SERIOUS HP Ultrium LTO 215 Tape Drive Problem!!!!!!

[BearS75]

The issue is that we have a SERIOUS problem with our HP Surestore Ultrium 215 LTO tape drive which is attached to a Compaq Proliant ML350 running NT Server. We do a Full end-of-week backup on Friday (using Backup Exec V. 8.6) that consists of approximately 80 GB of data. The tapes we use are Ultrium LTO 1 Sony 100/200 GB (LTX100G). We use the hardware compression feature in Backup Exec. So, intiutively, you would think that the Full backup would fit nicely on one LTO Tape. This is not the case at all. On Monday we have found that the Backup Exec job has been on hold all weekend waiting for another tape to be inserted. And, then yet, another. So, for a backup of 80 GBs of data it is taking three 100/200 GB tapes? How is this possible? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! The only possible solution we have is updating the driver but, the server is relatively new.

 

[Shaunmcb]

Hi it appears that you may have a hardware problem with the compression on the drive.If the drive was compressing Data then it should get over the 100gb as the Lto tapes are 100gb native and 200gb compressed.In order to test the drive's compression go to Hp website and download HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools.Here is the link for it

http://www.hp.com/support/lttdownload

It only works on a windows operating system but it will test the drive's compression and give you a ratio.I would also update the firmware of your drive to latest revision N26D if it is not already the latest.If your drive is still failing to compress contact your Hp technical support team as the drive may need exchanging or repaired.

Hope this Helps
Shaun

 

[BearS75]

Thanks a lot Shaunmcb. I'll give your suggestions a try and will keep you posted. Thanks again