unix linux frequently asked questions
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frequently asked questions
"Why do I get SCSI errors when using my tape drive?"
contents of this section
related topics
causes of SCSI errors
upgrading to the latest SCSI
transport drivers
how to obtain upgrades
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This topic is available in English only
causes of SCSI errors
There can be many causes of SCSI errors:
1.
Cabling can be too long, too many devices connected, no bus termination,
non-shielded internal cables being used for external applications, badly
seated connectors, tape drive has same SCSI ID as another device etc.
2.
SCSI HBA.
3.
Tape Drive.
4.
HBA Driver.
5.
Tape Device Driver.
6.
Backup Application.
Of all of the above, cabling and drivers are by far the most likely causes of SCSI
errors.
upgrading to the latest SCSI transport drivers
If you are experiencing SCSI errors, then having checked your cabling you should
consider upgrading your SCSI transport drivers to use the latest drivers.
Linux drivers are constantly being refined by the driver writers. Hewlett-Packard's
experience has shown that the shipping drivers in a given release (for example,
RedHat 5.2) tend to be stable. You should certainly expect a "test" release of
Linux (odd-numbered kernel source - for example, 2.1.x) to be less stable than a
production release (even-numbered kernal source - for example, 2.0.x).
how to obtain upgrades
In order to install a later version of the SCSI drivers, you will need to download the
kernel source tree, and have C development tools installed. See
"http://www.linux.org"
for details.
Note that compiling a new kernel is a complex activity and requires a detailed
understanding of the options being chosen. Refer to the documentation present
under the file path "/usr/src/linux" which should be a symbolic link to the kernel
source tree installed.
However, check out the answer to the question
"Are there any important points I
need to be aware of when changing drivers in my system?"
before altering drivers
in your system.
next question
Go to the next question
"How do I use the built-in Tape Backup applets provided
on Linux?"
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