Verifying Tape Library Media

Use this option to ensure that DPX can read either an entire media volume or a particular media volume partition. You can choose the level of verification you want performed.

Note. The verify function is not currently available for NDMP devices.

To verify tape library media:

1. Select the Verify Tape Library Media function by doing one of the following:

   • From the menu bar, select Function > Verify Tape.

   • On the task panel, click Verify Tape.

2. Do one of the following to execute the operation.

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume to be verified and drag the media volume onto an empty drive (device).

   • Select the tape library slot containing the media volume you want to verify and select an empty drive (device).

   Once you’ve selected the media volume, click GO.

   DPX acquires the drive and loads the media volume.

   The Verify Media dialog box appears.

The following describes the fields on the Define Verify Media dialog box.

• Level

  Specifies the data verification technique DPX uses when checking a media volume. The higher the verification level the greater the safety and the longer the verification takes. Each verification level builds upon the preceding level. For example, level 3 performs level 1 and level 2 verification as well. Choose a verification level from the pull-down menu.

  Level 1	Reads the partition to ensure that it is readable.
  Level 2	Reads the partition and ensures that the SIDF headers are present and contain the correct information. Performs level 1 verification as well.
  Level 3	Ensures that each file on the media volume generates a checksum value that matches the one contained in the SIDF header. This verification is only performed if the checksum feature was set to ON in Destination Options when the backup was cataloged. Performs level 1 and level 2 verifications as well.

• Partition #

  Indicates the partition you want to verify. The term partition refers to the backup on the media volume. A media volume contains multiple partitions or backups only if “Append Data” is selected in the Tape Usage field on the Set Job Destination Options screen. Enter 0 to verify the entire media volume.

1. Click OK. The Verify Media dialog box disappears.

Use the Monitor Operations dialog to view status information about the verification. If the verification fails, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot restore data. You can restore everything up to the failure point. You may want to scan the media volume to determine the location of the failure point and to see just what files you can restore.

Related Topics:

• Monitoring Operations

Note. For ACSLS tape libraries, the Verify function is inactive.