Troubleshooting Tape Backup Issues in Windows NT

• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.1, 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.1, 3.5, 3.51, 4.0

SUMMARY

The Backup program included with Windows NT (Ntbackup.exe) is a basic tape backup program. It can back up mapped network drives, local drives, and the registry. Backups can span multiple tapes. Backup does not support backing up to removable media other than tape.

This article describes how to troubleshoot problems with Backup.

MORE INFORMATION

Tape Drive Is Not Recognized

The most common reason for this is a problem with the SCSI bus. Verify that the cables are properly attached to the tape drive and that the SCSI bus is correctly terminated.

Error Writing to Tape

This may be due to a problem with the SCSI bus or a bad tape. When you reuse tapes, be sure to erase them first. Format and retension the tape before reuse if you can.

Invalid Media

Check to be certain you have inserted the correct type of tape for your tape device. This may also be an indication that the tape is bad and needs to be replaced.

Skipped Files

Backup cannot back up files that are locked open by another process. If the file does not become available in 30 seconds, the file is skipped.

Close as many running programs as you can before you perform a backup. There are some third-party backup programs that allow you to back up open files.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q104169
   TITLE     : Files Skipped with Windows NT Backup

Fatal Error on Drive 1

This is usually caused by either incompatible hardware or out-of-date firmware on the tape device or controller. Consult the Hardware Compatibility List to make sure your hardware is supported, then check with the manufacturer to see if there is a firmware update available.

For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q102822
   TITLE     : "Fatal Error on Drive 1" Using Exabyte 4200 with IBM

   ARTICLE-ID: Q108412
   TITLE     : Exabyte 8200-EXB Streamer Time-Outs During Backup

   ARTICLE-ID: Q118772
   TITLE     : Err Msg During Backup: Fatal Error on Drive 1

   ARTICLE-ID: Q119863
   TITLE     : Fatal Error on Drive 1 with Quantum ProDrive 1080s

   ARTICLE-ID: Q121520
   TITLE     : Fatal Error on Drive 1 with Adaptec 1540CF SCSI Controller

Fatal Translation Error on Tape in Drive 1

This error can be caused by firmware or incorrect SCSI termination. Verify that the SCSI bus is correctly terminated. Contact the manufacturer of your tape device for an updated firmware revision.

For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q104594
   TITLE     : Tandberg Firmware Versions Required for Windows NT

   ARTICLE-ID: Q109692
   TITLE     : Adaptec 2742 and HP Jetstor 2000 Require Special Terminator

   ARTICLE-ID: Q122132
   TITLE     : Err Msg: Fatal Translation Error on Tape with WangDat 3200

Poll Driver Failed: Severe Error Shutting Off Poll Drive

This is a SCSI bus issue resulting from improperly set SCSI ID numbers, faulty termination, or cable issues. Consult the SCSI Troubleshooter for help diagnosing problems with the SCSI bus.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q114804
   TITLE     : Error Running NTBACKUP on NCR System 3000 Model 3410

Cannot Load Catalog from Tape

There may be a problem with the SCSI controller driver. You may need to replace the controller with a supported model, or update the driver.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q122440
   TITLE     : Err Msg: Cannot Load Catalog from Tape

Unknown Firmware Error

Your tape device has incompatible firmware. Contact the manufacturer to obtain the latest firmware for your tape device.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q123110
   TITLE     : Err Msg: Unknown Firmware Error with Archive 5580 Tape
               Drive

The tape device is not configured correctly for use with Windows NT Backup. Consult the tape device manual or contact the manufacturer for correct settings.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q124379
   TITLE     : Err Msg: Tape Drive Has Been Detected But Driver Has Failed

This may be caused by incorrect firmware versions, or by incorrect CMOS settings. Check your computer's CMOS settings to verify that SCSI Disconnect is enabled. Contact the manufacturer for an updated firmware revision if necessary.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q126458
   TITLE     : Err Msg: Tape Drive Error Detected with 4MM DAT Tape Device

The SCSI controller does not properly support the tape device. There may be a software configuration solution, or you may need to contact the manufacturer for an updated firmware revision.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q131618
   TITLE     : Tape Drive Error Detected with Qlogic Fast SCSI IQ PCI
               Adapter

STOP: 0x0000000A IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

This can occur on a multiple-processor computer using fault-tolerant NTFS drives. There is a fix for this issue included in Service Pack 2 for Windows NT version 3.51.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q137002
   TITLE     : STOP 0x0000000A May Occur on Multi-processor Computers

This Set Is Compressed and Cannot Be Viewed or Restored

The backup set was created in a backup program that supports compression. Windows NT Backup does not support software compression for backup sets.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q138116
   TITLE     : NTBACKUP Cannot Catalog and Restore Compressed Data from
               Tape

The Backup Set Is Not Completely Cataloged

This occurs when the catalog file on the hard disk contains incomplete information. Quitting and restarting Backup may resolve the issue. If not, locate the catalog file on the hard disk and either rename it or delete it, and then re-catalog the tape.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q138117
   TITLE     : Err Msg: The Backup Set is Not Completely Cataloged

This indicates that you do not have appropriate permissions for the folder you are attempting to back up or to which you are restoring files.

For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q110481
   TITLE     : Backup Doesn't Back Up Entire Hard Disk or Create Log File

   ARTICLE-ID: Q142671
   TITLE     : Backup Fails on Certain Directories Due to Lack of
               Permissions

   ARTICLE-ID: Q157979
   TITLE     : NT/RDR: "Access Denied" with Windows NT 4.0 Ntbackup

These error messages can be generated by trying to restore to a full hard disk. The catalog files are stored in a compressed format and need to be expanded on the hard disk at the beginning of the restore operation. You can resolve these errors by either freeing disk space on the target drive, or by replacing the hard disk with a larger drive.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q153839
   TITLE     : Tape Backup Restore Fails on Extremely Full Volumes

Foreign Tape: The Tape In the Drive Must Be Erased Before It Can Be Used

This occurs with a backup set from another backup program, or one that was created in Microsoft Windows 95.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q155979
   TITLE     : Windows NT Backup Does Not Recognize Windows 95 Backup Tapes

Windows NT cannot install tape device drivers during Setup. After Setup is finished, double-click Tape Devices in Control Panel. If your tape device is not listed, click Detect. Click OK when you are prompted to install the drivers for the tape device.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q159045
   TITLE     : Error Message: Tape Drive Error Detected