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SavOnefam's avatar
SavOnefam
Level 2
9 years ago

"0xA000821 - Library Error - incompatible storage media detected in robotic library

We are experiencing the above error when trying to Inventory HP C7972AN LTO Ultrium 2 tapes written to in 2007.

Having read Article:000042258 none of the solutions apply to us ie We don't use Bar Code Rules and All Media types are checked for the drive.

Can anyone suggest any other possible solutions or logs to investigate further or pass onto Symantec for deeper analysis?

Thanks

2014
Backup and Recovery
Backup Exec
Windows Server (2003-2008)
  • Colin_Weaver's avatar
    Colin_Weaver
    9 years ago

    If the tapes are barcoded (irrespective of bar code rules) then it is possble the barcode type/format is not compatible with your libary. Basically, libraries themselves can refuse to accept invalid barcode standards.

     

    Note: typically that error code in Backup Exec is just a direct translation of an error sent back from the library through the SCSI interface/protocols (but this error can be being returned from the library arm/barcode readers or the tape drive itself.)

     

    Couple of options:

    Try removing any barcodes completely (or at least mask them so they can't be read - although make sure any masking can't come off inside the library) - however if your library must have a barcode to operate this could either still have the same error or return other errors .

    Try to get hold of a stand alone tape drive (LTO-2, 3 or 4) as using a drive that cannot possibly have a barcode scanner will definitely proove isolate that as being part of your problem.

    If the libary can completely disable the barcode scanner then try that (note I do mean a setting in the library NOT a setting inside of Backup Exec)

     

     

     

     

     

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  • pkh's avatar
    pkh
    Moderator
    9 years ago
    What is your tape drive, LTO6, LTO5? A LTO tape drive can only read tapes 2 generation back. If you are using LTO5 or LTO6 tape drive then it cannot read your LTO2 tapes. The is also the possibility that due to poor storage conditions, the tape is no longer readable
  • SavOnefam's avatar
    SavOnefam
    Level 2
    9 years ago

    Its an LTO4 tape drive.

    I've also tried other LTO2 tapes from different months, right up to end of 2010 with the same issue

     

  • Colin_Weaver's avatar
    Colin_Weaver
    Moderator
    9 years ago

    If the tapes are barcoded (irrespective of bar code rules) then it is possble the barcode type/format is not compatible with your libary. Basically, libraries themselves can refuse to accept invalid barcode standards.

     

    Note: typically that error code in Backup Exec is just a direct translation of an error sent back from the library through the SCSI interface/protocols (but this error can be being returned from the library arm/barcode readers or the tape drive itself.)

     

    Couple of options:

    Try removing any barcodes completely (or at least mask them so they can't be read - although make sure any masking can't come off inside the library) - however if your library must have a barcode to operate this could either still have the same error or return other errors .

    Try to get hold of a stand alone tape drive (LTO-2, 3 or 4) as using a drive that cannot possibly have a barcode scanner will definitely proove isolate that as being part of your problem.

    If the libary can completely disable the barcode scanner then try that (note I do mean a setting in the library NOT a setting inside of Backup Exec)

     

     

     

     

     

  • CraigV's avatar
    CraigV
    Moderator
    9 years ago

    If this is an autoloader or library, then stop the BE services and try running an Inventory job from the web admin page of it. If this is just a stand-alone drive then you're stuck with BE. MIght be that the tapes are damaged seeing as how they're 8 years old.

    Thanks!

  • Larry_Fine's avatar
    Larry_Fine
    Level 6
    9 years ago

    What tape library are you using?

    You may need to see what error code is coming from the library to Backup Exec.  I assume that the MOVE_MEDIUM A5 command is failing.  You could see this by using the SCSI tracer.exe tool provided with BE.  More info is at http://www.veritas.com/docs/000032317