Backup is running slow after Service Pack installation (BE 12.5)

[Axel_H_sken]

Hi all,

after installing the SP3 for BE 12.5 our backup is running very slow.
The speed while writing to the tape shows at around 2,0 - 2,5 GB/min which is actually very fast.
But still, the backup for 2,2 TB takes now up to 70-80 hours. Before installing the SP, a Fullbackup took around 20-25 hours.

I did some "recommended" settings for the SCSI buffer sizes and I am using the BE drivers for the Device.
The latest hotfixes for BE 12.5 are installed.

I am using a Windows 2003 server (SP1) and a HP LTO4 Ultrium 1/5 Autoloader.
The Backup files are ALL on the local server.

I would appreciate any ideas.
Many thanks in advance

/axel

[teiva-boy]

Did you do the SP3 patch, and change other settings at the same time?  (i.e. buffer sizes, drivers, etc?)

[CraigV · Accepted solution]

There should be additional drivers for SP3...take a look and download them. Install them, and see if this makes any changes.
Additionally, do you have remote servers you are backing up, and have you pushed the RAWS agent out to them again?

[Axel_H_sken]

Hi all,

thanks for the quick replies. I will download the latest driver and see if it helps.
The files are ALL on the local server, we do not use Remoteagents.

I did the changes after I realized that the backup is running slow - the speed improved a little bit though.
But overall the backup still takes ages.

Block size: 64k (no change)
Buffer size: 64k -> 1MB
Buffer count: 10 -> 30
High water count: 0 -> 15

I also enabled the following:

Read SCSI Passthrough Mode
Write  SCSI Passthrough Mode
Read Single Block Mode
Write Single Block Mode

Regards
axel

[pkh]

By enabling the read and write single block mode, you are turning off buffering.

[Axel_H_sken]

Now the Fullbackup of the data took 31h and 42 minutes - but overall with a lower speed of 1200 MB/Minute.
It´s not 100% satisfying, but it should work for a while.

I marked the comment from Craig as a "Solution", thanks for all the comments.

have a good day
axel