The Symantec driver (tratapi.sys) does not allow for changing the tape drive block size - the Device Properties value defaults to 512 Bytes.  Installation and usage of the Quantum driver (qic157.sys) allows for changing of the block size to either 512B or 1024B (1KB).  Some Symantec Customers have noticed a slight performance improvement when modifying this value.


If the qic157.sys OEM driver is used, the blocksize can be changed by performing the following steps:

1. Launch Backup Exec.
2. In the "Devices" tab, select the TRAVAN device.
3. Right-click on the device, and select "Properties".
4. Select the "Configuration" tab
5. Adjust the "Block size..." value as desired.  It may be required to also change the "Buffer size..."
6. Click OK.

Tip: Before putting a block size change into general use, the changes should be thoroughly tested.  Ensure that backups are verified (Post Backup Verify or manually).  Perform redirected restores to an alternate location of a sample file too and then perform a file compare between the two versions.

NOTE: The Intelligent Disaster Recovery (IDR) Option is not supported with the qic157.sys driver.