07-30-2012 07:35 PM
Hi
We are using BE2010R3 with sp2 and latest and greatest patch level. Backup Exec is installed on win2008R2 server. We have a tape library [QUANTUM Scalar i40-i80] and 2 tape drives [HP Ultrium 4-SCSI] connected via SAS. The problem that we facing is the tape drive goes offline automatically. No matter we backup or inventory or quick or long erase the drive goes offline automatically. Here are the steps that we tried in our setup to fix but it has not helped.
1. did a powercycle
2. disabled and deleted the tape drive ...restarted the services .....but still no luck
3. tried to use kernel mode drivers ....this time the backup went thru 1TB but it brought the drive offline
4. tried contacting the hardware vendor and they say it is backup exec not the hardware.
I would like to know is there anything else we are missing.
Please Help!!!
And Thanks in Advance.
07-30-2012 07:54 PM
Hi
As per your above comment
4. tried contacting the hardware vendor and they say it is backup exec not the hardware.
Have you tried performing write & read test for the library & confirming the output of it , have H/W vendor suggested it is backup exec issue
Also have you checked for any error in adamm log or any related events in events viewer like 7,9,11,15.
Have this worked ever before in past. I presume you have check the library is supported as per HCL.
Thanks
07-30-2012 08:44 PM
Tape drives should use Symantec drivers and changer should use Windows drivers for BE to manage them as it should. If the devices are using drivers not as above specified, change them accordingly and run a backup.If the same happens, perfrom diagnostics on tape devices using diagnostic tools provided by Quantum.
Before using those stop BE services. Make sure you select the write test also. Incase of any issues reported by the tool, escalate it to vendor with the proof.
You can find the tools here: http://www.quantum.com/ServiceandSupport/SoftwareandDocumentationDownloads/SuperLoader/index.aspx
07-30-2012 09:08 PM
The link is not working. Did you not check it before providing.
07-30-2012 09:27 PM
Yes, i did and it is working. Try again...
You can also try googling for Quantum Tape Library Diagnostic Utility.
07-30-2012 09:41 PM
Hi
I get this in App event logs but nothing in system logs.
07-30-2012 11:28 PM
...no it doesn't! You have part of the link!
OP: Here is the full link:
http://www.quantum.com/ServiceandSupport/SoftwareandDocumentationDownloads/SuperLoader/index.aspx
Click the DIagnostics section!
07-30-2012 11:51 PM
Thanks Craig... I do not understand why it is not working for others.
Even now If i copy and paste the link i posted, it is taking me to the correct page.
I have tried the same even after loggingout from my account and it worked .
07-30-2012 11:53 PM
...unfortunately not for the OP, and not for me :( ...and I didn't mark you down either ;)
07-31-2012 06:13 AM
When did this problem start? What changed at that time? How often does it happen?
Is it only the tape drive that goes offline? Or does the robot go offline also?
Please review the adamm.log as it the bottom of it should provide details whenever a device goes offline.
07-31-2012 06:16 AM
Kiran's link works for me, but it isn't the OP's library.
Here is the link to the OP's library:
http://www.quantum.com/ServiceandSupport/SoftwareandDocumentationDownloads/SI40/Index.aspx
07-31-2012 06:59 AM
Ohhh Finally...
Thanks Larry... There is no diagnostic tools mentioned for scalar libraries in the quantum site. As the OP is having HP drives and quantum mentioned HP tools can be used with Super Loader, i provided that link to OP.
07-31-2012 09:51 AM
good point. I didn't notice that Quantum didn't have a link to HP's Library & Tape tools on their Scalar page.
So, for firmware & docs, go to the Scalar page. For a link to the diagnostics, use the Superloader page.
08-01-2012 02:40 AM
Have you got any tape media in drive when it goes offline? had it before when a damage tape kept downing the drive in a backup, worth trying a new tape
08-01-2012 09:18 AM
just gone over the case notes for the problem i said above, it happen over two nights, one tape kept downing the drive when the backup job was running, for some unknowed reason back up exec didnt freeze the tape, when looking at the logs, media tape xxxxxx was loaded at the time the backup would fail, after removing the tape the jobs ran fine. :) hope this helps
10-03-2012 06:30 AM
Having a very similar problem:
https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/forums/tape-drive-dropping-offline-middle-job
Wondering if you every got this issue resolved.