backup to tape fails help!!!

[abashir]

Hi all,<br>
I have a sql agent job that is failing and I cannot figure out why? I'm trying to backup a database to tape and during the verify backup process it termintes wit an error code. I'm pasting the backup and verify backup steps carried out by sql agent below. Any help will be appreciated.<br>
<br>
Asif<br>
<br>
[1] Database model: Transaction Log Backup...<br>
Destination: [\\.\Tape0]<br>
<br>
** Execution Time: 0 hrs, 19 mins, 28 secs **<br>
<br>
[2] Database model: Verifying Backup...<br>
[Microsoft SQL-DMO (ODBC SQLState: 42000)] Error 3143: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]The data set on device '\\.\Tape0' is not a SQL Server backup set.<br>
[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Backup or restore operation terminating abnormally.

 

[calahans]

Asif,<br>
<br>
Could you change your job to backup to a disk device and then schedule a job to back your backup to the tape device. I thiunk this should work.<br>
<br>
C

 

[abashir]

Thanks for your reply calahans. I could certainly do what you're suggesting. I guess I was just trying to eliminate an extra step. Another piece of info that might help, in the Management/Backup window, if I click on the backup device (Tape1 in my case), and view properties and then view the contents of the tape, the backups are there. <br>
Asif<br>

 

[calahans]

Hi Abashir,<br>
<br>
Have you tried to back up from your backup set to a test database. Maybe your backups are working you are just getting an error. I have had problems with devices which are not disks (i.e. tapes), but we where able to get a restore in the end.<br>
<br>
Also, I appreciate that you don't want the extra step, however if you backup over the same disk device each day it won't take much room. Then restore to differing tapes each day.<br>
<br>
One last thing - I notice its the model database you are having trouble with - this is not a particularly important database. The model database is used as a template for any new database you create. You don't need to back it regularly (UNLIKE THE MASTER DB!)<br>
<br>
HTH<br>
<br>
C