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IBM System Storage TS3310 or some other model Tape Library may show more than one medium changer in Windows Device Manager

Article: 100027088
Last Published: 2020-06-25
Ratings: 0 0
Product(s): Backup Exec

Problem

IBM System Storage TS3310 or some other model Tape Library may show more than one medium changer in Windows Device Manager. Device Discovery may take longer than usual if this is the case.

Solution

 

The Library is configured with Multiple Control Path and hence the medium changer is visible more number of times in device manager.
 
 
This configuration may have advantages but can cause delay with Backup Exec Device Discovery when BE services are restarted. Some alert like the one shown below can be ignored in this configuration.
 

 
 
The features of the IBM System Storage™ TS3310 Tape Library is the ability to configure multiple host path connectivity fail over options for each tape device available on the library. This library option is enable by default presenting a control path for each tape device available on the library to the operating system.
 
Backup Exec drops the redundant path and shows only one library in the console.

Adamm.log shows as below -

[08976] 06/15/20 16:25:45.037 DeviceIo: 01:00:01:01 - Device \\.\Scsi1: dropped because it is redundant to 01:00:00:01 \\.\Scsi1:
[08976] 06/15/20 16:25:45.037 DeviceIo: 01:00:00:01 - Device \\.\Scsi1: dropped because it is redundant to 01:00:02:01 \\.\Scsi1:
[08976] 06/15/20 16:25:48.373 DeviceIo Discovery - end

BE Console Storage View
 
 
Default settings on the Library can be edited to enable only single control path if device discovery takes longer  :
  • Open the Web Management Console for your IBM System Storage™ TS3310 Tape Library.
  • Click on Manage Drives
  • Click on Control Paths
  • Un-check all boxes for tape devices listed on this library with the exception of one (Usually tape device with Location value of 0,1)
  • Click on Submit Change.

Note: Restart of Backup Exec device and media service is needed to initiate Device Discovery.
In multiple control path configuration if one control path breaks, for BE to discover the other available control path a device and media service restart is required

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