Labeling tape media
Media labels identify the tapes that you use in Backup Exec. When a new, blank, or unlabeled tape is used during a backup operation, Backup Exec automatically labels the tape media. This label consists of a prefix that identifies the cartridge type, and an incrementing number. For example, if the media is a 4mm tape, then the prefix is 4M, followed by 000001. The next media label generated for an unlabeled 4mm tape would be 4M000002, and so on.
Another type of media label used by Backup Exec is the media ID, which is a unique label assigned by Backup Exec to the individual tape media used in Backup Exec. The media ID is used internally by Backup Exec to keep statistics on each media. Because the media label or barcode label for tape media can be changed, Backup Exec must use the media ID to preserve continuity in record keeping for each individual tape media. You cannot change or erase the media ID. The media ID has no effect on the media label, or on your ability to rename, label, or erase tape media.
At times, you may need to use the media ID to distinguish the tape media that have duplicate media labels. Duplicate labels can be automatically generated in instances when Backup Exec is reinstalled or media from another Backup Exec installation is used. You can view the media ID in a media's property page.
Write the media label on an external label that is fixed to the outside of the physical tape cartridge. Whenever you change the media label, you should also change the external label to match.
The following methods are available in Backup Exec to change a tape media label:
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Write a new media label on the tape media. The Label operation destroys any data on the media.
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Rename the media. Renaming the tape media changes the name of the media in the display, but does not write the new label to the media until an overwrite operation occurs. The data on the media is viable until the media is overwritten.
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Edit the label. Editing the label changes the name of the tape media in the display, but does not write the new label to the media until an overwrite operation occurs. The data on the media is viable until the media is overwritten.Note: Media that use barcode labels cannot be renamed. When you try to label the media that use barcode labels, the job logs report successfully completed jobs. However, the media label names do not change.
To label media
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On the Storage tab, do either of the following:
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Right-click the drive that contains the tape that you want to label.
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Double-click Slots , and then right-click the slot that contains the tape that you want to label.
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Click Label.
The following warning appears:
This operation is performed on the current media in the drive or slot. If the media has changed since the last inventory ran, the media label in the next dialog may not match the media in the selected device.
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Click OK.
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Type the name that you want to use as the media label for this media.
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To erase all data on the media and re-label the media, click OK.
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Write this same media label on an external label that is fixed to the outside of the physical media.
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(Optional) View the job history for details about the job.
More Information
How barcode labels become media labels for tapes