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VERITAS Backup Exec 8.60 Rv 3878 does not accept brand new Sony SDX3-100C tapes using a Compaq AIT 50 GB tape drive.

I want to introduce new tapes to an ancient backup system as described above on a Windows 2k machine.

I tried the "Inventory" and "Label" commands. No luck.

The former results in the following error message:

Job started: Montag, 25. November 2013 at 12:36:40
Job type: Inventory
Job Log: DevJb010.txt
Device name: COMPAQ 1
=====================================================================


----- TapeAlert Events -----


Information
Device:
You have tried to load a cartridge of a type which is not supported by this drive.


Warning
Device:
The memory in the tape cartridge has failed, which reduces performance.
Do not use the cartridge for further backup operations.
Slot   1: Bad media


======================================================================
Job ended: Montag, 25. November 2013 at 12:44:20
Job completion status: Failed

The strange thing is there currently are tapes of that type in use.

  • How do I make Backup Exec use those Sony tapes?
  • What to do to the Sony tapes to have Backup Exec accept them?
alk
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  • Is it possible that the specific tapes have failed as the error reports? – Dave M Nov 26 '13 at 17:41
  • @DaveM: I observed this behaviour for two different brand-new-just-out-of-the-box tapes. – alk Nov 26 '13 at 17:42
  • Thanks. I have had a very similar issue with some Imation tapes. Fresh box of 10 and six were defective. Much head scratching and testing before they were confirmed defective after a return to their facility and a six week wait – Dave M Nov 26 '13 at 17:52
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    Wow...did you save this question from 2001 just to post it today? – TheCleaner Nov 26 '13 at 19:48
  • @TheCleaner: If I had, would I get a badge for it? *harharhar* Btw: Even back in 2001 I thought I'm done with tapes. – alk Nov 26 '13 at 19:51
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    Sorry mate, I was blown away by the words Compaq, Veritas, 8.6, etc. YES, you should get a badge for this, as should anyone that knows the answer! – TheCleaner Nov 26 '13 at 19:55

1 Answers1

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The solution to this was that the "Compaq AIT 50 GB tape drive" simply does not seem to be able to handle those "double" capacity tapes "Sony SDX3-100C".

alk
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  • So when you said there ARE tapes of that type in use, you misspoke? Glad you figured it out! Sorry you still use tape. :) – TheCleaner Dec 04 '13 at 22:13
  • Yes, climbing down myself into the bunker revealed only "SD2 50"-something-alike tapes were in use as opposed to the statement the (poor) guy made who changes such tapes every day. – alk Dec 05 '13 at 07:36