backup tape compression question

[fluxquantum]

hello everyone,

i am working in an IT department assisting with backups using veritas. we are using the DLTtape IV 40gb(native) and 80gb(compression). for some reason the tape is only producing a 1:1 compression ratio instead of the advertised 2:1 ratio. i have tried different tapes with the same results. we are running windows 2000 server. i have talked with tech support already with no solution. what can i do? any help would be appreciated.

 

[Matthias99]

What are you backing up? If the files are binary executables, or already in a compressed format, you won't get any extra compression from the backup software.

 

[fluxquantum]

essentially we are backing up regular data (everyday microsoft stuff like excel, word, outlook, access, etc.) none of the data is compressed.

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

I get some compression with my DDS3 dat drive, but it's nowhere near 2:1. I can usually put 16 gigs on a 12 gig tape. But when it saves my pictures and music files, there is no compression. The 2:1 claims are best possible, and really a marketing thing. I dunno, check to see if there are any jumpers on the drive, then go thru all options in the software.