SQL Server tape backup question

[JtheRipper]

Hi there,

I want to try and backup my SQL Server databases to tape directly. I am using SQL Server 7 and 2000. When in Enterprise manager, I right-click a database, all tasks, backup database...

We have 2 tape libraries. I can only select the option to backup my database to disk. What can be the reason for this? Does SQL Server need some 3rd party software to be able to write to the tape drive?

Thanks!
J.

 

[JayKusch]

You need to make sure the drivers for you tape device are loaded. May also need to check and be sure your SCSI device drivers are loaded to.

You should be able to confirm that your tape device is recognized by going into the windows system devices are and verify that a tape device is available.

Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[JtheRipper]

Thanks for the reply.

Can you only backup directly to tape if the tape drive is local to the server, or will a tape library connected to another server work as well?

The reason why I am asking is because I have been thinking a bit about this, and now I have questions such as "How will SQL Server manage the tapes in the library?, What if multiple servers want to backup to the same device, is SQL smart enough to know what's going on on the tape library?"

Thanks,
J.

 

[SQLBill]

SQL Server will need to have a tape drive 'assigned' specifically to it and the drive will have to have the tape(s) placed in it manually. It cannot recognize, nor control a tape library. To make true use of a tape library, you will need third party software.

So, bottom line is that SQL Server expects one and only one tape drive for it's sole use. It also expects the tape to already be in the drive.

Anything else requires other software.

-SQLBill

 

[JtheRipper]

Thank you all for the good replies.

J.

 

[JayKusch]

Bill is correct in his statements on SQL Server and tape devices. You are however permitted to have more than one tape device on a server at a time. I have Tape0 set to a DLT TBU and I also have Tape1 set to a single tape LTO device.

Thanks

J. Kusch