backup job does not complete

[Bashiraad]

Hi,

I am running backup exec 9.1 on windows 2003 std.

I run backups on a sony tape drive (sdx-500v scsi sequesntial) with Sony SDX1-35C 35GB/91GB.

I have a daily job scheduled, but what is happeing now is that when the byte count gets to about 60,000,000 it ejects the tape, and i get the message

Please insert overwritable media into the drive.

Overwritable media includes scratch, blank, and recyclable media. Please note that depending on the current Media Overwrite Protection setting, imported and allocated media may be overwritable as well. Consult the online help for more information on overwritable media.

Respond Yes to acknowledge.
Respond No to retry the operation.
Respond Cancel to cancel the operation.

when i insert a new blank tape, it completes the job.

Does this me my tapes do not have enough capacity? Because out total data is about 70GB and the tapes can take upto 91gb compressed.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[JoeJTaylor]

The tapes are too small. I had this issue too. apparently the compression never really runs 1:2 more 1:1.4 - 1:1.6. When i had this problem i developed a two tier backup system. Backed up all of my non critical data after a day when no-one is in the office. i.e sunday night, and then backed up all the other data the rest of the nights. There are other ways too using multiple drives, which i presume from your message you don't have.
Hope this helps Joe

 

[LawnBoy]

Actually on one system I'm getting compression ratios of 2.43:1. The point is that it is almost impossible to predict how much compression you will achieve. Different files will compress at different ratios in the same job.

 

[Bashiraad]

thanks, i thought this was the problem, but was unsure how to confirm this.

Also would you know if hand, if i run veritas updates, would this require a reboot of the server?

Thanks

 

[JoeJTaylor]

It hasd done on the updates i have run. i would imagine this would be the same across the board