backup over 2 tapes.. second tape error

[qmann]

Just a question regarding a 2 tape backup... currently running a 20GB tape and fills to about 18G (need about 30G total), when i come in, in the morning the tape has ejected. Now the company is open and the workstations are going so information is being written to the server. I try to backup the remaining parts on the server, to another 20G tape, but it never finishes. My guess is because people are writing to the server, but my question is, is there anyway to still backup the remainder while people are writing to the server. I am very new to backing up and just started this job and need all the help that i can get.

thanks
Q

 

[lengoo]

Qmann,
Use the open file option with a lock.. this will ensure that even if files are in use when it comes to backup, they will be backed up and not skipped.
I've found also I've had to disable the verify option if my backups run over more than one tape.. if you have it on, after your second tape has finished, it will request the first again for the verify and then the second... depending on how much data you ahve and how long it takes to do this, you will find that you won't have enough time before the days backups run again!!

 

[Rols]

Im not sure why the job would never finish?? Is the backup still writing??

Could you p[lease post the backup log??

Easy solution = purchase a tape autoloader

 

[qmann]

I've just switched over to putting the backup over 2 days. All i need to backup now is 13 gigs per tape. The tapes are 10/20(compressed). What are the exact options that need to be selected to ensure that the tape is being backed up under compression. The tapes seems to get to 12 gigs and then an alert comes up 'tape has problem writing data. no data has been lost, but reduction in capacity of tape.' This is a brand new tape.

Rols i'm also new to backing up and using Backup Exec on NT, where would i find the backup log information.

thanks for the help!

 

[qmann]

ok i got some backup log information. I have 'new' tapes! the log says, as above and the second day i put another new tape in and it says... "the tape is from a faulty batch or the tape drive is faulty. 1. use a good tape to test the drive. 2. if the problem persists call the tape drive supplier helpline.

These are new tapes and there shouldn't be a problem with the tapes. I also have used a cleaner tape and this dosen't solve the problem. Any answers would be great. Please help, we have had no backup for about a week now.

quentin

 

[SQLBill]

When you use new tapes and get errors about unreadable tapes, faulty tapes or drives, sometimes it's because the new tapes are not compatible. I have HP tape drives and purchased some Fuji Ultrium LTO cleaning tapes. They didn't work. I called the company and found that I needed to specify that I needed them for HP drives. So all Ultrium LTO tapes, all DLT tapes, all whatever tapes are not created equal.

Make sure your new tapes are compatible with your tape drive.

-SQLBill

 

[qmann]

the tapes are the same tapes i've used previously and things had worked find in the past. I am receiving the same errors with my older tapes as well.

Thanks for your input though.

Q

 

[Rols]

LTO drives are very very picky about what type of media they can use. As rule of thumb try to use the same brand of media as the drive.

DLT on the other hand is quite flexible - i have never had problems with mixing different brands of DLT media and DLT drives.

As for compression - in the properties box for the backup job (under the general tab - i think) Under "compression type" you have 4 options:
1. None
2. Software
3. "Hardware (if avalible, otherwise none)
4. "Hardware (if avalible, otherwise software)

Select either 3 or 4

Cheers

Rols

 

[qmann]

using a tecmar travan ns 20 and the tapes are travan tapes.
once again any ideas would help

 

[Rols]

If you have used new media and have cleaned the drive but are still getting errors id look at getting the drive replaced. Drives just like other hardware do break down.

Cheers

Rols

 

[qmann]

from the errors that i have listed.. if i update to newer drivers could this possibly help my problem or would i be wasting my time.

 

[Rols]

Drivers only help the way the server talks to the hardware.

It will have no effect on the hardware compression of the drive as this is taken care of by the hardware only.

Check to see if there is a later version of firmware for you drive.

Cheers

Rols

 

[qmann]

Hello all,

I'm checking for updated firmware but tecmar's website is down. Any ideas where i can get updated firmware or tecmar support from. Any help would be great.