Message: unable to start the writer on the media server

Explanation: The bpsynth process was unable to start the following: the bptm or the bpdm process on the media server that is associated with the target storage unit to write the synthetic image.

Recommended Action:

Examine the NetBackup error log for any messages that bpsynth logged. For more information, refer to the following: the debug logs for bpsynth on the master server and bpcd and bptm or bpdm on the media server. Ensure that the bptm or the bpdm binaries on the media server are executable and are not corrupt. Try to run the bptm or the bpdm commands locally on the media server to ensure that the binary is executable and not corrupt. For instance, you can run the following command:

	install_path/netbackup/bin/bptm -count -rn 0 -rt 8

where robot number is 0 and robot type is 8. The robot type that corresponds to the robot number can be taken from the command line that is logged in the debug log for bptm. This command displays the counts for the up, shared, and assigned drives in the robot. In case the synthetic image is to be written to a disk storage unit, verify the bpdm binary by running the following command:

	install_path/netbackup/bin/bpdm

It should print the following: "bpdm: media manager operation not specified". Retry the synthetic backup job. If the problem persists, contact customer support and send appropriate logs.

A complete list of required logs and configuration information is available.

See "Logs To Accompany Problem Reports for Synthetic Backup" in the Troubleshooting Guide.