I have been fighting this same problem for well over 3 weeks now, almost full time.
I have an open Symantec Tech Support Case 230-113-937.
I also have an open Dell PESS Gold support case.
There are just too many similarities to be coincidence.
Backup server is Dell 2850
Windows Server 2003, Standard, SP 1
Backup Exec 10.1 rev 5629
Dell PowerVault 132T with 1 x IBM LTO-3 drive (YES!!! it is on the HCL and uses SCSI ID addressing scheme)
Adaptec 39160 controller card:
Channel a: ID 0 & 1 - no device, ID 2 - PV-132T, ID 3 - Ultrium-td3, ID 7 - adaptec card.
Channel b: not used
I have used brand new media. I can re-use media that previously failed and it succeeds. I CANNOT reproduce on demand, but at least one of my backup jobs to tape fails EVERY NIGHT - either on verify pass or on the backup pass itself.
I have had Dell and Symantec support check all firmware and driver versions. I have used and re-used Tapeinst.exe as advise.
To their credit, Dell have:
Replaced ALL of, the tape drive sled, the Adaptec card, the SCSI cable, the terminator.
I have read/implemented EVERYTHING Symantec tech support has advised.
I have combed though support forums, googled above and beyond the call of duty.
I have found THREE (3) Veritas support docs that talk about SCSI BIOS settings and, if i'm reading them correctly, in some case they DO NOT agree, or are NOT CLEAR whether the settings apply to the SCSI IDs for the backup devices or the ID for the card itself.
doc's. 190557, 190598, 237047
I have been an IT Tech support person for many years and this problem is driving me crazy.
There are quite a few threads in this Veritas forum alone - just stick "PowerVault" in the search bar.
These discussions are all RECENT. We can't ALL be doing something incorrectly.
There has to be something fundamentally wrong here.
Help.
Amen.