The error "The data being read from the media is inconsistent" (e00084ca HEX or a00084ca HEX) occurs when running a backup.

Problem

The error "The data being read from the media is inconsistent" (e00084ca HEX or a00084ca HEX) occurs when running a backup.

Error

Final Error Code: e00084ca HEX (0xe00084ca HEX) or a00084ca HEX (0xa00084ca HEX)

Final Error Description:  The data being read from the media is inconsistent.

Final Error Category:  Backup Media Errors

Error Text In Job Log: An inconsistency was encountered on the storage media in %s.

Cause

The error occurs when Backup Exec is reading a tape or Backup to Disk (B2D) Folder prior to backup, during a Post Backup Verify, Catalog Job, or restore and encounters "end of data" marker unexpectedly.  Various things can cause such an error, such as losing power to the tape drive or server, a system or engine service crash, or a tape drive failure.

Solution

A. If this error is encountered repeatedly, perform any or all of the following to resolve issues with the tape hardware:

1. Clean the tape drive.

2. Attempt to use another tape, or attempt to use the same tape in a different drive.

3. Perform a quick or long erase on the tape.

4. Check the Event Viewer for additional errors, and resolve any Event IDs related to the hardware (tape drive or controller). Please refer to the Related Documents section of this article for more details.

5. Make sure the hardware devices are at the latest firmware and driver level.

6. Contact the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for additional troubleshooting, particularly if the same errors are encountered when using the native Windows Backup application.

B. To isolate issues with a specific tape:

1. Go to the Media  tab in Backup Exec.

2. Right-click on the media that is causing the error.

3. Go to Properties and check statistics.

Multiple "hard" read or write errors indicate a problem with the tape and a new tape is recommended.

C. If this error occurs on a backup-to-disk (B2D) folder:

1. Try backup on a new backup-to-disk folder.

2. Check the hard drive capacity.

3. Look for errors referencing the hard drive in the Windows Event Viewer.

4. Defragment the hard drive.

5. Run Scan-disk against the hard drive.