We have a mix of tapes - IBM/3M/imation etc.  We return our faulty tapes to
the manufacturer and we get free replacements.

We had the same problem some months ago. However after a few weeks all the
bad tapes had been checked out and we have very few tape errors now.

Richard.

=====================================
Technical Services (ADSM) - Dawson House
Int: 33298  Ext: 01925 233298
=====================================

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brazner, Bob [SMTP:Bob.Brazner AT JCI DOT COM]
> Sent: 14 December 1999 15:19
> To:   ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU
> Subject:      Accessive I/O errors and faling backups.
>
>
> Subject:
>                                                   Accessive I/O errors and
>                                                   faling backups.
>
> Attachment(s):
>                                                   <font size=-1></font>
> We too have seen this problem ever since IBM loaded the "most up to date
> microcode" on our tape subsystem (3590-B1 drives, 3494 ATL, AIX 4.3.2,
> ADSM
> v3.1.0.7).  We see the problem sometimes as ANR8820E (VCR data damaged)
> and
> ANR8830E (excessive media failure).  To date, I've removed 15 tapes from
> our ATL due to such problems.  I queried our CE who replied that IBM has
> "tightened up" a few parameters in the microcode which may cause the
> drives
> to flag tapes that they were previously happy with.  Normally, I would be
> satisfied with this explanation if the problem was limited to 1 or 2
> tapes,
> but I'm at 15 right now and I keep seeing new occurrences at the rate of 2
> tapes per week.  So now I'm wondering if IBM is giving us the straight
> poop
> when it says it tightened up the microcode.  If the microcode is buggy and
> a fix is forthcoming, then it would be fiscally prudent for me to keep my
> 15 tapes and reintroduce them to the ATL once the fix is applied.  And on
> the other hand, if the microcode is to remain "tight", then IBM has just
> rewritten my job description to permanently add 30 minutes to my day to
> check for new occurrences of bad tapes, and to do the MOVE DATA to free up
> the tapes (as if I have drives to spare for this), and to CHECKOUT the
> tapes so that they don't get used again.  By the way, guess who the
> manufacturer of our 3590 carts is?  Hmmm...., has IBM found a new way to
> sell more tape?
>
> Bob Brazner
> Johnson Controls, Inc.
> (414) 228-2570
> (Embedded image moved to file: pic21462.pcx)
>  << File: pic21462.pcx >>


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