Have a Quantum PX502 tape library running BackupExec 12. Tape library documentation refers to "38 slots" and backup Exec sees 38 slots. However... when I pull out the drives,9right and left0 each drive one has space for 18 tapes, which gives me a total of 36 slots\tapes not 38. what am i missing?

Hi Tom

I am not certain but it sounds like the tape drive might not be seen by the library.

Try removing and re-installing the drives into the library.

LTO Repair service UK Based All manufacturers of LTO drives repaired

http://downloads.quantum.com/scalar/S50/manuals/81-81539-01_A01.pdf

The above may be helpful but i cannot see the error codes listed. This unit is the same as the PX502 so this may also help
http://www.sandirect.com/documents/PX500_Series_Users_Guide_81-81290-05_A01.pdf

Try also going to http://tape-drive-repair.com/ who have a repair centre to fix tape library units.

Look for a physical reason for the robot to stall.

http://www.quantum.com/ServiceandSupport/SoftwareandDocumentationDownloads/PX502/Index.aspx

http://downloads.quantum.com/px500/PX502_Quick_Start_Guide_81-81292-03_B01.pdf

A tape may be sticking out of its cell or a drive.

Never use sticky labels anywhere on the cartridge.

Event ID-7 is a "Bad Block" on the Tape being using. By design, when a Bad Block is encounter, the Tape Drive "Seizes the Tape" and goes offline. It can sometimes be difficult to get the Tape Drive to release the Tape. Refer to the Users Manual for instrcutions on how to Reset the Tape Drive. Sometimes applying the Firmware Update willl reset the Tape Drive and Eject the Tape.

Do not assume the Tape is Bad, but do not re-use until tested. The Tape may be Bad, the Tape Drive may simply need Cleaning or the Tape Drive may be Worn or Damaged. If you are using 3rd Party Backup Software, such as Backup Exec or Yosemite, you wan want to check the Removable Storage Servcie to see if it is set to Manual or Automatic. Any Tape Devices would need to be first Deleted in the Library Section of Removable Storage, then Sop and Disable Removable Storage. Since Removable Storage is in effect NTBACKUP, this Service can interfere with the Operation of your Backup Software and generate "Bad Block" Errors.

To Test the Tape with your Quantum Tape Drive, use a tool called XTALK ( xTalk-6.4.1.1_Quantum_Setup.exe ) that is found on Quantums Website http://www.quantum.com/ServiceandSupport/Index.aspx

You may run a write_read_full Test on the Tape. Be sure to Clean the Tape Drive first. If it fails the Tape, try it with a 2nd Tape, If it fails again, suspect the Tape Drive.

OldCountry73436

The unit will need to be repaired.  Consider getting a maintenance contract on it as my px502 cost me $700 to replace a sensor and cleaning and a few other minor issues.

1. Valueloader should have "SEQ" on front screen.
2. Insert media into Valueloader

NTBackup will NOT see individual tapes, but treat the SDLT320 drive as a stand alone with one big tape, and the Valueloader will automatically change tape, in sequence, until the backup is done.

This is the major difference between a "Autoloader" (Sequential Mode) and a "Library" (Random Mode).

In Sequential Mode the robot (or Medium Changer) is hidden from the OS, thus only providing a tape drive. The autoloader is smart enough to see incoming data and will move Tape1 into the drive. As the media fills, the autoloader will swap media on it's own. By the time the backup is complete, whether it be one or all 8 pieces of media, Windows has no clue that it's data crossed multiple pieces of media.

In Random mode, the library is dumb and will do nothing on its own. It's told by software (i.e. Backup Exec, CommVault, etc.) when to move a tape into the drive and which tape to move!

The advantage of using Random Mode is that software runs the show and media is effeciently managed. Restores are much quicker as the exact tape a file is recorded on can be directly loaded and extracted, vs. (worst case in Seq. mode) having to go through each tape, in sequence, before getting to the file that could be on that last tape (think hours!).

First off, I have to say that I have had nightmares with Quantum tape libraries. It is possible that they are still manufacturing lemons. I had one replaced 4-times and it still did not work!

Start troubleshooting by making sure that it is identified by the controller card it is connected to. You should see this during the server POST before Windows starts. If you don't see it there then Windows definitely won't see it. Send it to Quantum for service.

If the controller sees it then make sure that you are using the Backup Exec drivers. Never use the manufacturer's drivers with Backup Exec. Veritas, now Symantec, has a downloadable utility called the Device Driver Installation Wizard that will make sure you have the correct driver loaded.

I hope this helps.

If you cannot physically load a tape into the drive it is a hardware problem and the drive requires service. It is not a software problem.

Of course, the library could already have the maximum tapes it can hold. If this is the case then eject a tape from the library to make room for the tape you want to add.

I hope this helps.

Same problem with Backup Exec 10d and Superloader 3 LTO-3.
This is not my first problem with this Superloader. I think it is garbage and will likely be in the garbage very soon. Very expensive garbage unfortunately.

The host backup application probably still has ownership of the library. You normally need to select to 'open door' or something similar to release ownership back to the library