Sun Microsystems Virtual Tape Library User Manual page 250

Case: The backup application cannot see the device at all
1. If the operating system sees the device but a backup application does not, check
the drivers for the backup software. Make sure the driver is appropriate for the
library and tape drive type.
2. If a driver appears to be inappropriate, refer to the backup software manual.
Some backup products recommend specific versions of drivers or special settings.
Apply the correct driver.
3. If changing the driver solves the problem, stop here.
4. If the recommended driver is installed or if installing it did not help, check the
driver version and upgrade as necessary.
5. If upgrading the driver solves the problem, stop here.
6. If the driver is correctly versioned or if upgrading the driver does not help, look
for application software conflicts. Multiple backup products on a single server can
cause this sort of problem.
Case: The backup software does not see the device in the expected place
1. If the operating system correctly recognizes the device, but the backup software
does not see the device in the expected place, suspect a serialization error in the
application. Consult the application vendor and documentation, and install
applicable software patches or upgrades.
Serialization converts objects into streams of sequential object properties. If the
application misinterprets the sequence, it may confuse properties such as
ownership.
Issue: Client sees the tape library/drive but cannot access it
Indications: A client operating system or application cannot access virtual devices.
Diagnostics: Further characterize the problem, and determine the cause.
Case: Neither the operating system nor applications appear to have access
1. Obtain an operating system-specific raw device utility that can access tape drives.
2. Stop the backup application.
236 VTL User Guide • May 2008
Microsoft Windows clients can use
devices.
UNIX systems can use the
mt -f /dev/rmt/0 status
(using a syntax like
ntutil
to check emulated IBM Ultrium
mt tar
or command to access the tape device
).
G • 96267