E6305 Problem with Current SCSI Port Handle

[txgeekgirl]

I am going insane! I cannot seem to resolve this error: "E6305 - Problem with the current SCSI Port Handle, forced to use the original port handle. ABSL 2010.", even with tech support help from CA. I have built two servers and I have even been able to replicate the error on both (one is a Dell, the other an IBM X series 330).


I am running a Win2K Server with SP2, ArcServe 2k AE and the Tape Library Option with SP3 and related patches. My server is connected, via an Adaptec 2944UW PCI SCSI host adapter card, to an ADIC Scalar 218m (dual DLT 8000 drives). All SCSI connections have been verified by ADIC and are functional. I have replaced the Adaptec card, provided by ADIC, as well. The latest Adaptec driver and BIOS have been installed. I have even updated the BIOS on the server's motherboard.

In Device Manager, I have disabled the Medium Changer and each of the Tape Drives to prevent Win2k's drivers from loading. There are no hardware conflicts to report. In Event Viewer, no errors appear in any of the logs. I am able to run a backup, restore, mount, dismount, etc., successfully in ArcServe 2000. I have even gone so far as to test these processes in Win2k's backup utility and was successful with no errors.

Since NT is not reporting any errors, I am convinced that it is an issue with ArcServe 2000 or the TLO. The E6305 error is continuously reported in ArcServe's Activity Log and is the only one I receive. I have requested that ADIC send to me new replacement SCSI cables tomorrow morning to see if this eliminates the error.

Does anyone have any ideas? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[txgeekgirl]

Follow-up to my original thread...

So far, I have swapped out each piece of hardware that came with the ADIC Scalar 218 (Adaptec 2944UW card and related cables) - per CA. The Adaptec drivers are the latest and greatest. The E6305 error still appears in the Activity log, but there are no errors in the Event Viewer or conflicts indicated anywhere else.

I have been able to backup and restore successfully with ARcServe 2000 and the TLO, nevertheless, but I would really like to resolve this error. I do not know what the implications would be to leave it alone.

I have been able to revert to my NT4 Server, with ArcServe 6.5 with the TLO, and connect it to the Scalar 218 via the Adaptec 2944UW - and it works like a charm! No errors.

ArcServeGuru, if you are out there, do you have any advice?

 

[ARCserveGuru]

Hmmmmm, three things maybe....

Is the library in Random Mode or Sequential mode?

Disable the removable storage service for win2000 as well.

And make sure you Firmware for the library is above 0105.

Oh and another thing, make sure there is nothing else accessing the library, no adic software, no anything software that even queries the library.

The odd thing is that on CA's support site Certified Device List, there is a supercript 3 for your tape library, and it says that import and export of media requires manual intervention. Perhaps this has something to do with the SCSI port handle error?

How are you importing and exporting media from the drive?

g

 

[SirBoo]

I have found that the SCSI drivers can cause simalar errors.
I am running a Cybernetics (crap) drive, with a sony AIT tape deck in it.

The ASPI drivers I was using under NT4 sp5 and Arc2k Non-sp3 will not run under W2k and Arc2k.
I odtianed a newer driver from adaptec, and life is better.

You might try grabing the latest AIC78xx.sys for your SCSI card, if you haven't already.

Now if I can just figure out this derned Named Pipe error. Then this goofy backup system might even be worth something.

 

[txgeekgirl]

ArcServeGuru and Sirboo,

Thanks for promptly responding to my request. My apologies for my delayed response.

Here are the answers to your questions:

The ADIC library is running in Random Mode and currently has the firmware revision 1.14.

Per CA, we have disabled the Removable Storage Service for Windows 2000 Server.

ArcServe is the sole software establishing any communication with the tape library.

As for the Importing and Exporting feature, I am currently not running it from ArcServe. All importing and exporting occurs manually from the ADIC's LCD panel.

The latest report from ArcServe's Engineering staff, that is working on this issue, is they suspect it is the Adaptec 2944UW card. They think there is a problem with the Windows 2000 and the driver for the card. I have downloaded and installed the latest driver for the 2944UW, just to make sure the driver from the Windows 2000 CD did not install. I did install the latest ASPI from Adaptec last month, but that did not seem to do the trick.

I will keep everyone posted on this issue.

 

[ARCserveGuru]

Make sure the driver is updated properly as win 2k is very tricky with driver updates, and sometimes will keep it's own driver in favour of newer ones.

Other than that, I can't see what else it can be (besides the obvious currput scsi cable, or terminators, etc...)

Stumped... Some guru I am hehehe

g

 

[txgeekgirl]

Guru,

You are very knowledgeable, so do not let this issue discredit you. CA, which doesn't hold high for me right now, cannot even rectify this issue. Ca actually wants to charge me for a site visit from one of their consultants ~ I just bought the software and installed it!!! I'd like to contact the programmer who wrote the error to begin with. But, I know that ArcServe has changed hands several times and the staff most likely has, too.

I will keep all posted on the progress and possible resolution.

Thanks for your help!

 

[ARCserveGuru]

Try to escalate the issue to level two support. They will then write a fix for your specific server. And a lot cheaper than a consultant. What country are you in if you don't mind me asking?

g

 

[txgeekgirl]

ArcServeGuru,

Thanks for your advice! I am not sure if I have been escalated, but I do know that a support manager has been contacting me at least 2-3 times a week to update me on the issue. Supposedly, some programmers are working on the issue.

I reside the US; Austin, Texas.

 

[txgeekgirl]

ArcServeGuru,

Thanks for your advice! I am not sure if I have been escalated to level two, but I do know that a support manager has been contacting me at least 2-3 times a week to update me on the issue. Supposedly, some programmers are working on the issue. Sadly, I do not have a lot of confidence in them so far.

I reside the US; Austin, Texas.

 

[fuunstatic]

I have experienced the same SCSI problem

I suspected the scsi card too and reinstalled the scsi drivers and w2ksp2 on the top (even though the latter should not be necessary)

for no apparent reason when I looked at the device window the device was in "offline" mode and had to reboot several times to get it working

I eventually changed the scsi cable and since then have not had a problem

kit = win2000 server, arcserve 2000 advance edition, arcserve sp3, LTO Ultrium autochanger

hope this helps

 

[ARCserveGuru]

How long is your scsi cable?

Oh, and if programmers are working on it then it is in level 2

Good luck, and keep pressing them for a resolve!

g

 

[fuunstatic]

cable was 1.8 m

 

[ARCserveGuru]

So it was 1.8 meters, then you replaced it. What is it now? I know cable length is very important when it comes to SCSI. Depends on which SCSI though but if it's single ended it is recommended to not exceed 1 meter (although it says 6 meters).

g