Blasted NT 4.0!!! Device removal issues... 1

[wahnula]

OK, I recently installed a new Sony 11000 backup tape in my old NT server (dual PPro 200, 512MB Ram, SCSI 68-pin) and, after asking advice, removed the old devices (AIWA drive & TEKRAM adapter) & drivers (or so I thought). I have not been able to get a backup since. Event log:

"The description for Event ID [15] in source (sonysdx-VRTS) could not be found. It contains the following insertion string(s): \Device\Tape0"

I ran the Veritas diagnostic and found:

"DEVICE NAME: \\.\Tape0
Primary Inquiry "AIWA GD-8000 0119"
Serial Number "AIWA GD-8000 <1000:0002:0000:0000:0000>
Device Flags SCSI SN(DEFAULT)
Device State 3, Online
Device IDs 1002
Device Name AIWA 1"

Needless to say, this is the device I removed (or so I thought). This is exactly what I feared before removal. Any ideas? Thanks.

Tony

 

[CptnTrips]

Are you using the Veritas supplied drivers for your tape device?

 

[wahnula]

Yes

 

[mattjurado]

What happens if you run a job in NTBackup?

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[wahnula]

I got 160 MB into it, then I get a message: "The device does not contain a tape" which of course it does, a brand-new one. I've downloaded the latest Sony drivers, firmware & diagnostics, I will try that next. Already replaced the SCSI cable.

Tony

 

[wahnula]

Progress to date:

Removed Veritas Driver
Installed Sony utility, drive checks out A-OK
Installed OEM driver
Tried running NTBackup, 200MB in, error message:

"Tape Device reported an error on a request to write data to tape. Error reported: Hardware Failure"

Removed Sony OEM Driver
Reinstalled Veritas Driver
Replaced SCSI cable
Updated firmware
Ran Sony diagnostics
Passed all tests
Wrote & Read 1 GB Data OK
Configured "New Backup Job" in Veritas
Ran "Test Run"
Job failed.

Should I just reinstall the old devices?

 

[mattjurado]

Can you run that drive on another system? Even on a 2000 or XP desktop with NTBackup would be fine. That would tell you for sure that the drive is good if it works on another PC. It very well could be a driver problem, but I'm curious about the drive itself too. Also, perhaps its worth contacting Sony to see if they have any problems with their newer drives and NT 4.0.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[wahnula]

I'll try that on Tuesday, thanks. What's killing me is that the drive worked perfectly for a week. I removed the old hardware and the problem started. I thought I might reduce a litte heat and save a few CPU cycles, instead it appears I opened a can of worms...wait...make that nasty, multi-headed cobras.

 

[wahnula]

Couldn't wait...went to the office & got the drive and my spare Adaptec 2940uw PCI card, hooked it up, XP Pro detected & installed drivers for both. Ran a 2-hour 15GB backup w/ Windows Backup, flawless.

What about installing that same rig, the 2940UW card & drive to the NT4.0 server? I'm positive the NT SCSI driver's there, the native SCSI of the PR440FX mainboard is the Adaptec 2940. Might this create any conflicts?

We do now know the drive is in perfect working condition, I await further guidance.

Tony

 

[mattjurado]

Okay, I didn't realize that it ran fine for a week and then this started. Okay, so the drive is good. You might just try placing that spare controller in, since we know the drive plays well with it. Go to add/remove programs and remove any listings pointing to hardware that is no longer present.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[wahnula]

No holiday when you can't get a backup...took the stuff in to the office today, plugged in the spare controller and off we went. Backup is back up. Thanks for all the help.

Tony