Managing tapes

Last published : Apr 02, 2026
For tape media, you can perform the following actions:
  • Protect data from being overwritten.
  • Set up media rotation strategies.
  • Track the location of media.
  • Label media automatically.
  • Read and track the media labels that have barcodes.
  • Collect and report media statistics.
The Advanced Device and Media Management (ADAMM) feature in Backup Exec automatically selects the tape media for jobs. Backup Exec keeps track of all tape media that is loaded into the attached storage device. Backup Exec also keeps track of the media that is offline and the media that has been placed in media vaults.
For data that is kept on tapes, Backup Exec uses media sets to apply overwrite protection periods and append periods to manage the expiration of backup sets.
A media set consists of the following rules that apply to tape media:
  • How long to protect the data on the media from overwrite. This is called the overwrite protection period.
  • How long to append data to a media. This is called the append period.
  • When and where to send media for vaulting.
Media that are associated with a media set are allocated media. Allocated media have current append and overwrite protection periods. Media that are associated with a media set but have expired overwrite protection periods are recyclable media.
For information about the best practices to manage tapes in Backup Exec, refer to Backup Exec Best Practices.
More Information
Default media sets
Tape media rotation strategies
Creating media sets for tapes