You can use Backup, Recovery and Media Service (BRMS) to efficiently reuse old fragmented tape volumes by copying active file sequences to unused media.
Reclaiming your media allows you to duplicate a volume or set of volumes that have become fragmented to new volumes. Typically, over time, you have volumes that just sit in storage unusable. These volumes are highly fragmented with gaps in the active file sequences due to the varying expiration dates of the saved items on the media. The reclaim function allows you to copy only the unexpired or active file sequences to unused (scratch) media. The old volumes will be expired and the backup history of the active saved items is updated to reflect the new volume. This allows you to remove the old volumes from the media inventory or make the old volumes available for reuse. Ultimately, this should reduce the number of active volumes you must manage plus reduce the total number of volumes being managed and minimize your media and media storage costs.
You can use the Reclaim wizard to reclaim one or more volumes in BRMS. To access the Reclaim wizard, follow these steps: