Backup fails because media is overwrite protected

[Smithc]

 I just started with a new customer and I'm not very much familiar with Backup Exec 11.0. They have their backups setup a little differently than I'm used to. Anyways, they run differential backups during the week. I see that they aren't completing because the tapes are overwrite protected (see below). Dumb question, but how do I change that? The lever on the tape itself is set to unlocked.

Media 'TUSDAY_DIFFER' is overwrite protected.

The media in drive 'DELL 1' is currently allocated and is not available for overwrite operations.

Media Set: Media Set 1
Overwrite Protection Until: Infinite - Don't Allow Overwrite.
Appendable until: Infinite - Allow Append

Smith

[Brian_h1]

 Hi Smithc

Well, in 9.x (I'm sure its the same in 11.x), go to Tools, then Options.

Select Media Management.  Your overwrite protection is probably at Full or Partial, change it to None.

I also suggest that you uncheck the option to prompt before overwriting allocated or imported media.

Brian

[THarry · Accepted solution]

Hello Smith,

Setting the Overwrite Protection Level to None is one option, but you lose some functionality by doing that. In effect, if the current system has been designed with Overwrite Protection Periods in mind, then changing the OP level can mean that you are potentially allowing data to be overwritten when it shouldn't.
You could instead change the Overwrite Protection Period of the media set the backup is targeted to.
Have a look at http://www.backupexecfaq.com/faq/concepts/understanding-media-sets.html and http://www.backupexecfaq.com/faq/concepts/how-be-selects-media.html

Harry

[Dev_T]

Hello,

The Overwrite Protection period starts after the Append Period is over. I your case both are set to Infinite, this means that the Media will be appended till it gets full and will be Protected for Infinite period.

I think you should change the Overwrite Protection and append Period accordingly and manage Media rotation.


hope this helps ...