Robotic inventory fails on media that contains a NetBackup catalog backup. "Media ID not unique in database (34)"

Problem

Robotic inventory fails on media that contains a NetBackup catalog backup.  "Media ID not unique in database (34)"

Error Message

media ID not unique in database (34)

Cause

This problem can occur if a catalog backup tape is moved between sites and each site uses a different physical tape library. In this scenario, the manner in which barcode labels are read for the tape library in the original site differ from those in the destination site.

For example, the barcode label in the origin library label might be read with 8 characters in a production (extended format) site while at a disaster recovery site it is being read with 6 characters (standard format.)

Solution

Modify the barcode for tapes in the DR tape library by using the following command.

vmchange -barcode <new_barcode> -m <media_id>

Location for vmchange command:

Unix/Linux: /usr/openv/volmgr/bin/
Windows: install_path\Volmgr\bin\

Note: On Unix/Linux, if the command reports it cannot be found, it may not have the path on the OS level, hence run the vmchange command with "./" on the front, such as "./vmchange".