Tape backup failed

[Vamsi1]

Hello Team,

Backup server is configured to a windows server with a quatnam tape livrary with 2 drive.

Backups running to specfic to one drive, those were failing with the below error :

If the storage is tape based, this is usually caused by dirty read/write heads in the tape drive.  Clean the tape drive, and then try the job again.  If the problem persists, try a different tape.  You may also need to check for problems with cables, termination, or other hardware issues.

If the storage is disk based, check that the storage subsystem is functioning properly.  Review any system logs or vendor specific logs associated with the storage to help determine the source of the problem.  You may also want to check any vendor specific documentation for troubleshooting recommendations.
Final error category: Backup Media Errors
 

So I have clean the drive and then after 1 backup went fine and again it satrted failing. I also checked whether it is taking same tape.. No it is not taking same tape.

Can you please help for getting a solution for this,
 

[CraigV · Accepted solution]

...best bet here is to get hold of the drive manufacturer's diagnostic utility. Stop the BE services, and run the diagnostic checks against the drive, including write tests on tapes you can use.

This is going to tell you directly whether or not you have an issue with the drive. In which case it needs replacing.

Thanks!

[Jaydeep_S]

Stop Backup Exec services and then run the manufacturer's diagnostic utility against the Tape drive. Try to perform write tests.

[pkh]

Even if the diagnostic test passes, you should get the tape drive replaced if it requests to be cleaned despite of it being recently cleaned.  Repeated request for cleaning is a sign of hardware failure of the tape drive.