Restore from Backup Media (ArcserveIT 6.61 NT)

[gigeorge167]

Hi folks..
I'm a newbie here, and I can see that there is a wealth of expertise of Arcserve users onboard.

My issue is unusual, in the fact that this should work without a hitch, but it doesn't.

Trying to restore using the Backup by Media option, Session ID etc, back to it's original location. As soon as it attempts to copy data off the tape, I get a 'disconnect from media' message.

I've scanned the tape (DDS3 DAT) beforehand, and it's fine, acknowledging that files are there. Just can't get over this little hurdle.

Are there any other issues that could be preventing it from copying over?

As an aside, I use the other Restore Options (by Session, lining up the correct Tape ID etc), and the end result is still the same.

Thanking you all for your assistance..

George
Auckland, NZ

 

[monkeylizard]

Any errors in the log? Monkeylizard
-Isaiah 35-

 

[gigeorge167]

The original log files gave nothing away, not even an Error Code.

However, I've since reinstalled Arcserve, tried it again, and I've now got a 3814 Error, which means that the password on the media is a bit different to what I'm using..
Now I have to find out what my Predecessor used..

At least I've got something to work with now..

George

 

[gigeorge167]

As a follow up to my initial query, I now have a resolution for those people who have issues with lost passwords on their Backup Media - session password.

Thanks to the good folk/technical support people at CA Australia (yes, they do exist), the solution is relatively simple. It's a wonder why this hasn't been raised before. Perhaps it has, and I haven't seen it.. anyway..

We use ArcserveIT 6.61, 384SP2A on an NT Server SP6.

If you have lost the password on your backup media, it's best to run the MERGE function, whereby the data is read back into the ARCSERVE Database. This method means the invoking of the session password (where you try to restore via the Backup Via Media option) is bypassed.

I reinstalled Arcserve, my Database was clean, and now I am manually merging my tapes back into it, and restoring directly from there via Backup By Session. So far, it is going great, and all my old tapes are being 'libraried' into a revamped Arcserve Database..

My boss is very happy to say the least.. phew..

George

 

[gigeorge167]

sorry guys..
I was way wrong. The tape I was successful with had no password, so it restored OK.
The tape with a password? Same issue.. needs a password..
CA USA are investigating, but suspect that a data retrieval company is the best bet..

Back to square one..

 

[ARCserveGuru]

bugger, what a rollercoaster ride.

As far as I know, if the password is gone then your media backup is quite useful. I do know there are data retrieval companies that can do it though, quite pricey. Makes you wonder if the money is worth the data.

Can't you just call the guy and ask him for the password?

g

 

[gigeorge167]

Still trying to track her down.. obviously this is the easiest way.. we'll see how we go.. jogging her memory that is..


George

 

[ARCserveGuru]

hehehe, i can feel an intense interrigation coming on....

g

 

[gigeorge167]

OK, for all you people who've lost passwords.. I think there's only one way to do it. We did it over the weekend and it's worked, because we used a local company here in Auckland NZ who managed to decipher the password using an array of Spectrum Analysers.

It took all weekend, because the password had 10 characters in it, but still, it worked, we got our data back. What a relief..

It can be done, if you know how to approach it..

So, if the issue is relevant for you, get friendly with a local company who specialises in tape media retrieval using Spectrum Analyser tools. Not every company has them, because the tools are so expensive ($50,000 a pop), but because we were only after the password (data was intact), we didn't have to worry about data retrieval, which could've cost us a heap..

George