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Difficulty using DLT tape drive in Windows Server 2003 env.

I'm trying to use tape backup with CA ArcServe Backup on a windows server 2003 box, and I keep running into errors. I can't seem use the DLT tape drive. Whenever I go to use it, it's either offline, busy, or the tape format is unrecognized. I've put in two (what should be) new tapes and had the same problems. When I try to format the tape, I usually get a notice that the drive is busy. I'm new to DLT tapes and high-end backup software. I'm guessing there is something here I don't understand about the environment that is causing these problems.

I should add that I tried using the built-in Wiindows NTbackup to write to the tape and I got an error that the media couldn't be located. I took that to mean the software was unhappy with the tape format or the tape drive was currently inacessible (busy?).

This tape drive is not new, it's an external Compaq 20/40 DLT SCSI tape drive, so can't be certain the tape drive isn't the problem.

PortableLighting

Since it is a SCSI drive, make sure it is terminated correctly. Improper termination can cause as sorts of strange things.
If in doubut, check the documentation that came with the drive for termination instructions.

bjulian

ASKER

I don't have the documentation for the tape drive, unfortunately. I got the drive secondhand. It has a terminating device plugged into the second SCSI slot on the tape drive right now. The tape drive is the only device on the scsi cable, too. I did initially make the mistake of trying to use the device without a terminator, and the SCSI card utility wouldn't recognize the presence of the tape drive until I plugged it in. I assumed at that point I had it properly terminated. Is this a reasonable assumption?

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PortableLighting

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bjulian

ASKER

I have a Compaq 20/40GB DLT Tape Drive, series 3306, p/n: 30-60085-17. It is connected to an Adaptec AHA-2940U2W SCSI card.

I took your advice and googled the SCSI card and found lots of documentation on the Adaptec site:
http://www.adaptec.com/en-US/support/scsi/ultra2/AHA-2940U2W/

Not much luck with the Compaq tape drive though.

I do have other tape drives and scsi cards, so they might be an option, I just wasn't able to get the other HP tape drive to recognize in the SCSI utils.

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PortableLighting

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bjulian

ASKER

I'm using an external cable, about 3 feet long, I think it's Compaq brand, because it has a part number with a similar numbering scheme to the tape drive (30-60092-01). It is also a 68 pin to 50 pin cable. I went into the BIOS and lowered the max speed for that device to 40MB/s and it's working better already. I was able to format a tape. This weekend I'm going to schedule a backup and see if it will write to tape.

dovidmichel

From within the OS Device Manager disable the tape drive, restart the server, and then let us know if it works better.

PortableLighting

Good! It sounds like you are making some progress. unfortunatley, SCSI is not very "plug-n-play".

Let us know your results.

-Chris

bjulian

ASKER

The device speed was the issue. The tape seems to be working fine now, I've formatted, erased and written backups to the tape, no issues. Thanks, Chris!

PortableLighting

Hey, I am glad I could help.

Take care and best regards!