transaction log backup failing

[htoth]

I am trying to backup databases and transaction logs through sql 2000. I am very new at sql and know very little about the whole thing. when I check the log in SQL Server enterprise/the sql server/management/sql server logs, it seems to back up the databases ok most of the time but never the transaction logs for any of the databases. Here are the error messages:

"BACKUP failed to complete the command BACKUP LOG [model] TO TAPE = N'\\.\Tape0' WITH NOINIT , NOUNLOAD , NOSKIP , STATS = 10, NOFORMAT "

"BackupTapeFile::OpenMedia: Backup device '\\.\Tape0' failed to open. Operating system error = 32(The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.)."

I have another sql 2000 server, same hardware (both have internal tape drives), that backs everythign up without a problem. I have spoken to the people who have databases on the original server and they have assured me that no processes run at 4:00am, which is when the backup of the logs is scheduled.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Heather Toth

 

[tlbroadbent]

I don't have an answer for your question. I do have a recommendation. If you have sufficient disk space, even on another server, backup your databases to disk. Then backup the database backup files to tape. This seems to be much less error prone.

If you are interested, check thread183-244348 for some good links on backup/restore and disaster planning. Terry L. Broadbent - DBA
Computing Links:

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/prog.htm

faq183-874 contains "Suggestions for Getting Quick and Appropriate Answers" to your questions.