SureStore 718 Autoloader Tape Read Errors

[Kathy Leonard]

Using Veritas Backup Exec 10 build 5520 with this 8 tape autoloader on Windows 2000 SP4. Veritas is reporting errors "The tape drive is having problems reading data. No data has been lost but there has been a reduction in the performance of the tape."

Veritas website reports that these errors are caused by severe errors reading data on the tape. These are backup jobs running on mostly Maxell DLT IV tapes (some new, some old) 40/80GB.

I have heard that HP drives "prefer" only HP tapes but I'm curious to know if this drive is having problems or if the tapes are the problem.

Any help or insight appreciated.

Kathy Leonard

[Curtis Ballard · Accepted solution]

If the problems are occurring on new Maxell DLT media then you probably have a worn drive head. Check to see which tapes are reporting the issues.

HP recommends HP media because it focuses it's testing on using HP media but does do some testing with other brands. Since that product was discontinued several years ago no recent testing has been done but the 718 did have some testing with Maxell media before release.

[Kathy Leonard]

Thanks. I had a feeling that the problem was the drive and not the tapes.