Hi Simon,
        It is completely POSSIBLE that a particular backup image will expire 
before the tape that it is on expires.
        If you have 4 backup jobs (images) on a single tape and they do not 
have identical expiration dates, then the tape will not expire until ALL images 
on that tape have expired. 
        A more specific example would be if you do a complete week's worth of 
incrementals/differentials on a single tape. If each incremental has a lifespan 
of two weeks, that Mondays' backup image will expire two weeks from the Monday 
on which it was written but the tape will not expire until two weeks from 
Friday. 
        I'm not sure of the specifics of what you are describing. It sounds 
like you may have multiple instances of a "session" (Backup Job) on a single 
tape. This would fit my description above.
        I would be more concerned if a tape expired before the last backup 
job/session expired. It sounds like you need to either adjust the 
expiration/retention times on your jobs or make sure that you aren't getting 
different retention times or expiration dates on individual pieces of media. 
        I hope this helps. 


Mark Pinder : 
Systems Engineer: 
Spectra Logic :


--__--__--

Message: 3
From: "WEAVER, Simon" <simon.weaver AT astrium.eads DOT net>
To: "'Veritas-bu AT mailman.eng.auburn DOT edu'"
         <Veritas-bu AT mailman.eng.auburn DOT edu>
Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2006 13:39:08 -0000
Subject: [Veritas-bu] URGENT CLARIFITION -= Help

Guys
I wonder if you can help clarify something for me................
 
I have been asked to ensure a backup SESSION does not expire on the 17th Jan
06 - Today is the 13th Jan 06
 
Now, when I checked this policy, there are 2 tapes in a volume pool - the
guy asking me the question keeps referring to retaining a SESSION !!! Now, I
can see the tape is due to expire in 2 weeks time, but this is not
acceptable!
 
Is it possible, he is seeing something different to what I am? He truly
beleives that a backup will expire on the 17th!
 
I checked BPEXPDATE and you can specify a date for media and / or backup id
- I wonder if backup id is related to images?
 
Can I have an image that will expire BEFORE a tape? I guess it could?? If I
could have clarification, would truly apprecaite it
 

Simon Weaver
Technical Support
Windows Domain Administrator 

EADS Astrium
Tel: 02392-708598 

Email: Simon.Weaver AT Astrium.eads DOT net