Ultrium 960 SCSI Problem

[T. Gusset]

Hi
we have an ultrium 960 connected to an IBM x346 server using a Adaptec 29320 SCSI host controller. We also use ArcServe 11.1 for backup. OS is Windows 2003.
Backup doesn't work. What we see is:
- after reboot there is an entry in event viewer (controller error on \Device\Scsi\adpu3201)
- if we start a backup, tape will be formated, but after 15 minutes there is an error (timeout on \Device\Scsi\adpu3201)
- we changed all components (SCSI controller, tape, SCSI cable) -> the same problem
- we tried to use an other server -> the same problem
- we disabled tape drive in device manager -> same problem
- test with hp tape tools reports no problems

Any idea what could be wrong?

[Basil Vizgin]

Try to disable removable storage service in Windows.

[T. Gusset]

removable storage service is disabled now (it looks like ArcServe stops the service if its tape service starts). The problem still exists.

[Heshmat]

If Library and Tape tools is not reporting any issues most likely the hardware and cabling are ok, it might be an issue with the application. Checking on the software manufacturer's website found the list of Certified Stand Alone Tape Drive Manufacturers with the specific firmware versions. If you look at the list the Ultrium 960 is supported but only with certain firmware version. (Firmware history Version: G2AD 13 Jun 2005, Version: G29D 11 Mar 2005, Version: G27D 29 Nov 2004)
You might want to check the firmware version your drive has.
Also check the software default setting for block size, in some back up applications the block size is set to 1k which causes issues, make sure you change that setting to suit your needs (usually 64K-128K). And use new media.
Hope this helps, if not please provide info about Tape drive like current firmware, tape model or part number, Adaptec firmware and H/W version.


http://supportconnectw.ca.com/public/storage/infodocs/basb111win/basb111win_basecdl.html

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=12169&prodSeriesId=443365&swItem=co-31829-1&prodNameId=443366&swEnvOID=1005&swLang=8&taskId=135&mode=5

[Lewis Finch]

Assuming you only have 1 device connected have a look at this performance troubleshooting doc.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=lpg50460

[T. Gusset]

Thanks for all answers.
It looks like everything was o.k. - but didn't work anyway.
I replaced the Adaptec SCSI Controller with a HP (LSI) controller and it works now as expected. No more entries in event viewer, no errors in ArcServe, good performance.