HP storageworks SDLT 160/320 errors with restore ?

[CA1213007]

We just installed a new HP 160/320 with Yosimite 7.0 backup software on a server with Novell 4.2. We can't restore off an old DLT IV data carrridge more than half the data. We tried a different DLT IV cartridge and it errors out at about 10 Gig when we know there is about 23 Gig of info. Almost the exact file the 1st tape errors out. Errors are multiple - most are SCSI timeout errors. We are reading the old tapes in by "import a tape" option. Any ideas?

[Cameron Todd]

Does the DLT IV tape in question restore ok in a DLT IV tape drive?

I suspect drive and/or tape tolerances are causing the read of the old tape to eventually fail in the new high-density drive.

Unlikely it would be the OS or backup s/w at fault.

The SCSI error is unusual, but I assume you have rechecked all the SCSI cables and terminations are intact - and in any event reading a DLT IV in a SDLT drive is quite a gamble.

I assume you have tested the new SDLT drive by backing up data and restoring from a new SDLT tape.

[CA1213007]

The DLT IV tape drive broke necessitating the neeed for the new one. We checked all SCSI cables and even tried it with other SCSI devces disabled to check for conflicts. The new SDLT drive was checked for a full backup and it functioned perfectly.

I was trying to restore about 23 Gigs- a lot. Where I am now is to buy another vs 80 unit to restore the HD- then immediately BU to the 160/320. Only problem is I buy a vs80 for one shot. I don't think I can avoid that- I really need the data- soon. I guess that is the price on High Tech

[Cameron Todd]

them's the breaks.

I haven't actually read anywhere that DLT IV and SDLT are not fully compatible, but in reality I have had regular issues in trying to do what you require.

I don't suppose you are closeby to anyone who could lend a DLT IV drive. Your HP vendor, even?

Depends also on how huge a DLT IV library you have archived. If there are a lot of tapes in existence and a legal/audit requirement to maintain that archive for years to come then you are definitely justified in buying a new drive for them even if it stays wrapped in plastic for 99.9% of its life.

[CA756694]

The SDLT drive should be able to read DLT IV tapes written with a vs80 drive, according to the specifications.

Post your email address. Might be able to help with a loan drive or similar. I might also need to look at the LTT support ticket to see what is happening exactly. Can you do that ??

cheers

John

[CA1213007]

John-

Thanks so much for taking time to help. I don't know what the LLT ticket is. Anyway I wound up buying another drive for the old drive. I was under a dead line and had to get tht data. If this si successful I will then have time to research the problem. I have about 100 old tapes and wasn't sure if the new drive would function-- I couldn't take the chance. So all in all this appears to be the solution that solves the problem across the spectrum. Thanks so much to all who made suggestions.