PV-110-LTO memory errors

Question

I have 2 poweredge 4600 servers, both with the 110-lto (internal) tape drives in them. From the time we first installed them, we've been intermitantly getting error messages from Arcserve "e6615 The memory in the tape cartridge [BACKUP] with serial number {serialnumber} has failed, which reduces performance. Do not use the cartridge for further backups". CA support has no record of this error message in their database. This error occurs on multiple tapes, and is a frequent occurance, although it doesn't happen all the time. I have a hard time believing that I have 2 bad tape drives...or many, many bad LTO tapes. I ran the dell diagnostics on the servers per dell support's recommendation, and it came up with 0 errors. I suspect that the error is erroneous, however, it is a problem as we do several remote backups from a single server, and when the error occurs, a "tape error" state occurs on the drive, and subsequent backup jobs fail, until you eject the tape, and re-insert it.

a google search for this error came up with a couple of documents that state that a firmware update may be necessary, but I can find no firmware download on Dell's site for the PV-110-LTO.

I thought perhaps our backup software was at fault (arcserve 7 for Netware), and that an upgrade might change things. We upgraded to Arcserve 9 for Netware, and we're still getting the error. NOS is Netware 6.0, spk3. Arcserve's tape engine says that the "revision" is E21V.

alices · Answer

I just got the same message on 2 LTO tapes in a Dell 128T autoloader.  Web resources are next to none.  Has anyone found an explanation or resolution?

JaeHan · Answer

I am also getting this error in veritas backup exec 9. Warning - The memory in the tape cartridge has failed, which reduces performance. Do not use the cartridge for further backup operations. Would like any help available to resolve this.

Thanks

G-Man67 · Answer

I am having the same problem on our PE2500, tape light flashes errors, events in the log are below. The tape backup with BackupExec 6 seems to work, but takes 5 hours longer than before (used to be 30 mins or so). This all began after Service Pack 4 for Server 2000 and the worm.

\Device\Scsi\adpu160m2, did not respond within the timeout period.

The description for Event ID ( 33344 ) in Source ( Backup Exec ) cannot be found. The local computer may not have the necessary registry information or message DLL files to display messages from a remote computer. The following information is part of the event: The event log file is corrupt..

harpdude · Answer

Dell support said that there is a real possibility that the memory chip in the tape could be bad (they are manufactured in huge batches). The backup job may run, but you may not be able to restore from the tape...or the data may be corrupted (what's the dif?..right?!). You could try a restore to a different location and then verify the data. But, probably the easiest thing to do is keep sending the tapes back to Dell (call customer service, not technical support) Check your batch and serial numbers on the tapes and let them know. Also, post the batch and serial numbers on this forum. The moderator will see the recurring problem, report it, and they will stop shipping the bad tapes.

Here is the info from the back of the tape:

604353Y2 made in japan

033Q113431 519 028

roberthill · Answer

I had the same errors (Windows Event ID 58020 "The memory in the tape cartridge has failed which reduces performance. Do not use the cartridge for further backup operations.") from Veritas on one of my tapes (Dell Ultrium 1 100/200). I contacted support and a new tape arrived today.

Tape Info:

503353Y2 made in Japan

0333103867 514 027

Good Luck.

Robert

cac4 · Answer

I don't understand.  I don't buy my tapes from Dell;  I buy them from someone else, and they're made by either maxell or fuji.  (we've had the issue with both brands, although, I suppose they could all be made in the same factory).  Why would Dell send me replacement tapes?   our tapes are used in an 'archival' nature...that is, we need a picture of what was there on certain days.  I can't be sending my only backup  off to dell every time this happens. (especially since it happens all the time)   I need that data.  (we restore individual files frequently, and have yet to have a problem with that).  We have reported the issue to our supplier, and they've basically said '{shrug}'.

alices · Answer

One thing I have remembered in all this is that my 128T is an HP device.  When I use HP tapes, I do not get this error, just with the Dell tapes.   I also have multiple 132T autoloaders.  I have not gotten this error on any Dell tapes in the 132T's, just the 128T (the HP device).  The 132T's are manufactured by ADEC (sp?).  I guess my resolution will be to only use HP tapes in the 128T.

harpdude · Answer

Sorry about that...I should have clarified in my original post that our tapes are Dell branded, and we purchased them through Dell.  So your supplier may handle this differently.  I also wouldn't be suprised if Fuji and Maxell tapes are made in the same factory though.

dfedders · Answer

I'm getting this same error on two different tape drives. One runing BackupExec 8.6, and the other 9. All HP tapes.

It looks like I have the latest firmware from Dell. Should I try and see if the latest HP firmware works? These are just rebadged HP drives, correct? Has anyone tried this?

dfedders · Answer

That is not the same error that the rest of us are getting, gman.  You had a different error.

G-Man67 · Answer

I discovered, to my chagrin, that the SCSI driver updates I had downloaded from MS Windows Update were my problem.

After going to Dell's support and finding the right drivers for my 2500 and using those drivers all my issues were fixed.

Now the tape backup job runs at the correct speed and I do not get the error in my log file

AND the tapes are not giving me the red light/error logs to not use them.

The filename for my drivers was WIN2KA13.exe

G-MAN67

BTW, I am using BackupExec 8.5 not 6

jimtxas · Answer

I am getting the same error as well on the 2600 using IMATION tapes in Version 9.0 REV 4367. What is interesting, however, is that I only get this error on my Monday backups. I can use a hundred tapes on Mondays but I consistantly get this error. Monday's backups are the same as the rest, by the way, I run Full Systems daily...

Let me know if anyone has heard anything...

J. Newman

logarithme · Answer

It's very strange.

I have the same problem : every mondays, I need to restart my DLT. The error occured after the monday server reboot.

Note : My server reboot every day and the problem occured only on monday.

My server is a PowerEdge 1650 with adpu160m2 device...

Y. Ambert

milby · Answer

Hi All,

I am having this issue as well:

the device, \Device\scsi\adpu160m2, did not respond within the timeout period.

the event id is 9.

Using windows 2000 server and a dell poweredge 2550, backup exec 8.6.

The backup job just fails with "(on hold)" and I have to abort it.

Still investigating - any help will be appreciated.

oh - have tried a variation of BASF, HP, SONY and MAXELL tapes. All producing the same error!!!

your friend · Answer

Dear all,

Pls refer to below definiens:

The LTO-CM(LTO-Cartridge Memory ) stores information that is normally stored in the header at the beginning of the tape, including identification and usage information such as the number of times the cartridge has been loaded, when it was last cleaned, and error logs. If the LTO-CM becomes damaged, you may experience difficulty with the cartridge.

PowerVault

PV-110-LTO memory errors

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