Problems with Quantum LTO4 & Retrospect 6.1 on OS X

[Brian Timmons]

Reading through the posts, I know there are a few users working with the Quantum HH LTO 4 and Retrospect 6.1 on OS X.

I recently set up my own system running on a new 2.8 GHZ Quad Mac Pro.

The software and hardware setup was simple enough and Retrospect backed up the data (A 100GB OS backup) to the Quantum seemingly well but upon verifying the data Retrospect would hang. The program would show about 100% CPU activity but it stopped all activity ( even after over 30 minutes of sitting).

After shutting down and rebooting I later tried to restore the backup only to have Retrospect hang again. Since it seemed to hang on the same file (an illustrator plug-in) I scanned the drive to see if any files were corrupt and Disk Warrior and Techtool Pro. Everything checked out fine.

When I later tried another backup of just the folder that included that Illustrator plug-in; the backup, verify, and restore was successful.

I tried backing up a Final Cut Pro project consisting of DV files, audio and GFX (roughly 650 GB). Again the backing up to tape seemed fine with no errors reported.

Upon trying to either verify or restore the project Retrospect would soon hang. It's interesting that the hang ups would usually occur within the first 1 GB.

Whenever Retrospect would hang the Quantum LTO4 would flash the #8 in it's status window with a blinking light on the left of it. The Quantum manual indicates an interface fault. Not sure what's up there.
The OS (through about this Mac) and Retrospect never seem to have a problem recognizing the drive

I read that Retrospect did not work well with RAM over 3 GBs so I stripped my 10 GBs of Ram down to 2 GB. Problem still occurs.

Been in touch with Quantum and trying to talk with EMC to see if they can help.

Since many users seem to be successful with this setup, can anyone share some insight regarding this problem?

Like any RED user, a reliable backup system is crucial and this problem can really affect my ability to see projects through.

I'm stumped on this one. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Full system specs are below.

Mac OS 10.5.5
2.8 Quad Mac PRO
10 GB
Retrospect 6.1 w/ latest 6.1 Driver Update
LSI SAS 3801E Host Bus Adapter
Quantum LTO 4 HH TC-L42BN-EY (Table top)
Quantum LTO 4 data cartridge

[Mark L. Pederson]

Retrospect (IMO) is a nightmare.

[David Kirlew]

What would you recommend then OffHollywood. I was considering Retrospect for a Red project take is currently in limbo?

[Mark L. Pederson]

What would you recommend then OffHollywood. I was considering Retrospect for a Red project take is currently in limbo?

I am nuts about the LTO3A series. LOVE it to death.

If you must go NON-A SERIES - I'd do this ....

http://www.atempo.com/products/timeN...r/features.asp

You could not pay me enough to use Retrospect.

[Chris Parker]

I second the notion that an A-Series is the way to go. I won't go near LTO4 until they have an A-Series of it.

[Nick Shaw]

I have not had any problems with LTO-4 and Retrospect. But I am using my old G5 to run it, and have the SCSI version of the LTO, with an ATTO UL4D, so not the same system.

[Kevin Wild]

Running LTO4 and Retrospect...I've had mostly good luck. A couple issues, but nothing that would hurt data integrity.

[Brian Timmons]

Retrospect (IMO) is a nightmare.

I agree. For a function as important as backing up data it's not the most reassuring piece of software. I've usually had nothing but problems with it too.


Unfortunately, Retrospect is the only software that supports this drive on the Mac.

For anyone with working backup systems running on the mac, can you please state what software drive combination you're using. I simply want a system that will work solid. Thanks.

Brian

[Brian Timmons]

I have not had any problems with LTO-4 and Retrospect. But I am using my old G5 to run it, and have the SCSI version of the LTO, with an ATTO UL4D, so not the same system.

Hello Nick and Kevin,

Which LTO 4 are you running?

Brian

[Dave Blackham]

We use an LTO4 library (Tandberg 224.) the control software is Bru server. We also use catDV and the DAX plug in to control the LTO direct from catDV. Works very well.

OSX 10.4.111 and 1.5.1 both work fine. Ive used both FC and also SCSI to drive the device SCSI is more reliable for libraries but both work fine.

If your using a library then its very important to allow the LTO library to fully boot before switching the mac other wise the tapes in the library may not index correctly.

Dave
UK