Backup Exec 9.0 Works, But NTBACKUP does not...

Question

Windows 2000 Server SP4PowerVault 112T DLT VS80 (1 drive)Backup Exec 9.0 r. 4367 I have backup exec working, but ntbackup still doesn't recognize media in the drive.  It does see the drive and has 'DLT' listed as a backup destination.  But when I go to start a backup, immediatly an error pops up saying 'There is no unused media availble with the selected type-- Add unused media or click Cancel to select another type'.  Microsoft confirmed this to be a problem PRE SP4, when the problem was actually a dirty drive.  I have upgraded to SP4, Cleaned the drive, and disabled Backup Exec services, but still no luck. Also, In removeable storage manager, under Physical Locations, there is a red x over the icon with the title 'Dell (TM) Powervault (TM) 110DLT1/VSTape Drive. With backup exec and it's drivers installed, will it not let ntbackup function?   Thanks!Paul Green

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi Paul,

As you have found, BackupExec prevents the native NTBackup from functioning properly. Usually, you can stop and set to manual, all the BackupExec services (7) and then restart the system and the NTBackup program wll work again.

Thanks for using the Dell Community Forums!

nenadb · Answer

Hi Marc

i do not have BackupExec installed but i'm still receiving the same message.
DLT drive is recognized - but when i start backup error message "There is no unused media..." pops up....

What should i do?

Thanks

Nenad

psgrn · Answer

Same here.. I have stopped the backup exec services, but still ntbackup does not recognize the media. Veritas says this is supposed to work, but no matter what, ntbackup doesn't recognize it. I've even updated the drivers with backup exec's drive update utility. But apparently this happens without backup exec even being installed..

Thanks

Paul

sreevatsa · Answer

Hi,

Would suggest you to apply the Latest Device Mapping patch;

Updates to VERITAS NetBackup(tm) 4.5 Windows 2000/NT device autodiscovery: external_robot_mapping rev 1.18.2.22, external_drive_mappings rev 1.10.2.10

Link as below:

http://support.veritas.com/menu_ddProduct_NETBACKUPDC.htm

Rgds

jamesm512 · Answer

With native NTBackup if you are getting unused media error, usually it means you need to manually prepare your tapes. You should be able to edit your Media Pools from inside Computer Management under Removeable Storage. Will potenitally need to unmount, mount, and prepare media. Hope that helps.

psgrn · Answer

Well, in removeable storage, I go to inject media, but it tells me "operation cannot be performed on an offline library". And the tape drive itself in Removeable Storage has a red x over it. Yet it's fine in control panel. I've updated to the latest BE 9.1 and the latest driver kit for it (which the driver it installs is a Dell(TM) PowerVault(TM) 110T DLT1/VSTape Drive, dated 9/8/2003., version 5.0. This even happens when the BE services are disabled and machine rebooted. This may not seem like an issue to some people, but I am having a problem doing a full backup in BE, and want to get this straightened out before troubleshooting more on that, for this could be part of the issue, as from what I hear most people are able to use NTBACKUP with BE (as long as services are disabled).

Thanks,

Paul

jamesm512 · Answer

You reminded me of something, when using BUE alot of customers disable Removable Storage Services, as BUE does not need to use it. But NTbackup does. From my experience with BUE it is either hit or miss when installed and trying to use Native. But basically, make sure Removeable Storage has not been disable and is started, disable all BUE services and also look back in Removeable Storage, click on tape device and choose library/tape device, then pick properties, make sure the "Enable Tape Library or Device" is checked.

Others things to look for:

1. Verify no bent pins cable. As well as reseat SCSI card and cable on both ends.

2. This is silly I know, but make sure tape library is on an actual SCSI controller, not attached to a RAID controller. I know it sounds weird but had clients in the past who did that, and yes you will get intermitten results from the TBU if attached to a RAID controller instead of a SCSI controller.

3. Check your H/W IRQS in BIOS, not windows. Make sure your SCSI controller is not sharing IRQs with another device. i.e. RAID or NIC. If so, disable some device under Integrated and reboot to allow PCI IRQ chart to refresh.

4. Make sure SCSI driver is at latest, and even reinstall. Corrupted SCSI driver can cause issues.

5. Reset SCSI controller by booting to Ctrl-A bios and hitting F6 to reset to defaults.

6. Try slowing down throughput on SCSI controller, if U320 could be causing an issue with a U160 device and instead of letting it autonegotiate could set it for 80 or 160/MB. Basically trying lower the speed and hard setting, see if any results.

If you are still having issue I would contact Dell support, if it is faulty h/w you probably want it replaced.

Message Edited by jamesm512 on 02-06-2004 08:09 PM

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Backup Exec 9.0 Works, But NTBACKUP does not...

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