Unable to overwrite LTO 3 tapes using HP Data Protector Express

[cepsaep]

I am using HP Data Protector Express 3.5 to perform a backup specific.
I am trying to overwrite LTO 3 tapes that have been used for a previous backup.
In the job I specify overwrite existing media.
If I put in a new tape it works fine but when I try to use an old tape it displays the alert "please insert compatible media"
How do I get it to overwrite old tapes?

[TapeDrive Killer 1 2]

This medias already have a name therefore they are good for an especific job already you have some options:

1. Erase this tape Cartridges

2. Delete Medias withing Data Protector Express

3. Go to Job's and medias and move this medias to your backup job.

Pablo Alvarado Siles

[D Wong]

Hi Cepsaep:

DPX software is very selective about overwriting any tape cartridge for a backup job. In fact, DPX will only overwrite the tape cartridge that was originally formated for the specific backup job you are trying to run.

1. You can Quick Erase the tape cartridge to remove the previous backup job formatted on the tape cartridge.

2. Or only use the tape cartridge that was originally formated for this DPX backup job and make sure DPX software is setup with the "Write Mode: Overwrite all media" on the Options page of the backup job properties.

Dave W.

[cepsaep]

Guys that's great. Thanks for your help it's working now.
I deleted the media from the old backup

Steve

[André Noordermeer]

In addition to comments by Dave.

You are probably using a rotation scheme.
In a very small shop of a client, they just want to rotate tapes over a 2 week period, but manage to loose track all the time, in spite of numbering, etc.
I stopped the rotation scheme and just let DPX do its thing on the days required.
Without rotation all tapes are accepted for overwrite, so no more problems.
If they forget to change tape? The same tape will be used again!