https://login.veeam.com/en/oauth?client_id=nXojRrypJ8&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.veeam.com%2Fservices%2Fauthentication%2Fredirect_url&response_type=code&scope=profile&state=eyJmaW5hbFJlZGlyZWN0TG9jYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy52ZWVhbS5jb20va2IyNzg5IiwiaGFzaCI6ImY2MDI4M2Q3LTNiMWUtNDAxMS1hYTkwLWNmZmRmZDU1MGRjZiJ9
Veeam marks a Data tape as a Cleaning tape
Challenge
Under specific circumstances, Veeam inadvertently marks a legitimate tape as a cleaning tape, removing it entirely from view in VBR console.
Cause
This appears to happen when there is an automatic cleaning process and the specified cleaning tape has expired. The next tape that enters the drive gets marked as a cleaning tape.
You will see the following entries in your logs:
:: TapeDrive alert: The tape drive is due for routine cleaning:. Wait for the current operation to finish. Then use a cleaning cartridge. Check the tape drive user manual for device specific cleaning instructions.
:: TapeDrive alert: The last cleaning cartridge used in the tape drive has worn out:. Discard the worn out cleaning cartridge. Wait for the current operation to finish. Then use a new cleaning cartridge.
:: Marking tape <TapeName> as a cleaning cartridge
You will notice a slot in your tape library has disappeared.
You will see the following entries in your logs:
:: TapeDrive alert: The tape drive is due for routine cleaning:. Wait for the current operation to finish. Then use a cleaning cartridge. Check the tape drive user manual for device specific cleaning instructions.
:: TapeDrive alert: The last cleaning cartridge used in the tape drive has worn out:. Discard the worn out cleaning cartridge. Wait for the current operation to finish. Then use a new cleaning cartridge.
:: Marking tape <TapeName> as a cleaning cartridge
You will notice a slot in your tape library has disappeared.
Solution
Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the Veeam database. You will need the server name, database name & instance name.
You can find the server name, instance name and database name of VeeamBackup database on the Veeam backup server in the following registry key:
HKLM\Software\Veeam\Veeam Backup and Replication
To get a list of media marked as cleaning tapes, issue the following SQL statement:
SELECT [barcode], [name], [cleaner]
FROM [VeeamBackup].[dbo].[Tape.tape_mediums]
WHERE [cleaner] = 1;
This should give you results similar to the following. Note the first tape listed is an actual cleaning tape, and follows the naming convention specified by the LTO specification for a universal cleaning cartridge. The second result is our missing tape.
A simple update to the cleaner property is all that's needed. You can use any property to select the appropriate tape; in this example we use barcode since they should be all unique.
You can find the server name, instance name and database name of VeeamBackup database on the Veeam backup server in the following registry key:
HKLM\Software\Veeam\Veeam Backup and Replication
To get a list of media marked as cleaning tapes, issue the following SQL statement:
SELECT [barcode], [name], [cleaner]
FROM [VeeamBackup].[dbo].[Tape.tape_mediums]
WHERE [cleaner] = 1;
This should give you results similar to the following. Note the first tape listed is an actual cleaning tape, and follows the naming convention specified by the LTO specification for a universal cleaning cartridge. The second result is our missing tape.
A simple update to the cleaner property is all that's needed. You can use any property to select the appropriate tape; in this example we use barcode since they should be all unique.
UPDATE [VeeamBackup].[dbo].[Tape.tape_mediums]
SET [cleaner] = 0
WHERE [barcode] = 'S16023L5';
More information
Please note that this is intended as an emergency fix only. Modifying the Veeam database on your own is not a supported action.
KB ID:
2789
Product:
Veeam Backup & Replication
Version:
8.x, 9.x
Published:
2018-11-01
Last Modified:
2020-08-13
Couldn't find what you were looking for?
Below you can submit an idea for a new knowledge base article.
Report a typo on this page:
Please select a spelling error or a typo on this page with your mouse and press CTRL + Enter to report this mistake to us. Thank you!
Please select a spelling error or a typo on this page with your mouse and press CTRL + Enter to report this mistake to us. Thank you!
Spelling error in text
Knowledge base content request
How can we assist you today?
How can we assist you today?
Happy Holidays!
Chat is offline now. Please fill out the form and we will call you back.
Technical
General and Licensing
Renewal
Sales
Partnership
Do you have an issue or need post-sales technical assistance?
*if you need help choosing the right product, please select "Sales" chat
Do you need guidance on the website, upgrade hints or help with your licenses/accounts?
Questions regarding your Veeam contract renewal? Contact us and learn how you can maximize your savings
Do you need additional license, pricing details, product information or have any other sales-related question?
Would you like to become our partner or do you need assistance as our existing partner?
Start chat
We apologize, but this chat is not available at the moment
Start chat
We apologize, but this chat is not available at the moment
Start chat
We apologize, but this chat is not available at the moment
Start chat
We apologize, but this chat is not available at the moment
Privacy Notice. By submitting, you agree that your personal data will be managed by Veeam in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
Back
Thank you for your request!
Veeam representative will get back to you shortly.
Stay up to date with Veeam product updates, latest news, and recent content.
By subscribing, you agree to receive communications about Veeam products, services and events. Your personal data will be managed by Veeam in accordance with the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.