On Mon, Nov 19, 2018 at 09:15:31AM -0800, Chris Miller wrote:
> Hi Folks,
>
> Last week I created a set of vtapes {slot0..slot21}, (because I didn't know
> if zero was used). I labeled each of them with a unique label. I ran amdump
> for each of three clients and I got semi-successful results, meaning two
> completed and one left artifacts on the holding disk but never got written to
> vtape. Later that day, I ran a second amdump on all three clients, but this
> time all three clients failed. amcheck reports: "Taper scan algorithm did not
> find an acceptable volume."
>
> Clearly I don't understand how to manage vtapes. Or maybe my configuration is
> wrong. How do I know that AMANDA realizes that there are 21 vtapes available?
> How do I ask why none of these is acceptable?
>
> I ran amoverview, which tells me what I already knew, meaning that I
> completed one level 0 backup for each client. I ran amreport with much more
> detailed description of what I already knew.
>
> I understand that AMANDA takes great pride managing the tape library to avoid
> operational catastrophes like re-using a tape which happens to be the only
> backup. I have zero experience with real tapes, and the tape library model is
> not helpful for someone like me with no tape library experience trying to use
> vtape. For example, do I have to label my vtapes, or can I tell AMANDA to
> label them for me since I don't think I really care what the label says. And
> then how do I tell AMANDA that it is acceptable to re-use the oldest vtape in
> the collection? How do I take a vtape out of the rotation and how do I add a
> new tape to the rotation?
>
> Please don't be afraid to answer my questions with a short and sweet
> reference to an article. There is little point explaining the subtleties to
> me in e-mail, when a perfectly good explanation already exists.
>
As a general approach, an admin should not run new software systems
until its dependices are independently verified. For example
client backups depand on a working network. You should confirm
the clients can reach the server and visa-versa.
You are setting up a vtape library, tapes to fill the library slots,
and a changer to manipulate the vtapes in the library. You should
exercise these components with amanda commands before trying to
backup your clients.
Hmm, does amanda have any commands to exercise the changer and library?
Jon
--
Jon H. LaBadie [email protected]
11226 South Shore Rd. (703) 787-0688 (H)
Reston, VA 20190 (703) 935-6720 (C)
