherwise none)". I have enabled hardware compression in the Drive Properties.

I have run the HP Library & Tape Tools and it shows that harware compression is Enabled on the drive and gives a compression of 2.23:1 which is passing.

Any idea why I can't get compression?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[LawnBoy]

1. Compression of 2.23:1 is excellent. Problem is you can't actually achieve it in real life. (funny, but every deck I have run those HP tools on shows that same number)

2. It depends on what type of files are being compressed. Text compresses very well, but .zip files can actually get bigger if you re-compress them (BE will not attempt to re-compress any file already compressed).