Backup Exec 2010 R2 Slow Tape Backup from Dothill R/Evolution 2330

[KevS]

We are having a few issues with backup speeds since upgrading our backup machines OS from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008 R2. A Dothill R/Evolution 2330 is our backup source and is connected to the backup machine via an ISCSI connection. The server is also fully patched up to date and the storage array is running the latest firmware.

Are there any known compatibility or speed issues with Backup Exec 2010 R2 when running on Windows Server 2008 R2 and connecting to a mass storage device via ISCSI? Backup Exec 2010 R2 backs up files across the network at much faster speeds then when backing up from the directly connected mass storage array. When Windows Server 2003 was the OS Backup Exec 2010 R2 backup speeds were consistently high from both the directly connected mass storage array and across the network (Backup Exec Agents). Backup Exec 2010 R2 is fully patched up to date.

The tape drives that we are using are HP LTO Ultrium 5.

Any ideas?

 

[CraigV]

...there is an issue when backing up the registry of Win2K8 servers. This is being worked on, and apparently will be sorted out in BE 2010 R3, which is currently in Beta.

What sort of speeds are you getting, and where in the backup is the slowness happening?

[KevS]

We are getting around 3,371 MB/Min when copying data from the ISCSI connected storage array compared to 5,173 from another machine via the BE agent. This has only been happening since upgrading the OS from Server 2003 to Server 2008 R2, when 2003 was installed we could get the higher speeds when copying from the storage array.

The amount of Data being copied from the array is about 600Gb, the slowness is constant throughout the backup operation.

[CraigV]

...I think that if you're getting that as a copy from the Win2K8 server (ie. speeds have dropped), then the issue lies with your server.

Make sure that NICs are running the latest drivers, and that they're configured with the same setup as previously!

[KevS]

I have updated all the drivers on the NICs and also tested out various different configuration options.

I am slightly miffed as to why the speed drops so much when copying from the array and not from other data sources on the network? 

HP LT&T reports a copy speed of 6,000 Mb/min when a test is run, copying the exact same files with BE 2010 R2 we get 3,100 Mb/min. The LT&T utility would use the same NIC card and configuration, this is what makes me think its something to do with Backup Exec?

We are using the Symantec drivers for our tape drives.

[CraigV]

...what are the speeds if you do a copy from storage to the server through Windows?

[KevS]

Between 100mb and 110mb per second. This was a 10Gb file.

[CraigV]

Kev...when you updated BE, did you include the latest DDI drivers for the tape drive? Are you sure you're using the Symantec drivers too?

[KevS]

When looking on the Symantec Tape Driver Options in BE 2010 it is set to 'Use Symantec tape drivers for all supported tape devices'.

When upgrading I made sure the tape drivers where the latest available from HP.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=4166580&...

[CraigV]

OK...then run the Device Configuration Wizard from within BE itself and make sure you're using the Symantec drivers. Try the backup again...

[KevS]

Craig,

Bit confused here, does the above option in BE not confim that the Symantec drivers are already being used?

[CraigV]

Not necessarily. Check in Device Manager and see what drivers are being used for the tape drive. They're either Symantec drivers, and if not, they're the vendors. Symantec would recommend using their drivers, even though some posters say using the vendor drivers resulted in faster speeds during a backup.

[KevS]

The tape drive in device manager seems to be using the HP driver (The provider is Hewlett Packard). What is the easiest way to force the server to use the Symantec drivers?

Many Thanks

[pkh]

You can install the Symantec drivers by going to Tools --> Wizards ---> Device Configuration Wizard

[KevS]

According to the Symantec Tape Driver Options in BE 2010 'Use Symantec tape drivers for all supported tape devices' is already selected. However the above post says that even if this option is selected the Symantec drivers are not necessarily being used?

[CraigV]

Unless you installed the HP drivers, running the Symantec DDI drivers will install the Symantec drivers...

[KevS]

The HP drivers will have been installed. Is there a way to force BE to use the Symantec drivers? Symantec Tape Driver Options say the Symantec drivers are being used however in Device Manager the Publisher is HP.

[CraigV]

When you run the Device Configuration Wizard it will use the Symantec drivers.

However, if you're having an issue with this, uninstall the drivers in Windows Device Manager, and you'll probably be prompted to restart. Once done, run the DDI installation again through BE.

[KevS]

Hello,

I have uninstalled the driver from device manager as per the above post and re run the Device Configuration Wizard, however this has made no difference to the speed problems?