Recycling media...not as expected

Question

Good day to all,

First off, we are using Networker 8.1.3.10.

We would like to recycle and re-use tapes that have gotten filled up over time and I'm not getting the results one would expect when using the "Manual Recycle" option when I perform a "label" action on a tape. I have read some threads on this topic already and all seem to use the same method to "recycle/re-use" media, but perhaps I'm not following the proper procedure to accomplish this.

My understanding is I should be able to "Manually recycle" tapes by right clicking a device with the appropriate media mounted, select "label..." and then add a checkmark in the "Manual Recycle" option.

This action is successful in that, the media shows as empty when verifying it on the "Media tab", however I thought that I would be able to use the entire space on the tape again, since my understanding is networker will simply overwrite all the data on that tape with new information (there is no physical formatting of the media). But it seems our tapes get filled using a fraction of the total amount of space on the media. For example, if I use an LTO4 tape, I would expect to be able to now write up to 1.5TB of data anew but this is not the case for us.

Here is an example of what I mean:

The tape was "recycled" and showed 0% but filled with only 9Gigs of data.

bingo.1 · Answer

The 'Manual recycle' option is a switch to define that NW will not automatically recycle the tape (if expired and needed)

The admin must relabel such tapes manually later to reuse them.

This option has nothing to do with the fact that you are manually recycling/labeling it.

If a tape has excessive write errors, NW will set it to full prematurely. It might even be that he also sets the drive in 'service mode' at it cannot really determine the origin of the problem.

Zuka007 · Answer

I'm confused because when I label a tape and select this option (Manual Recycle) the tape volume resets the "% Used" to 0%. This is why I thought this was the proper way to do it. And if the "Manual recycle" option is simply a switch to define that NW will not automatically recycle the tape I assume this is to override the device property "Auto media management" if enabled?

What is the proper way to "recycle" a tape then?

SurajPujari · Answer

Good way to recycle is let NetWorker do the recycling job....manual is an option if you want to avoid the tape from being auto used upon expiration. Keep "Manual recycle" unchecked and NetWorker will do media management for you.

Hope this helps.

NetWorker

Recycling media...not as expected

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