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Problems With Backing Up A File

I have attepted to use MS Windows Backup with the GUI and with a batch file to backup a nightly Oracle dump file containing approximately 10 gb of data, but cannot get the results I want. The file is backed up to a tape in an Exabyte VXA-2e tape drive and the operating system on my workstation is MS Windows 2000. I want to do a Normal backup and overwrite the file on the tape at each backup session, but I keep getting the following message:

"The operation was not performed because no unused media was available."

The following syntax is used in the batch file:
ntbackup backup d:\archive\mad2.dmp /j "MAD2" /t "mad2" /n "mad2" /HC:on

Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong and also suggest a better backup software program that is reasonably priced ?

Thanks

Bartender_1

When you're using NTBackup to backup your data, you have to do a backup to get the media entered into the library.
My recommendation:

Do a backup using the backup wizard in Windows 2000.
Remember what you call the media. (important)
The next day, create a schedule and when it askes you what you want to backup to, use the drop down menu to select the media you created with the first backup.
Otherwise, it will continue to look for new blank media.

If you want seperate software, then I recommend Veritas. They're not cheap, but they're very reliable and easy to use.

Hope this helps!

:o)

Bartender_1

christucker

ASKER

Thanks Bartender_1. I have previously done what you said and tried it again after reading your comment but still continue to experience problems. The following report is produced when I attempt to backup a file after manually backing up with the GUI and naming the media:

Backup Status
Operation: Backup
Active backup destination: Ecrix VXA-1
Media name: "mad2"

Backup of "D: Local Disk"
Backup set #1 on media #1
Backup description: "Set created 9/5/2003 at 2:47 PM"
Backup Type: Copy

Backup started on 9/5/2003 at 2:48 PM.
Backup completed on 9/5/2003 at 2:48 PM.
Directories: 0
Files: 0
Bytes: 0
Time: 1 second

As you can see 0 files were backed up.

Bartender_1

Have you tried editing the batch file command to include the /UM switch?

/UM

Finds the first available media, formats it, and uses it for the current backup operation. You must use the /P switch to designate a device-type media pool when you use the /UM switch so that Backup searches for the appropriate type of media (for example, 4mm DDS). When you use the /UM switch, Backup will search the following media pools for available media: Free pool, Import pool, Unrecognized pool, and Backup pool. When available media is found, the search will stop and the media will be formatted and used without prompting you for input. This command is not applicable to tape loaders and should only be used if you have a stand-alone tape device.

Hope this helps.

:o)

Bartender_1

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