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Backup Exec, tape backup file, compression not working

jack_sun
Level 4

Hi All,

I'm a new user of Symantec BE and find my tape backup job does not compress my data when job is done.

In the options, I choose COMPRESSION: Hardware (If available, otherwise software). but seems not working. 15GB data backup to tape, the used space is 15GB, no compression at all.

Is there any settings related to this function that I need to change?

Thank you.

Jack,

9 REPLIES 9

pkh
Moderator
Moderator
   VIP    Certified

Have you updated to SP1a and all the latest hotfixes, including the hotfix mentioned in this blog?

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/forums/end-marker-unreadable-error-and-compression-tape-backup-exec-2012-fixed

If you have, try changing the compression to Hardware (If available, otherwise none)

jack_sun
Level 4

Thank you.

No update installed yet, now trying and will update the status later.

jack_sun
Level 4

Updated and selected the option you recommended, but seems no change............

pkh
Moderator
Moderator
   VIP    Certified

Did you reboot the media server after doing all your updates?  If not, do so.  Also, power-cycle your tape library.

jack_sun
Level 4

Not yet, will try then.

Thank you.

VJware
Level 6
Employee Accredited Certified

In addition to above, please verify compression using this article ~ http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=TECH50960

jack_sun
Level 4

Sorry, seems the compression is not working after machine restarted and server restarted.

pkh
Moderator
Moderator
   VIP    Certified

1) Use the manufacturer's diagnostic utility to test your tape library/drive.  Make sure that you select the write test and have stopped all the BE services beforehand.

2) If the diagnostic test test shows that the hardware compression is working.  Backup the same data to disk using software compression and see how must space it occupies.  Software and hardware compression on the same set of data should result in roughly the same compression ratio.  If the compression ratios are the same, then it is your data that cannot be compressed. For example, if you compess data which is already compressed, the you might end up with more data than you have started with.  See my article below

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/compression-short-explanation

jack_sun
Level 4

Hi PKH,

Thanks and will try then let you know if it works.