Re: NTBackup.exe Delayed Write Failure

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Kerry Brown wrote:

"Ronald K" <RonaldK@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:CFE55E84-307B-4636-8A50-E1F3DCE3B9B4@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Using the Production Win XP Backup Utility (NTbackup.exe), I have recently
not been able to complete a backup using Normal mode from one local harddrive
to another local harddrive (that is same p.c.) and attempting to back up
about 14 gbs, on a 50 gig drive. Windows is fully updated (which may be the
problem?).

Finishing somewhere near half of the job, the error shows up. Disk system
is NTFS version 5.2 and the backup destination drive is compressed. I use it
only to backup my primary drive. System is a 3 year old Systemax AMD Athlon
1900+.

I previously had no problem, now in the last several attempts this failure
is consistent.  Daily Differential Mode backups work properly.

System event log reports as follows:


Event Type: Warning
Event Source: Ntfs
Event Category: None
Event ID: 50
Date: 6/28/2005
Time: 6:44:13 PM
User: N/A
Computer: RON
Description:
{Delayed Write Failed} Windows was unable to save all the data for the file.
The data has been lost. This error may be caused by a failure of your
computer hardware or network connection. Please try to save this file
elsewhere. For more information, see Help and Support Center at
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.

A corresponding desktop error dialog says,

"Delayed Write Failed:
Windows was unable to save all the data for file X:\xxxx.bkf. The data has
been lost. this error may be caused by a failure of your computer hardware
or network connection. Please try to save this file elsewhere.

Another desktop error dialog says,

"Drive Error
This drive reported an error on a request to write data to media.
Error Reported: Unknown Error.
There may be a hardware or media problem. Please check the system event log
for relevent failures."

I have run Norton Disk Doctor on the drive with negative results (no
errors).  Norton Utilities SMART drive monitor shows both drives o.k.
Because the process is so system intensive, I try to keep nothing but
security software running.
Because the Backup overwrites the file, I currently have no system backup.

Does anyone have a thought as to what is causing this failure and what do to
about it?

Many thanks,
Ron




Turn off write caching for the drive. In the device manager click on the drive properties then the policy tab. This should fix the symptom but not the problem. Something is causing this. Usually it's a bad drive. I don't know if I would trust it for a backup. You need to look for an alternative backup. If the data is important you need two independent backup methods.

Kerry 



I would also try turning off compression just to simplify things.  {I had
problems with compression under an earlier version of WinDuhs, and I've never
trusted it since.}

Also, check the cables (power and signal) to the troublesome HD - they may
have become loose.

I don't have much faith in Norton's stuff.  I suggest downloading the HD
vendor's disk test utility, and running that with a full check (probably
an overnight run).
--
Cheers, Bob
.

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