how do i format (prepare) a tape with NT backup - w2k

[stunpals]

When i try to prepare the media it tells me that the requested media in in use.

I just want to format the tape. I have a few tapes that maybe bad and I thought i could format them to confirm.

I have tried with a known good tape, same msg.

 

[david902]

I've seen stuff like this when using old Arcserve tapes and trying to write using NT backup, our main backups were Arcserve, this machine was standalone (voicemail type app)

the only solution I had was to buy new tapes and not use the previously formatted Arcserve tapes.

 

[penguins9709]

Try deallocating the tape first, then you should be able to prepare.

 

[Drewey]

Try using the ntbackup.exe command-line switch /UM on a backup. It can be used to format whatever tape is in the drive before the backup job starts.

Check out Windows Help for the full list of ntbackup switches.