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STATUS_INVALID_BLOCK_LENGTH
The block-size state became invalid when the multivolume tape changed
STATUS_INVALID_BLOCK_LENGTH is specifically tied to a new tape in a multivolume partition. Tape I/O can use a configured media block size, and Windows exposes that value through tape media parameters. GetTapeParameters retrieves tape or drive information, while SetTapeParameters can set the media block size.
This makes the transition between volumes the critical point. Record the block size used on the previous tape, the value reported for the newly loaded tape, and the backup format’s expected block organization. Do not “repair” the problem by choosing an arbitrary larger or smaller block size: the reader must use settings compatible with the data already written and with the drive/media capabilities.
For restore work, preserve the original media and catalog metadata before changing configuration. A write, repartition, or format operation is not a diagnostic step for a block-size mismatch and can destroy the evidence needed to identify the correct tape layout.
What to inspect
- The multivolume set position and exactly which tape transition first produced the status.
- Current tape media block size from the tape parameter query and the block size expected by the backup application.
- Drive model, media type, and whether the same tape set can be read with the original writer’s configuration.
References
- Microsoft: GetTapeParameters
- Microsoft: SetTapeParameters
- Microsoft: Tape initialization
- Microsoft Open Specifications: NTSTATUS values
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