We ran into this problem with Syncsort Backup Express. Starting with 6.3 Data ONTAP supports NDMP v4 and sets this as the default. Applications are supposed to negotiate down to the appropriate level for communications, but most backup software packages do not. Use command line "ndmpd version 3" to set the ndmp max version level to 3 (which is what most backup software now support) and your problem should be solved.

The main reason for failure is that the filer (ndmp v4) and backup server (ndmp v3)cannot properly communicate and when the first tape is full, filer waits for backup server to perform media controller (picker) commands to change tape. Unfortunately, the backup server is waiting for filer to report that the tape drive is full, needs to be unloaded and new tape mounted. The vicious circle, one waiting for the other until filer finally gives up and times out with tape failure.

See NetApp Solution ID:ntapcs8507

Don

-----Original Message----- From: Gavin Kelman [mailto:gavin@metahusky.net] Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 6:13 AM To: toasters@mathworks.com Subject: Legato Networker 7.1 and NDMP backups

We upgraded to Legato Networker 7.1 in November last year and since then our NDMP backups have had a problem whereby only one saveset can fit onto a backup tape and then Legato gets an IO error, thinks the tape is full and starts the next one. This only happens with our NDMP backups of the netapp and I was wondering if anyone here had the same problem?

We've been working with our Legato support for months and haven't been able to rectify the problem, so I'm going to downgrade to version 6.1.4 as that used to work fine. Bit of a last resort option, but we've not had reliable backups for months and we're at our wits end. Any suggestions before I do this?

We're running OnTap 6.4.3 on a F825 with a Quantum M1500 jukebox with SDLT drives in it attached to the back.

Cheers, Gavin