Check if tape is inserted before running ntbackup

[sc7090]

Hallo to everybody: i would like to know if it's possible to check if tape is inserted before running ntbackup. I call ntbackup from a batch file with at command: i have to stop some services to backup files but, if i forget to insert the tape, ntbackup stops and wait for the tape. Services starts only at the end of the backup but, in this case, i have to start them manually. It would be great, also, to have an escape routine: for example, if ntbackup stops waiting for a new tape, i wolld like to send a message to someone or something of that kind.
Any idea? thanks.

 

[EBGreen]

As for checking for the tape to be in, you may be sble to use the Drives Collection, Drive Object, and IsReady property. As for having the backup send you a message when it is waiting for a tape, it would depend on how you are doing the backup. Is it being done by a canned app or something you wrote yourself?

[blue]"Well, once again my friend, we find that science is a two headed beast. One head is nice, it gives us aspirin and other modern conveniences,...but the other head of science is BAD! Oh, beware the other head of science, Arthur; it bites!!" - The Tick[/blue]

 

[sc7090]

It's a simple batch program that uses net start, net stop, ntbackup and net send programs to backup files. I think that the main problem is to understand when there is a problem because ntbackup doesn't send error messages, it only waits for the tape etc... On any case, at a certain hour i start the services that i stopped, calling net start from a different batch program: in this way a don't create problems to the users. Concerning the checking for the tape to be in, i will try the way you suggested and then let you know. Thanks.

 

[sc7090]

The FileSystemObject.Drives Collection doesn't recognize the tape as a drive: it only finds floppy, hd drives and cd-rom.
The tape is considered a special device (i think) because it cannot be red via normal programs (like file manager and so on).

 

[EBGreen]

Well that does put a kink in things doesn't it. I have to admit that I'd never tried seeing a tape drive through WMI. Let me think about it and I'll post if any ideas come to mind.

[blue]"Well, once again my friend, we find that science is a two headed beast. One head is nice, it gives us aspirin and other modern conveniences,...but the other head of science is BAD! Oh, beware the other head of science, Arthur; it bites!!" - The Tick[/blue]

 

[dougcranston]

Believe your answer is detailed in an article at:

http://www.jsinc.com/subl/tip5900/rh5955.htm

hth
dougc