A backup job fails with error: 0xe00084f0 / V-79-57344-34032 - The device timed out.

Problem

A backup job fails with error: 0xe00084f0 / V-79-57344-34032 - The device timed out.

Error Message

The job log reports:

0xe00084f0 - The semaphore timeout period has expired.
V-79-57344-34032 - The device timed out.

In the Windows Event viewer, the application logs reports:

Event Type: Error
Event Source: Backup Exec
Event Category: None
Event ID: 57665
Storage device "Device" reported an error on a request to write data to media.
Error reported: The semaphore timeout period has expired. 

Solution

The following workaround may correct the problem in the short term but this could also be an indicator that the hardware is experiencing problems (depending on how often the error occurs). It is also advised to make the following change as a last resort to resolving the issue as this will slow down all Backup Exec tape operations (backup, verify, restore, seeking, and so on) to a certain degree (monitor the backup speed change after following this article). The SCSI bus timeout article (which can be found by accessing the Related Articles link) should be followed first to provide a possible resolution as it more specifically addresses the hardware setup and configuration. 

This error indicates that the hardware setup is at fault which is external to Backup Exec However this device error issue can sometimes be alleviated by changing the default value of the following registry key: 

Warning: Incorrect use of the Windows registry editor can have disastrous results on a server operating system. Great care should be taken when making changes to a Windows registry. Registry modifications should only be carried-out by persons experienced in the use of the registry editor application. It is recommended that a complete backup of the registry and workstation be made prior to making any registry changes.

HKEY_Local_Machine/Software/veritas/Backup Exec for Windows/Backup Exec /Engine/NTFS/FSUseAsynclO to "0" 

This key determines whether Backup Exec uses a proprietary method for accessing files (on tape and on hard disk file systems) for both read and write functionality. A value of 1 means Backup Exec will use the proprietary method to accelerate such operations and a value of 0 means it will not.

OR

Open BeUtility, right-click on the media server name, click Edit  Configuration. 

To open BEUtility, navigate to X:\Program Files\Veritas\Backup Exec['X' drive is the drive where Backup Exec is installed on] and launch  BEUtiluty.exe.

By default, File system uses asynchronous I/O will be selected. Clear this check box

Note: This workaround will slow down the completion time of most operations. Therefore, if/when the hardware is eventually replaced, this setting should be changed back to default (1) once the replacement is complete.

After making the registry change, restart the Backup Exec Services.