Appends Fail on Sony SDT 5000 DAT Drive (138085)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51

This article was previously published under Q138085

SYMPTOMS

Attempting to append a backup onto the end of a tape containing an existing backup fails with this message in BACKUP.LOG:
The tape device reported an error on a request to write data to tape.

Error reported:
Bad data.

Event Error 7 may also be logged in the System Log as shown in the Event Viewer.

CAUSE

The firmware version of the Sony SDT 5000 tape drive tested for the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) was v3.02. That version is compatible with Windows NT. The current firmware version, v3.26, is not.

Firmware revision v3.30 fixes this problem under Windows NT.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT versions 3.5, and 3.51. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

The SDT 5000 DAT drive is manufactured by Sony, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/16/2003
Keywords:kbHardware KB138085