A backup job fails in Windows Server 2003 (903007)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Backup tool (NTBackup.exe) to perform a backup in Microsoft Windows Server 2003, the backup job fails. You may receive the following error message:
The device reported an error on a request to write data to media.
Error reported: Invalid command. There may be a hardware or media problem
Please check the system event log for relevant failures.
Additionally, the media name for the backup may change to an integer value. If you try to restore the backup, the restore operation may fail.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if the Removable Storage service is stopped and then restarted during the backup job.

In Windows Server 2003, the Backup tool works with the Removable Storage service. If you stop the Removable Storage service during a backup job, you may close a communication handle that links the Backup tool and the Removable Storage service. If the Backup tool subsequently makes calls to the Removable Storage service, these calls may fail. If the calls fail, the Backup tool stops the backup job and may generate an error. Additionally, the Removable Storage service may mark the media side (partition) as unrecognizable and label the media name as an integer.

RESOLUTION

To avoid this issue, do not stop the Removable Storage service during a backup job.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/27/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kberrmsg KB903007 kbAudEndUser
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