What is scratch media in Backup Exec and does it contain valid data?

What is scratch media in Backup Exec and does it contain valid data?

What is scratch media (in Backup Exec), and how I can create it?

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Scratch media is media that contains no valid data and to which backup data can be written (probably named as an analogy to scratchpad or starting from scratch). With Backup Exec, as with most other backup software products, scratch media is media that is labeled, defined to the program, ready for use and containing no valid data.

As for the second part of your question, short of rewriting the detailed procedures included in the administrator's guide, here are a few different ways to create scratch media:

  • Erase the media.
  • Label the media.
  • Format the media.
  • Change the overwrite protection period for the media set.
  • Move the media to scratch media.

Learn more about scratch media with these related resources:

  • Find out how to correctly assign scratch media to pools in Backup Exec 9.1.
  • Get tips for Backup Exec 12 and using scratch media on ITKnowledgeExchange.com.
  • Learn product details about Backup Exec on the Symantec website.
  • Find Symantec help and details about scratch media on the support website.

    • This was first published in September 2004