DDS4 the device reported an error on request to write data to media Error reported hardware failure

[Matthew Darcy_1]

Hi,

First I'll state my hardware and Software configuration.
Windows 2000 Pro Workstation
Fully Service packed/patched up
Ntbackup (built in application)

Hardware
Inetel Pentium 4
Tekram DC-395 WU SCSI Card (latest BIOS) using Latest Tekram Drivers
Compaq/HP DDS4 SCSI Tape Drive Using Microsoft Driver 5.0.2195.6717 (I have
tried this with the HP driver too)

The problem.

I attempt to backup a partition on my workstation. The size is approx 15 gig
of data.
I start the backup and it starts to run. I get approx 15 to 40 minutes into
the backup and get the following error
the device reported an error on request to write data to media Error
reported hardware failure

All the device stats check out, I have cleaned the tape drive, tried
different tapes, turned on / off hardware compression tried a DDS3 tape.

I am not sure what to try next, no devices report errors. The drivers are
all up to date. I have tried other drivers, I am not using 3rd party backups
software.

Has anyone seen this, know how to fix it, or have any suggestions on
debugging it ?

Thanks,

Matt.

[V.Tamilvanan]

Hi,
Try replacing the DDS4 Drive.

[Matthew Darcy_1]

The DDS Device has worked under linux,
I am more convinced it is a software/OS configuration.

Matt.

[Marino Meloni_1]

hi,
have a look if this apply


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb%3Ben-us%3B817688

marino

[Marino Meloni_1]

Sorry I see too late that this was related to Win2003.

anyway the device may have hardware problems writing data on the tape, the caus e may be the tapes themself or the head of unit, or a communication problem related to drivers, hba, scsi cable or terminator.

my suggestion is to run StorageWorks Library and Tape tools, run diagnostics and check in th support ticket for an answer

marino

[Matthew Darcy_1]

Hi,

This seems like a very good idea to run the StorageWorks diags.

I am unable to find the link for storage works diags, I only get the "buy some new products" style pages on http://h18006.www1.hp.com/storage/

Anyone have the link or could post me the diag package.

Thanks,

Matt

[Eugeny Brychkov · Accepted solution]

http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storageworks/ltt/index.html
Eugeny

[Matthew Darcy_1]

Hi again all.

I have download storage works, all the tests run fine.

The problem is still happening.

I have tried different tapes/cables/drivers (the HP and Microsoft one - even though they are supposed to be the same)

There is 1 interesting point, in the Storage works I am able to download a new firmware for the DDS device. It appears in the firmware directory, the question is

a.) Is there any other tests I can do to test this device

b.) How can I apply the firm ware I have downloaded.

Here is a cut and paste from the latests backup test.

Backup Status
Operation: Backup
Active backup destination: 4mm DDS
Media name: "DDS4 General Tape 01"

Backup of "D: "
Backup set #1 on media #1
Backup description: "Music Backup 26/10/2003"
Backup Type: Normal

Backup started on 26/10/2003 at 15:18.

Error: The device reported an error on a request to write data to media.
Error reported: Hardware failure.

Backup completed on 26/10/2003 at 15:23.
Directories: 9
Files: 62
Bytes: 256,841,794
Time: 2 minutes and 5 seconds

Thanks,

Matt.

[Eugeny Brychkov]

Matt,
is it possible to try HBA from list http://www.hp.com/cposupport/information_storage/support_doc/lpg50063.html and check cables and termination?
To upgrade firmware you should select device to the left and go to Function -> Firmware Update, then pick firmware file.
Please generate support ticket for the drive (by pressing big Support icon) and attach to your next reply zipped
Eugeny

[Matthew Darcy_1]

Thanks for the response and suggestions.

I managed to update the firmware to the latest version, but again the test backup failed.

I'll attempt to get one of the HBA's from the list from the office to %100 follow up on your suggestions, although according to the info I have on the device, my Card/Cable should cause no problem.

I have generated a support ticket as requested and attatched it (zipped)

Any further comment, suggestions, or advice is welcome.

I am curious as to why the backup stops at random points (sometimes 30 seconds in sometimes 79 minutes in ? when each time the data being backed up is the same)

[Eugeny Brychkov]

Support ticket is not rich of useful information. But if you'll look into 'Drive Error Statistics' section you'll see that there're a lot of errors, including uncorrectable.
Which tapes do you use? Could you please post model and manufacturer? Is it possible to try another vendor MRS tapes? I think there're should be dip switches somewhere on the drive. If yes, check how are they set
Eugeny

[Matthew Darcy_1]

Hi,

I have tried using 3 times of tape.

1.) Verbatim "datalife"
2.) Maxell
3.) Sony

The exact model of the device is a
compaq SDT-10000
Using firmware revision 1.16

I noticed the errors you are suggesting in the support ticket, however I am no master of understanding these other than serious errors occured.

I am trying to find the documentation so I can work out what the jumpers on the back of the device are set to, as I can gather they are only used to set the SCSI id, but I am trying to find the docs to verify this.

I also performed another read/write test to make sure it didn't complete as a 1 off.

and it didn't have any problems (details posted bellow)


Transfer rate : 2.3 MB/s (during test execution - write)
Transfer rate : 2.2 MB/s (during test execution - read)
Read/Write Test - PASSED.

Test 'Read/Write Test' started on device 'COMPAQ SDT-10000' at address '3/0.6.0'

Test passed

Looking at this log the test does a 200 meg backup test and then reads the data. This suggests to me that the device itself is actually working, and that the problem is using the "ntbackup.exe" backup software, as the errors often occur before 200 meg - and if the read/write test can write 200 meg EVERY time, that suggests to me the ntbackup is causing the errors (I am not stating fact I am guessing on results)

Any comment on that ?

All good advice, and I am open to more.

thanks,

Matt.

[Pedro de F.Lima Neto_1]

Dear Matt,

I was looking for a solution on the same problem and I found that we have a common thing that might answer our questions:

Although the tape drive in one of my clients that faces this problem is a SONY DLT-9000 (different from yours), I use too a Tekram DC-395 WU SCSI Card (with the latest drivers) in this site. The error is the same:

"Error: The device reported an error on a request to write data to media"

I have a feeling that the bad guy here is not our tape drives, but the SCSI card!

I hope this helps you figuring out the solution for this problem, because I think I have found a possible explanation for it.

Greatings,

Pedro Lima