Order of tapes used in a library

[TeeJayUu]

Hello all,

I'm trying to work out a backup tape strategy for use with an autoloader (library) and need to how Backup Exec 'decides' which tape to use.  I have 2 tapes in my 'Weekly' media set and last Friday it used Tape 2.  This week it used Tape 3.  The Append until is set to Infinite and Overwrite Protection is 26 weeks.

Thanks

Tony

[CraigV]

Hi,

BE decides to use the tape based on availability in your media set, or if there are scratch tapes available in the library itself. Your media sets protect tapes based on the Append/OPP settings you have.

If your tapes aren't overwritable or appendable, and no scratch tapes exist, then your job would queue or at worst, fail.

Thanks!

[TeeJayUu]

Thanks Craig,

Both tapes were in the library and correct media set both weeks and it used different tapes.  What I was hoping was that it would use one tape until it was full and then move onto the next.

[CraigV]

If your Append/OPP settings aren't correct it would either use another tape or Queue. You need to check your settings and make adjustments where necessary, unless your tapes are full.

Thanks!

[pkh · Accepted solution]

The way BE searches for overwritable tape is given in this document

How Backup Exec searches for overwritable media

Don't fret too much about which tape is used.  See my article on this subject

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/must-mondays-backup-be-monday-tape