Microsoft Word Hardware Reconfiguration Methodology V final2

Media testing and device diagnostics

All backup media should be tested periodically to ensure an error free state. In so doing, this will enable the media to be used at any time without worrying about added complications during data restoration. However, exactly how the media should be tested will depend on a variety of factors. For example, the type of media employed used and the employed archive format will be important determining factors. In addition, various tools can be used; DD can always be used on tapes to perform tape dumps, regardless of the archive type. The archiving tool, of course, can always be used on its respective archive file. If the archives are stored on disk, then other tools such as Fsck and Badblocks can be used.

Obviously, the more media there is to test the longer testing will take. Testing time, however, can be reduced by using scripts, and this can be amplified by using automated tape libraries that can be controlled by a simple program (i.e. Mtx) via a script. In addition, disk checking can also be automated using scripts. However, an important to question to answer is how often should the media be tested? Another is should the entire media be tested or individual archives? Often, testing once per year will suffice. Testing can often be done by dumping a table of contents of the archives; this is the default most tools, although full data extraction is always a possibility as well. If tapes are used as the main form of media, then they should be re-tensioned periodically to ensure that the tapes do not stick.

It is also important to test the tape drives, disk controllers, and disks (if media is on magnetic disk) using standardized procedures and best practices; often, the devices’ manufacturers may provide useful insight and tips. It is important to implement an organizational policy if one is not already in place. Powerful and simple diagnostic tools are available for Linux (PC Doctor for Linux) and some standard tools come bundled with it for testing various devices and components.

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