Empty tape cannot be used when loaded to tape library?

[John_Santana]

Hi people, Can anyone please assist me in Backup Exec 2012 in using new tape ? Because for some unknown reason I cannot use the tape after loading it to the tape loader. Did I missed any steps or do I need to reset something ?

[CraigV · Accepted solution]

No...if it is Scratch then it will be used immediately.

Also, did you put the tape into the autoloader manually, or use an Import job? If you did you manually, then BE is not aware of the tape and you'd need to run an Inventory job.

The simplest way around this is a configure an Import job instead which automates the process.

Thanks!

[John_Santana]

Yes I load it up manually to the loader. I have double checked that the tape is not in write protected mode. So how can I perform import job to begin use this tape ?

[CraigV · Accepted solution]

Read pg. 372 and 373 in the BE 2012 Admin Guide...it details the steps you need to perform to configure this.

Thanks!

[pkh · Accepted solution]

If you are using a new tape and you are not using barcode labels then you need to label it first. On the Storage tab, right-click on the slot where the tape is and select label. After labeling the tape, leave it in the scratch media set. Do not associate it with any other media set. Otherwise, it will become write protected

[John_Santana]

Ok so the steps are: 1. Label it 2. Import it After that I can start to use the tape in any backup job ?

[CraigV]

1. Import it using the Import command within BE.

2. Label it.

3. Let BE assign it to the next job that runs, or assign it to the media set you want to use it with.

Thanks!

[pkh]

You need to get the tape into the library before you can label it. You can either import it or you can open the magazine and put it in. If you want to label the tape before you put it in the library, then you need to use barcode labels. You just need to stick a barcode label on the tape and you are done. There are other advantages to using barcode labels. See my article below https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/using-barcode-labels-why-and-how

[John_Santana]

ok do you mean right click on this and then perform the import media?

[John_Santana]

Hi Craig,

When I use this attached Admin guide, I cannot see the detailed steps that you mention.

Can you please let me know which section or chapter instead of the page number ?

[John_Santana]

Here's the followup thread for the problemthatI am facing now: https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/forums/backup-tape-stuck-more-4-days-no-progress#comment-10637291

[pkh]

Yes