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BackupExec 12.5, clearing off tapes

I have a bunch of old backup tapes that I want to clear off for a new set of backups.

The media label's are "LTO000001", 2, 3, etc. I'm completely new to tapes, so what is the correct procedure to "start from scratch" with six of these tapes?

I've already tried inserting the tape, going to Devices, Inventory, then tried doing a Long Erase... that took 6 hours until I finally cancelled it thinking that wasn't correct. It never showed a % complete...

So what is the correct, step-by-step method?

Thanks!

EG777

• Have you tried to add tapes to the media set?
• Start backup with Overwrite option.

prashant_sawant

First create a new media set of the nos of tape u want in the set.
Please select the Overwite option the media. This will overwrite the media which will also erase the previous data,
So u dont have to erase the media first.

Try this out and let us know.

Member_2_231077

You just want to get the old ones out of your backup rotation? in media view right click on them and move them to the retired media set.

devoleb

ASKER

There are about 15 tapes in this "Daily Backup Rotation" media set.

I am ditching tape for daily backups and instead using tape for a "Monthly Backup Rotation"

I guess I'll try creating a new Monthly media set and set to overwrite. Maybe that'll work?
I'll only use ~7 of the tapes... the others will be unused.

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devoleb

ASKER

Ended up dragging&dropping tapes from existing media set to a new media set with no overwrite protection. Then queued job and was able to write to/overwrite the tape.