Backup Exec mark as bad some LTO that are good
Hello, I've a strange problem with my installation of backup exec. I have a new IBM TS3100 (LTO4)library connected (via SAS) with an IBM x3400 (using a dedicated HBA SAS - 25R8060).
On the x3400 I have a fresh W2k3 64bit installation with Symantec Backup Exec 12.5. Both O.S. and Backup Exec are upgraded to the last version, service pack and patch. I have also installed the symantec driver for the tape and upgrade the firmware of library, tape and HBA to the last release.
Everything work correctly, but about once a day the library mark a tape as bad and the Backup Exec stop to write on the tape. If I remove the bad LTO Backup Exec it works again.
Today I have removed the fifth "bad" LTO. It seems strange to me that in 10 LTO cartridges (all IBM original) purchased there are already 5 defective.
Thinking on an hardware problem I've open a ticket to IBM support. They've analyzed my log and told me that writing is blocked but can't understand if it's a physical problem on the tape or whether a software issue (BackupExec detects any error in writing and mark cartridges as bad).
IBM send me a tool (ITDT) that write directly on the tape. With this software there isn't any problem. I've tried to write for about 20 hours without any block. Moreover if I try to write on an LTO that BackupExec has marked as bad ITDT can write on them and after the write process the cartdrige "rises" and work again.
- Hello, sorry for my delay. I've finally solved the problem: IBM has send me a new LTO tape 10 days ago. After having replaced the backup returned to work.
I've write on tape about 10TB since the replace so I can tell that the problem has resolved.
Thanks to everybody for the support!