Import

This command allows you to use data on media that was created in another Data Protector Express management domain. To use media that was not created in the current catalog, you must import that media into the current catalog.

You might import media in one the following situations:

•To use media created by an earlier version of Data Protector Express.

•To use media created in a different Data Protector Express management domain.

•To use media accidentally deleted from the catalog.

When you select the Import command a property page will open and prompt you for the media password and the encryption passphase. The media password is only applicable to media created with older version of Data Protector Express and can usually be left empty.

An encryption passphrase is only required for encrypted media. If the supplied passphrase is not correct, the job log will present you with the hint supplied at the time of the media's creation.

Format

Use this command to format media currently loaded in the selected device.

When you format new media, Data Protector Express opens the Format Media dialog box. Use this dialog box to name the media and select a media folder in which to store the media. Data Protector Express will format the media currently loaded in the device you select. If you select a library, select the storage slot that holds the media you want to use. When you format media, you can also set your choice of encryption levels. Any backup job that uses media pre formatted with encryption must specify the same encryption parameters.

NOTE: Data Protector Express is designed to manage your media for you. This command should only be used by knowledgeable users and only after determining that the built in media management does not provide the desired effects.

Erase

This command erases the media currently loaded in the selected device. It has the following options:

•The Quick Erase option erases the first block and then writes an end of data marker to that first block. The other blocks of the tape are not erased, but when that tape is read, Data Protector Express treats it as if it were blank because it encounters the end of data marker in the first block.

•The Secure Erase option erases every block on the tape. This operation can be very time consuming, lasting several hours. However, it will physically erase every block on the tape. If you want to destroy sensitive data, use this command.

Some devices support both options; some support only one of the two erase options. Only options supported by the selected device will be available.

Retension Media

Occasionally when a tape is repeatedly fast-forwarded and rewound for only short distances, tension differences develop in the tape that cause the tape drive to falsely believe it has reached the end or beginning of the tape. You can use this command fast-forwards the tape to the end of the tape and then rewinds it to the beginning. This command can be useful in some circumstances. By retensioning on the tape, you can sometimes make an otherwise unusable tape operational again.

NOTE: If you need to retension tapes regularly to use them, consider servicing your tape drive or replacing your tapes.

30 Working With Devices