An error message: "When accessing a new tape of a multi-volume partition, the current block size is incorrect" is displayed when performing a Backup, Restore, Catalog or Erase media operation.

Problem

An error message: "When accessing a new tape of a multi-volume partition, the current block size is incorrect" is displayed when performing a Backup, Restore, Catalog or Erase media operation.

Error Message

0x452 - When accessing a new tape of a multivolume partition, the current block size is incorrect.

The following error is seen in the job log: (Figure 1)

Figure 1      

UMI CODE :- V-79-57344-34035

OR

0xe00084f3 - The block size being used is incorrect.
 

Cause

The error could occur due to following reasons:
 

• The block size recorded in the media header has become inconsistent or damaged.
• Unsupported block size configured for the device.
• Hardware problems with the controller like poor cabling, incorrect termination or transfer rate settings.

Solution

On Windows 2000 and Windows 2003:

1. Check if the drivers are installed:

A. Stop the services for Backup Exec.
Note: Ntbackup cannot use Backup Exec device drivers. If the drivers are installed, and Ntbackup needs to be used, then using the Tapeinst.exe utility, remove the  drivers, then reboot to install the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or manufacturer's drivers. Ensure that Removable Storage is started and Ntbackup is ready to begin operations on the tape device.
 

B. Start the Windows 2000/2003 backup application and place the tape in the drive. After inserting the tape, the "busy" LED on the tape drive flashes for about 30 to 60 seconds.
 

C.  A prompt will display as shown below: (Figure 2)

Figure 2
 

D. Click Yes.
There will not be any visible activity but the tapes will be ready to use.
 

E. Uninstall the OEM driver and scan hardware.
 

F. Run tapeinst.exe to install the latest drivers, and then restart the system. For latest device drivers please see the following link.
https://www.veritas.com/support/en_US/article.100019916

G. Start Backup Exec and inventory the tape. It should now be recognized properly.


2. Check the block size settings:

Make sure that the block and buffer size are set properly. Verify that the configured block size is not larger than the block size supported by the device.
Backup Exec does not ensure that the requested block size is in fact supported by that device. Check the device specifications to make sure that the block size is supported. Veritas does not recommend increasing the Block Size above the default settings. If the block size is changed, best practice is to externally label the tape with the custom block size.


3. Troubleshoot any hardware issues:    
 

Cables: The first thing to check, when troubleshooting SCSI cabling, is the total length of each cable segment. Each implementation of SCSI has a different maximum recommended cable length. Exceeding the cable lengths specified for SE SCSI is not recommended.

Also try Rebooting the Tape Drive as well as Media Server.

Please refer to the Microsoft article "How to Troubleshoot Event 9 and Event 11 Error Messages":
https://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;154690