I have a Windows 2000 Server with Tape Backup using the default
Microsoft backup program.

I'm having a horrible time figuring out how to get tapes properly
formatted and labeled so that scheduled backups can work. I keep
getting messages complaining that the 'wrong tape' is in the drive.

I need ASAP a very straightforward way to just say "backup the whole
C: and D: drive to the tape on the Tape Backup unit". I need something
quick and simple. No fancy formatting and labeling. But it needs to
be scheduled to run daily.

Please point me at either some clear instructions on how to use the
Microsoft tape backup (how to bypass all that fussy tape-label stuff?)
or a free / open source replacement.

thanks

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Clarification of Question by atr-ga on 25 May 2005 06:54 PDT

I just increased the price so let me try to pin-point what exactly I'm
looking for.

I have a problem with the "Prepare the Media" section of this document:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;300135&sd=tech

The problem is that it just doesn't seem to work for me. Some backups
keep failing because of a "media label not found" or some other nonsense.

What I need is a way to force an unconditional backup onto whatever tape
happens to be in the drive, overwriting it regardless of what else happened
to be on the tape previously.

I have used the command line parameter method to achieve the result
you are seeking.  Look under the help in the windows backup program
and then in the index under "batch files".  Check out the examples and
parameters pages.  Use the /UM switch.  I don't have access the
current working script that I had created for this, but will try and
get it for you.  I have it set up to run daily using the windows
scheduler.

Also if you are creating your current job through the windows backup
wizard be sure and click the "advanced" button on the final screen and
select the "Replace the Data..." option on the "Media Options" screen.

Let me know if either of these items work for you.  I may or may not
be able to get my hands on that current working script, and I don't
have access to a tape drive right now to test a new one.

Thanks!!!

Thanks for the comment! The /UM, along with /P, made it work!