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STATUS CODE: 96 "Unable to allocate new media for backup" error message occurs even when the appropriate tapes are available in the scratch pool. A status 90 error is also seen in the bptm log of the media server.

Article: 100017045
Last Published: 2020-12-28
Ratings: 1 2
Product(s): NetBackup

Problem

STATUS CODE: 96 "Unable to allocate new media for backup" error message occurs even when the appropriate tapes are available in the scratch pool. A status 90 error is also seen in the bptm log of the media server.

Error Message

bptm

18:53:47.949 [3884.696] <2> bptm: INITIATING (VERBOSE = 0): -countmedia -cmd -rt 8 -rn 0 -stunit STU_NAME -den 6 -p Scratch -rl 4 -masterversion 510000 
.....
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <2> vmdb_query_scratch_bypool2: server returned:  EXIT_STATUS 90
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <2> string_to_record: read response:  EXIT_STATUS 90
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <16> vmdb_query_scratch_bypool2: unable to unpack string from server: invalid volume pool (90)
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <16> vmdb_query_scratch_bypool2: query_scratchbypool2 request status:  invalid volume pool (90)
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <2> set_job_details: Done
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <16> select_media: Media Manager error 90, invalid volume pool, host = MEDIASERVER
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <2> set_job_details: Done
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <16> select_media: Media Manager volume pool Scratch has no more unassigned media in robotic device TLD(0)
18:53:48.562 [3772.2504] <2> bptm: EXITING with status 96

Solution

- Due to its special nature, the scratch pool should not be directly targeted by any policy. Ensure that all policies and schedules specify a volume pool other than the scratch pool; then run the job again.
 
- If the medias are available in the Scratch pool and are in Active status but still medias are not being picked up for the operation then check the number of Mounts on the medias.
 
- If mount number is on higher side  for an empty media then they will not be picked up for the operation.
 
-To solve this problem, delete the medias from scratch pool showing higher number of mounts like more than 1, and perform the inventory again. Once inventory is successfully done, check the mount number on the same media . It should be zero.
 
- Retry the operation and media should be picked up this time.

For more information on the scratch pool and its purpose, see the NetBackup Media Manager System Administrator's Guide.
 

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