How do I recycle (or deassign) Netbackup database (catalog) backup tapes?

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In order to convert a catalog tape into a backup tape, perform the following steps. These steps are valid for NetBackup versions 4.5 through 6.5 for offline cold catalog backups.

1. Determine the volume pool number. The volume pool number is the number in parentheses after "volume pool."

Unix: /usr/openv/volmgr/bin/vmquery -m [media_id] Windows: <install>\Veritas\volmgr\bin\vmquery -m [media_id]

2. De-assign the volume

Unix: /usr/openv/volmgr/bin/vmquery -deassignbyid [media_id] [pool#] 1

Win: <install>\Veritas\volmgr\vmquery -deassignbyid [media_id] [pool#] 1

3. Write a NetBackup backup label on tape media. If the tape is in a robotic library, use this syntax:

Unix: /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/admincmd/bplabel -m [media_id] -d [density] -p [volume_pool_name]

Win: <install>\Veritas\NetBackup\bin\admincmd\bplabel -m [media_id] -d [density] -p [volume_pool_name]

If the tape is in a standalone tape drive, use this syntax:

Unix: /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/admincmd/bplabel -m [media_id] -d [density] -p [volume_pool_name] -n [drive_name]

Win: <install>\Veritas\NetBackup\bin\admincmd\bplabel -m [media_id] -d [density] -p [volume_pool_name] -n [drive_name]

Note, bplabel can be performed from the GUI if desired by right clicking the media id and selecting "Label", keeping the default selections and clicking OK.

The catalog media would now be available for NetBackup backups.

Taken from http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/295233.htm