BE 2010 R2 Device properties

[JDR1990]

Hi,

I have just installed the above product onto server and was having issues with running backups initially. The job would run part of the way through and then give the error  "Storage device External LTO 4 reported an error on a request to read from the media".

I then managed to find a thread from back in 2010 related to this and it advised to ensure that Read single block mode and Read SCSI pass through mode were not selected in the device properties. I changed these options accordingly and both jobs seem to be running fine however I have been asked to find out if there could be any implications with not having these options selected, and also what exactly they mean.

I would be greatful for any feedback on this.

Regards

Leon

[CraigV]

Hi Leon,

To be honest, I removed that from a number of my sites with absolutely no adverse effect. I was able to backup and restore. Check the TN for more details on what those 2 settings are, but a test restore will always confirm your backups are working.

http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=TECH91959

Thanks!

[JDR1990]

thanks Craig,

I will carry out a test restore shortly. I already have the technote open however the details in it are not something I am familiar with I will seek further advice from my colleagues.

Regards

Leon

[JDR1990]

Craig,

I have now started to receive an error message stating that "The driver detected a controller error on \Device\Harddisk1\DR1. This error signifies controller errors. These errors are generally caused by hardware that is not functioning correctly. To resolve these errors, try the following actions: 

-slow the SCSI bus

-Verify that the latest SCSI drivers and firmware are loaded.

If these errors continue contact the hardware manafacturer."

Would you have any suggestions for this? - Do you think it may be due to the change of settings that was made?

Regards

Leon

[CraigV · Accepted solution]

Nope, I don't think so. Check to see if you have any hardware-related errors. If you have a server like HP/Dell/IBM etc, they will have a hardware monitoring platform that you can check out.

You should also make sure that if the server is an HP server for instance, that the HP Storage Agents are disabled.

[JDR1990]

Just tried to re run a job now and it has failed stating that a device attached to the system is not functioning. Will now stop the HP Insight storage agent service and then try to run the job again. 

[JDR1990]

Job appears to have completed so maybe your advice on the HP storage agent has helped. Many thanks

[CraigV]

...for some reason the agent constantly polls the bus to the point that it causes time-outs and performance hits...

[JDR1990]

Hi Craig,

I am receiving the same error again. The HP Insight storage utility service is stopped and I have checked on the hardware monitoring platform and there appears to be no issues. Is there anything else you can suggest?

Regards

Leon

[CraigV]

...you might want to look at upgrading the firmware on the tape library and the SCSI card. Restart the library & server, and check again.

[JDR1990]

Many thanks i will look into that. Also I have just realised that I have not installed any updates as of yet because I have had issues with downloading them. Do you think that this may be causing the issue?

[Larry_Fine]

What HBA are you using?

Make sure the HBA firmware and driver are the latest versions.

[JDR1990]

Hi Larry,

Please advise what HBA means I do not understand.

regards

Leon

[Larry_Fine]

HBA = Host Bus Adapter... aka your SCSI card, your Fibre Channel card, your SAS card

BE doesn't support most RAID HBA's for use with tape, so if it a RAID card, make sure it is listed here: http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH70907

[JDR1990]

Many thanks for the advice - as you can tell im not server trained! I belive the SCSI card is a LSI Adapter. Ultra SCSI 2000 series, w/1020/1030 also there is a HP Smart Array P410i controller.

[Larry_Fine]

What is your tape hardware?  stand alone tape drives?  a library/robot?  what interface?

I think the LSI & the HP are OK, but make sure they are up to date on firmware and drivers.