Operate Tape Library: Tasks

Reading a Tape Library Media Label

DPX reads the labels of every tape you select and displays the results in the VOLSER field. Use this function if you have a tape library that does not support bar codes and no information is displayed. You can also use this function to ensure that the barcode and label are correctly associated.

To read a media volume label:

1. Select the Read Media Volume Label function by doing one of the following:
   • From the menu bar, select Function > Read Label.
   • On the task panel, click Read Label.
2. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

Tip.

You can select multiple tape library slots, drives, and import/export ports. Select any of the resources in the tape library by clicking it. To select a range of resources SHIFT-click the last resource in the range. To select additional resources without unselecting those already selected, CTRL-click each subsequent resource to be selected.

• Select the tape library slot containing the media volume whose label you want to read and drag the media volume onto an empty drive (device).\
• Select the tape library slot containing the media volume whose label you want to read and select an empty drive (device).
  Once you’ve selected the media volume, click GO.

DPX acquires the drive and loads the media volume.

Reading label appears in the Status field of the Device panel of the right pane of the Operate Tape Library window when the drive starts to read the media volume.

After the label has been read, the volume serial number, as stored on the media volume label, is displayed under the VOLSER column heading in the Device panel in the right pane. After the media volume unloads and returns to its assigned slot, the volume serial number, as stored on the media volume label, is displayed under the VOLSER column heading of the left pane.

Note.

For AML, IBMATL, and ACSLS tape libraries, the Read Media Label function is inactive.

Labeling Tape Library Media

The Labeling Tape Library Media function labels media volumes contained within a tape library. This provides an easy way to label multiple media volumes automatically. Use this function to tell how you want the media labeled.

Note. Relabeling an already used tape will make the data recorded on the tape inaccessible for future use.

Before labeling tape library media:

If the media volume is in a media pool, you should delete it from the pool. See “Deleting a Media Volume”.

To label a media volume:

1. Select the Write Label Volume function by doing one of the following:

   • From the menu bar, select Function > Write Label.
   • On the task panel, click Write Label.

2. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

   Tip. You can select multiple tape library slots, drives, and import/export ports. Select any of the resources in the tape library by clicking it. To select a range of resources SHIFT-click the last resource in the range. To select additional resources without unselecting those already selected, CTRL-click each subsequent resource to be selected.

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume to be labeled and drag the media volume onto an empty drive (device).

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume whose label you want to write and select an empty drive (device).

     Once you’ve selected the media volume, click GO.

     The Write Tape Label dialog box appears.

3. Complete the active fields in the Write Tape Label dialog:

   • Media Pool to Use

     Works in conjunction with the Media_Label field. Depending on the labeling method you select, this field identifies either the media pool to which the newly labeled media volumes are added or the media pool from which labels are used. Select a media pool from the pull-down list.

   • Media Label

     From the pull-down list, select the method used to specify the VOLSER. The following selections are available:

     Use Barcode	DPX uses the barcode on the media volume. This entry appears only if your tape library has barcode capabilities, the SSJUKER barcode option was set, and the tape has a barcode that was read by the barcode reader. This is the recommended option. This selection activates the Maximum_Pass, the Capacity, and the Long_Barcode_Handling fields. Media volumes are easier to manage if the barcode, the volser on the volume label, and the volser in the media pool all match. When performing backups and restores, verifies the volser on the volume label against the volser in the media pool.
     Use Free Volsers	DPX selects available (unassigned) volsers from the selected media pool.
     Specify Starting VOLSER	DPX sequentially labels multiple media volumes at the same time. This selection activates the Starting VOLSER, the Maximum_Pass, and the Capacity fields. For Starting VOLSER, enter up to six alphanumeric characters, no spaces. If you are labeling multiple tapes, DPX increments the number by one for each tape. It is best to use a volser that is not yet defined. If you use a defined volser, its status must be new.

   • Starting VOLSER

     This field is activated only if Specify Starting VOLSER was selected as your Media_Label type.

     Enter a volser (up to six alphanumeric characters, no spaces) that you want to use as a media volume label. If you are labeling multiple tapes, DPX increments the number by one for each tape. It is best to use a volser that is not yet defined. If you use a defined volser, its status must be new.

   • Maximum Pass

     This field is activated only if Use Barcode or Specify Starting VOLSER was selected as your Media_Label type. Maximum_Pass is the number of times to which a media volume should be written, including second passes.

     Enter a number recommended by the manufacturer (for example, 500). After the specified number of passes, DPX no longer requests the media volume for backups and will not accept it if it is mounted for backup. It is still available for restores. This option is not always enforced.

   • Capacity

     This field is activated only if Use Barcode or Specify Starting VOLSER was selected as your Media_Label type. Capacity is the native storage capacity of the media volume(s). Enter a number, then select a unit of measure from the pull-down menu: megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). DPX uses this field to estimate free space on a media volume, but this field does not affect the amount of data DPX can actually store on the media volume.

   • Long Barcode Handling

     This field is activated only if Use Barcode was selected as your Media_Label type. Because DPX uses only up to six characters in the volume serial number (volser), the pull-down list allows you to select which six characters to use for the volser if your barcode is longer than six characters. The selection choices are Use Rightmost six barcode or Use Leftmost six barcode.

4. Click OK. DPX acquires the drive and loads the media volume.

   
   DPX checks if the media volume has a label. If the media volume is unlabeled, DPX labels it. If the media volume you select already has a label, DPX displays this label and does not relabel the media volume. However, you can relabel a labeled media volume by enabling the Ignore VOLSER option.

After the media volume is labeled, DPX returns the volume to its original slot. If media volume was a new (unlabeled) volume, DPX changes its Media_Status from New to Empty in the left pane.

Note.

For AML, IBMATL, and ACSLS tape libraries, the Label function is inactive.

Labeling Using Ignore Read Error and Ignore VOLSER Options

You may need to bypass a read error message or ignore an existing volser while labeling media. To do so, use the Ignore Read Error and the Ignore VOLSER options.

Ignore Read Error	If you receive read errors while labeling a media volume, set the Ignore Read Error option and try again. With this option set, DPX attempts to write a label even if a read error occurs.
Ignore VOLSER	This option allows you to label or format a media volume that already has a label. Even with this option set, however, you cannot relabel or format a media volume that is defined unless that media volume status is Empty.

To attempt to write a label even if a read error occurs, set the Ignore Read Error option:

1. From the menu bar, select Option > Format/Label > Ignore Read Error. ( * next to the menu choice indicates that it is selected.)
2. Repeat steps for labeling media in a tape library in the topic above.

To relabel labeled media volumes in a tape library, set the Ignore VOLSER Option:

1. From the menu bar, select Option > Format/Label > Ignore VOLSER. ( * next to the menu choice indicates that it is selected.)
2. Repeat steps for labeling media in a tape library in the topic above.

Note.

Initially the two settings are unselected. Thereafter, they default to the state they were in when the Operate Tape Library window was last exited.

Formatting Tape Library Media

Use this function to format tape volumes contained in a tape library.

To format a media volume:

1. Select the Format Tape Volume function by doing one of the following:

   • From the menu bar, select Function > Format Tape.
   • On the task panel, click Format Tape.

2. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

   Tip. You can select multiple tape library slots, drives, and import/export ports. Select any of the resources in the tape library by clicking it. To select a range of resources SHIFT-click the last resource in the range. To select additional resources without unselecting those already selected, CTRL-click each subsequent resource to be selected.

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume to be formatted and drag the media volume onto an empty drive (device).
   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume you want to format and select an empty drive (device).

   Once you’ve selected the media volume, click GO.

DPX acquires the drive and loads the media volume.

DPX checks if the media volume has a label. If the media volume is unlabeled, DPX formats it. If the media volume you select already has a label, DPX displays this label and does not format the media volume.

If you need to format labeled media volumes, set the Ignore VOLSER option as described in Labeling Using Ignore Read Error and Ignore VOLSER Options.

After the media volume is formatted, DPX returns the media volume to its original slot.

Note.

For AML, IBMATL, and ACSLS tape libraries, the Format function is inactive.

Formatting Using Ignore Read Error

If you receive read errors while formatting media volumes, set the Ignore Read Error option as described in Labeling Using Ignore Read Error and Ignore VOLSER Options. With this option set, DPX attempts to format a media volume even if a read error occurs.

Verifying Tape Library Media

Use this option to ensure that DPX can read either an entire media volume or a particular media volume partition. You can choose the level of verification you want performed.

Note.

The verify function is not currently available for NDMP devices.

To verify tape library media:

1. Select the Verify Tape Library Media function by doing one of the following:

   • From the menu bar, select Function > Verify Tape.
   • On the task panel, click Verify Tape.

2. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume to be verified and drag the media volume onto an empty drive (device).
   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume you want to verify and select an empty drive (device).

   Once you’ve selected the media volume, click GO.

   
   DPX acquires the drive and loads the media volume.

   
   The Verify Media dialog box appears.

The following describes the fields on the Define Verify Media dialog box.

• Level
  Specifies the data verification technique DPX uses when checking a media volume. The higher the verification level the greater the safety and the longer the verification takes. Each verification level builds upon the preceding level. For example, level 3 performs level 1 and level 2 verification as well. Choose a verification level from the pull-down menu.

  Level 1	Reads the partition to ensure that it is readable.
  Level 2	Reads the partition and ensures that the SIDF headers are present and contain the correct information. Performs level 1 verification as well.
  Level 3	Ensures that each file on the media volume generates a checksum value that matches the one contained in the SIDF header. This verification is only performed if the checksum feature was set to ON in Destination Options when the backup was cataloged. Performs level 1 and level 2 verifications as well.

• Partition #
  Indicates the partition you want to verify. The term partition refers to the backup on the media volume. A media volume contains multiple partitions or backups only if “Append Data” is selected in the Tape Usage field on the Set Job Destination Options screen. Enter 0 to verify the entire media volume.

3. Click OK. The Verify Media dialog box disappears.

Use the Monitor Operations dialog to view status information about the verification. If the verification fails, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot restore data. You can restore everything up to the failure point. You may want to scan the media volume to determine the location of the failure point and to see just what files you can restore.

See also.

Monitoring Operations

Note.

For ACSLS tape libraries, the Verify function is inactive.

Scanning Tape Library Media

Scan Tape Volume displays what is on media volumes contained in a tape library. The purpose of this option is to determine what is on a media volume when you don’t know. DPX tells you the file name, the node from which the file was backed up, and file attributes.

To scan tape library media:

1. Selected the Scan Tape Library Media function by doing one of the following:

   • From the menu bar, select Function > Scan Tape.
   • On the task panel, click Scan Tape.

2. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume to be scanned and drag the media volume onto an empty drive (device).
   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume you want to scan and select an empty drive (device).

   Once you’ve selected the media volume, click GO.

   The scan media volume dialog box appears.

3. Change the Partition number as needed. The partition number identifies the partition that contains the backup. If you want to scan another partition, enter the number in the Partition field.

4. Click Scan.

The message “scanning...” appears in the Operation Status field while the tape is being scanned. After the scan completes, the scan function fills in the fields of the dialog box. The Operation Status field displays the number of files scanned during this pass. To scan more files, click Scan again.

The following describes the fields in the Scan Tape dialog box:

• Backup Name
  Identifies the backup definition in which the file was backed up.
• Backup Type
  Identifies whether the file was backed up as part of a base, incremental, or differential backup.
• Tape VOLSER
  Identifies the media volume on which the file resides.
• Backup Date
  Identifies the date on which the file was backed up.
• Total Files Scanned
  Displays a running total of files scanned for this partition.
• Operation Status
  Shows the status of the media scan.
• Scan Results
  Scan results are displayed in columns described as follows:

| Partition | The partition on the media volume where the file or directory is backed up to. |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Node | The name of the node where the file or directory was backed up from. |
| Date Modified | The date the backed up file was last modified before the backup. |
| Size | The size of the file. |
| File Name | The name of the file. |

Warning!

If you click on the X in the upper right corner of the dialog box, you will close the dialog box and terminate the scan media procedure.

Note.

For ACSLS tape libraries, the Scan function is inactive.

Loading Media to a Tape Library Device

Use the Load Tape to Device function to load tape library media into a drive.

To load tape library media:

1. Select the Load Tape to Device function by doing one of the following:

   • From the menu bar, select Function > Load Tape to Device.
   • On the task panel, click Load Tape to Device.

2. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume to be loaded and drag the media volume onto an empty drive (device).
   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume you want to load and select an empty drive (device).

   Once you’ve selected the media volume, click GO.

DPX acquires the drive and loads the media volume.

Note.

For IBMATL and ACSLS tape libraries, the Load function is inactive.

Unloading Media from a Tape Library

Use the Unload Tape Library Media function to unload tape library media from a drive.

To unload tape library media:

1. Select the Unload Tape from Device function by doing one of the following:
   • From the menu bar, select Function > Unload Tape from Device.
   • On the task panel, click Unload Tape From Device.
2. Do one of the following to execute the operation.
   • Select the drive containing the media volume to be unloaded and drag the media volume onto its assigned slot. You can find the correct slot number by looking at the Slot# field in the Top Panel of the right pane.
   • Select the drive containing the media volume to be unloaded and select its assigned slot You can find the correct slot number by looking at the Slot# field in the Top Panel of the right pane.
   • Once you’ve selected the correct media volume, click GO on the task panel.

DPX unloads the media volume to its assigned slot and releases the drive.

Note.

For IBMATL and ACSLS tape libraries, the Unload function is inactive.

Importing Media Into a Tape Library

To import tape into a tape library:

1. Before importing a media volume, you can set options. To set an option, from the menu bar, select Option > Import/Export > option. ( * next to the menu choice indicates that it is selected.)

Force Action	Imports media volumes without doing any checking.
Hopper Support	Some tape libraries have ports capable of handling multiple media volumes. This option turns on this capability so multiple volume imports can be carried out. AML, IBMATL, and ACSLS tape libraries automatically use this option.

Note.

Initially the two settings are unselected. Thereafter, Hopper Support defaults to the state it was in when the Operate Tape Library window was last exited.

2. Select the Import Tape to Tape Library function by doing one of the following:

   • From the menu bar, select Function > Import Tape to Tape Library.
   • On the task panel, click Import Tape to Tape Library.

3. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

   Tip. You can select multiple tape library slots, drives, and import/export ports. Select any of the resources in the tape library by clicking it. To select a range of resources SHIFT-click the last resource in the range. To select additional resources without unselecting those already selected, CTRL-click each subsequent resource to be selected.

   • Select the import port containing the media volume to be imported and drag the media volume onto an unassigned slot.
   • Select the import port containing the media volume to be imported and select an unassigned slot.
   • After the correct slot is selected, click GO on the task panel.

The Offsite status of a tape can be viewed through the Operate Tape Library function, the Configure Media function, or in the media volume report. Note that when you use the Operate Tape Library function to import a tape with status Offsite, the Offsite status is cleared and the tape is available for use.

Note.

For IBMATL and ACSLS tape libraries, the Import Tape to Tape Library function is inactive.

Tip.

When you Import Tape to Tape Library, you must assign them to a media pool before they can be used. See Assigning Media in a Tape Library to a Media Pool.

Exporting Media

To export tape:

1. Before exporting a media volume, you can set options. To set an option, from the menu bar, select Option > Import/Export > option. ( * next to the menu choice indicates that it is selected.)

Force Action	Exports media volumes without doing any checking.
Hopper Support	Some tape libraries have ports capable of handling multiple media volumes. This option turns on this capability so multiple volume exports can be carried out. AML,IBMATL, and ACSLS tape libraries automatically use this option.

2. Select tapes to export.
   There are two methods for selecting tapes to export. You can export tapes of particular criteria such as job name or media status, or you can hand-pick tapes to export.
   To export tapes of particular criteria such as job name or media status:

   1. From the menu bar, select Function > Export Tape from Tape Library by Criteria. The Export Tape from Tape Library by Criteria dialog box appears. Do one of the following:
      • Under Export Method, select All Tapes, then click OK. All tapes are selected for export.
      • Under Export Method, select By Job Name. Under Job List, choose from a list of recent jobs that ran to the tapes in this tape library. Click OK. Those tapes to which the chosen job last ran are selected for export.
      • Under Export Method, select By Media Status. Under Media Status, choose a media status (such as full, appendable, empty). Click OK. All tapes of the chosen status are selected for export.
      • Under Export Method, select By Job Name And Media Status. This enables you to combine the two preceding criteria. Choose a Job Name and Media Status. Click OK. Those tapes of the chosen media status to which the chosen job last ran are selected for export.
      • Under Export Method, select No Tapes. No tapes are selected. You can export tapes using the hand-picked method.
   2. Select an equal amount of empty export ports.
   3. Click GO on the task panel.

   The window changes to show that the slots are empty and the ports are full.
   To hand-pick tapes to export:

   1. Utilize the Export Tape from Tape Library function through one of the following methods:
      • From the menu bar, select Function > Export Tape from Tape Library.
      • On the task panel, click Export Tape from Tape Library.
   2. Either drag-and-drop tapes or use the GO button as follows:
      • To drag-and-drop, select the tape library slot(s) containing the media volume(s) to be exported. Then drag and drop the tape(s) from the slot(s) to empty export port(s).
      • Select the tape library slot(s) containing the media volume(s) to be exported, then select an equal amount of empty export ports, then click GO.

   The window changes to show that the slot is empty and the port is full.

The window changes to show that the slot is empty and the port is full.

Tip.

To select multiple tape library slots or ports, select one of the resources in the tape library by clicking it. Then to select additional resources without unselecting those already selected, CTRL-click each subsequent resource to be selected. To select a range of resources SHIFT-click the last resource in the range.

Note.

For IBMATL and ACSLS tape libraries, the Export Tape from Tape Library function is inactive.

Refreshing Import/Export Ports

If a user physically removes or inserts a tape from a tape library port by hand (not through DPX), DPX has no knowledge of that action. You must instruct DPX to refresh the Import and Export port information in its Catalog. To do so, follow one of the following procedures:

• From the menu bar, select Function > Refresh Import/Export Slots.
• On the task panel, click Refresh Import/Export Slots.

DPX will examine the ports, and the port information on the Operate Tape Library window will be updated.

Assigning Media in a Tape Library to a Media Pool

This function is used to assign to a media pool a media volume not already assigned to a media pool.

Considerations:

• To move a media volume from one media pool to another use the Configure Media window, see Moving Media Volumes.

• Before you can add tape volume to a tape library, the -NLIFREADERR environment setting to the SSTPTMM environment variable must be set on the tape library device server. If the SSTPTMM environment variable is not set, set it and properly shut down the communication agent (cmagent) and restart. For Windows, DPX registry entries are in:\

    HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Syncsort\\BEX\\nodename\\0.

Warning!

Changes to registries or environmental variables should be done only by qualified administrators. If done incorrectly, such changes can adversely affect applications or operating systems. Contact Catalogic Software Data Protection Technical Support if you need assistance.

To assign media to a media pool:

1. Before adding a media volume, from the menu bar, select Option > Add Tape Volume > Enable All Methods. (An * next to Enable All Methods indicates that it is selected.)

2. Select the Add Tape Volume to a Media Pool function by doing one of the following:

   • From the menu bar, select Function > Add Tape Volume.
   • On the task panel, click Add Tape Volume.

3. Drag the media volume from its slot to the media pool to which you want to add the media volume. The targeted media pool is highlighted as you drag the media in to the media pool.

4. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

   Tip. You can select multiple tape library slots, drives, and import/export ports. Select any of the resources in the tape library by clicking it. To select a range of resources SHIFT-click the last resource in the range. To select additional resources without unselecting those already selected, CTRL-click each subsequent resource to be selected.

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume to be added to a media pool and drag the media volume onto the media pool to which you want to add the media volume.
   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume to be added to a media pool and select the media pool to which you want to add the media volume.

   Once you have selected the slot and media pool, click GO on the task panel.

   The Add Tape Volume dialog box appears.

5. Complete the active fields in the Add Tape Volume dialog:

   • Media_Label

   From the pull-down list, select the method used to specify the VOLSER. The following selections are available:

   Use Barcode	DPX uses the barcode on the media volume. This entry appears only if your tape library has barcode capabilities, the SSJUKER barcode option was set, and the tape has a barcode that was read by the barcode reader. This is the recommended option. This selection activates the Maximum_Pass, the Capacity, and the Long_Barcode_Handling fields.Media volumes are easier to manage if the barcode, the volser on the volume label, and the volser in the media pool all match. When performing backups and restores, DPX verifies the volser on the volume label against the volser in the media pool.
   Use Free Volsers	DPX selects available (unassigned) volsers from the selected media pool.
   Specify Starting VOLSER	DPX sequentially labels multiple media volumes at the same time. This selection activates the Starting VOLSER, the Maximum_Pass, and the Capacity fields. For Starting VOLSER, enter up to six alphanumeric characters, no spaces. If you are labeling multiple tapes, DPX increments the number by one for each tape. It is best to use a volser that is not yet defined. If you use a defined volser, its status must be new.

   • Maximum_Pass

   Enter a number recommended by the manufacturer (for example, 500). After the specified number of read/write passes, DPX no longer requests the media volume for backups and will not accept it if it is mounted for backup. It is still available for restores. This option is not always enforced.

   • Capacity

   Capacity is the native storage capacity of the media volume(s). Enter a number, then select a unit of measure from the pull-down menu: megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). DPX uses this field to estimate free space on a media volume, but this field does not affect the amount of data DPX can actually store on the media volume.

6. Click OK. DPX acquires the drive and adds the media volume to the media pool.

Note.

For AML, IBMATL, and ACSLS tape libraries, the Add Tape Volume function is inactive.

Canceling the Last Operation

To cancel the last tape library operation, do one of the following:

• Right-click the slot name or icon or device name or icon for which you want to cancel the last operation to display a context menu. (You can also do this if the device is selected.) Select Cancel Device Operation.
• From the menu bar, select Function > Cancel Tape Library Operation.
• On the task panel, click Cancel Tape Library Operation.

Note.

The operation may have entered a stage beyond which you cannot cancel the operation, and cancelling will fail.

Monitoring Operations

Use the Monitor Tape Library Operation function to monitor tape library operations with more detailed information. You can also use Monitor Tape Library Operation to diagnose problems.

To monitor tape library operation, doing one of the following:

• Right-click any device name or icon to display a context menu. The Device Operations Monitor dialog appears.

• Select the device you want to monitor and do one of the following:\

  • From the menu bar, select Function > Monitor Tape Library Operation.
  • On the task panel, click Monitor Tape Library Operation.

  The Device Operations Monitor message box appears. If a particular item is not expanded, you can expand it by clicking the + next to it.