IBM Exebyte 1x7 Autoloader slow

[Shannon_Honadle]

I recently went from our old backup using a Dell LTO1 Ultrium 1-SCSI single drive and upgraded to a robotic library Exabyte Magnum 1x7 Autoloader. (It resides on a dedicated Raid Controller from hard drive).

When I initially installed the drive, I used the Windows driver and it loaded. The backup went quickly and fast as I expected. I then uninstalled that driver and installed the Veritas driver so it will work with my BE software. I used the following driver: http://seer.support.veritas.com/docs/273853.htm. It seemed to install correctly, BE sees the device as an robotic library and it will work. However, it is incrediably slow. Slower than the old Dell tape drive I had. I cannot get it to backup local files above 130.00 MB/min. When using the Windows driver I was getting speeds at 1,743 MB/min.

I really want the speed back that I know the device is capable of...is there anything I can do to speed it up? I have already tried unchecking Read single block (in the drive's configuration) and turning off Anti-virus.

I am using a Windows Server 2000 on a NTFS format with Vertias Backup Exec 9.1 with what I have found to be the latest patch (unless I missed one). The hardware is a Dell Poweredge 2650 running dual P4 3.0, 2 GB memory, 139 GB RAID 5. Again, the thing that disappoints me is I got faster backup time on the much older Dell LTO tape drive. This drive is capable of much faster speeds which I got using the Windows driver. Is there a more updated Veritas driver?

[aravind_kondapa]

Install the library on separate controller (NON-Raid controller). And install Veritas drivers using Tools|Device Driver Configuration Wizard.
The first of these technotes explains why RAID controllers are not supported for Backup Exec.
The second one illustrates a common problem users experience when the library is installed on a RAID card.
The last technote is a general guide to troubleshooting robotic library problems, and also mentions that libraries do not function correctly when installed on RAID controllers.
http://support.veritas.com/docs/191488
http://support.veritas.com/docs/190598
http://support.veritas.com/docs/255501


NOTE: If we do not receive your reply within two business days, this post would be marked assumed answered and would be moved to answered questions pool.

[Shannon_Honadle]

Ok, I want to apologize as I have re-read my earlier question and I typed a mistake. The Autoloader is NOT on a RAID controller. It is on a sczi controller. It has never been on the RAID controller. I apologize for any confusion.

Everything else is correct.

[Shannon_Honadle]

Sorry, I tried to reply back to your message before but the forum wouldn't cooperate so I did a general reply.

I mistyped and when I said it was on a RAID controller. I assure you the tape device is on a dedicated NON-Raid controller. I apologize for the confusion as I konw having tape devices on the Raid controllers causes many headaches.

Also, your instructions on using hte Tools|Device Driver Configuration Wizard is exactly what I did for it to install the Veritas drivers.

[priya_khire]

Hello,

Check if the device is listed as compatible in the HCL for 9.1 as per:
http://support.veritas.com/dsl/verselect_ddProduct_BEWNT_prod1_NT9.htm

If it is, the Symantec drivers are suggested to be used with the device, however if the device isn't listed as compatible and tested, we cannot guarantee its proper functionality, you may use the OEM (manufacturer) drivers with the device.

Also ensure that the device firmware is updated, the SCSI card too is updated. Additionally refer to the following technote:

What Backup Exec settings can be modified to reduce the amount of time it takes for a backup to run?
http://support.veritas.com/docs/249090

Note : If we do not receive your reply within two business days, this post would be marked �assumed answered� and would be moved to �answered questions� pool.

Regards.