Tandberg Data Exabyte VXA 172 Packet Tape Drive

Problems with Exabyte VXA-320

By Michael  Aug 5, 2007 | 1 out of 1 found this Tandberg Data Exabyte VXA 172 Packet Tape Drive review helpful

Pros: Low cost, reasonably priced media

Cons: Problems with each one I purchased

I am a small system integrator with many customers using Microsoft Small Business Server. A Small Business Server serves as a file server, domain controller, exchange server, share point server, and a SQL server. Customers using SBS are counting on ...it to run their entire business in many cases. Getting a reliable backup each day is crucial. I have been using Sony AIT drives for many years with very good results. I recently decided to try the Exabyte VXA-320 (External SCSI) tape drives and have had problems, problems and more problems. I am using recommended backup software, the correct SCSI controller, a good cable and have failed backups on a regular basis. Exabyte recently released firmware version 3208 for this drive which allows you to run an "Internal Self Test" on the drive. This allows you to esentially test the drive internally without interaction of your computer or SCSI controller. Following the test you can see the results on the LED's on the front of the drive. If this test reports a problem you use the VXA tool (software) to download a file from the drive that can be emailed to Exabyte for analysis. I have purchased three of these drives, used them lightly for 2 - 6 months, and had nothing but problems. I have run this test on all three drives (purchased months apart) and had the test report a drive problem that required returning the drive to Exabyte for repair/replacement. I have not received the replacement yet so I don't know if the problems will be solved or not. I had called Exabyte Tech Support several times prior to the new firmware and the ability to run the self test and each time felt like I was speaking with a lawyer trying to pin the blame on anything but the drive. I am shocked that all three of my new drives failed the self test. I suspect that there is a widespread problem that should be noted on the front page of their website. If Exabyte is aware of a problem that places thousands of customers data at risk they should be forthcoming and issue a recall on the affected models. My read on this drive can be summed up in the following sentences: The Exabyte VXA-320 is a poor quality drive sold by a manufacturer providing poor tech support both on the website and telephone. The VXA-320 is obviously a poor value and I would not recommend that you buy one. Read more Less