132T with Backup Exec 10 importing/exporting tapes

Question

We replaced our 128T with a 132T to make the move to LTO-2.  Previously, when we imported tape son the 128T, we would use the import function and as the system imported tapes, the scanner read the bar code and the tapes showed up in BE in the slots.   With the 132T, however, when we import a tape, it shows up in the slot with the correct bar code number, but the information says the media is unknown. If I then select the slot in BE and tell it to inventory the tape, it then shows up with the correct information.    Trying to figure out if I have something set incorrectly on the library or whether this is how the library works. The only workaround I've found is to select the option to schedule an immediate inventory job as part of the import and then the system will bring it in, then inventory it. But the option is off by default and it is easy to forget to do it.   Similarly, on the 128T we could specify the malslot size, whereas with the 132T the mail slot is fixed at one.  We can use the bulk load feature on the 132T, but the we still have to d o a separate inventory in BE to have it recognize the tapes.   Any suggestions, workarounds, etc?

Dev Mgr · Answer

Check Veritas' KB (it's pretty good). I remember running into something similar and there was information on their KB about how to address it.

ladewig · Answer

I looked at their KB, but I guess we have a difference of opinion on how good their KB is.  I wasn't able to find anything that talked about this drive at all.

Dev Mgr · Answer

You don't search for the drive, you search for the message in the software. What's the exact wording of the message that you get?

ladewig · Answer

There is no message. There isn't an error. When we import a tape, if we don't select the option to inventory the tape, the tape is brought in, the correct bar code number is displayed, but it is listed as unknown. We then have to do an inventory job for the tape to be recognized.

I'm just trying to find out whether this is the way this tape drive works or whether there is something that is set wrong. I have searched on various terms that describe the prbolem but have found nothing that has anything to do with our situation and/or library. The 128T I had before this unit did not behave this way. We imported the tape and the tape was recognized. With the 128T we have to go through several extra steps.

tommo666 · Answer

The 128T and 132T are from different manufacturers so have different characterics.

When you import a tape in the 132T the picker moves the tape from the mailslot to the desired slot. The bar code is scanned and the resulting number displayed in BE. The bar code labels are just that a label. The software doesn't know what type of media is in the slots, which means you need to inventory the slots. You could then label the tape and add it to a media set. Then the bar code gets linked to that set.

ladewig · Answer

Sounds like a quirk with BackupExec and the 132T then. I'll talk to Veritas and see if they have any suggestions.

tommo666 · Answer

found this: http://support.veritas.com/docs/271478   You can auto inventory after import, it says in the document above. Message Edited by tommo666 on 07-25-2005 12:54 PM

ladewig · Answer

That's what we're having to do. The problem is I can't find anyway to set this as the default.  I'm so used to just impoirting that I often forget to set this switch.

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132T with Backup Exec 10 importing/exporting tapes

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