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ERROR_FILEMARK_DETECTED
a tape access reached a filemark.
ERROR_FILEMARK_DETECTED means that a sequential-media read or positioning operation encountered a logical file boundary recorded on tape.
Where the result appears
- tape backup sets containing multiple logical files.
- Restore tools scanning records or volumes.
- archive verification and tape-copy utilities.
- drive commands that position relative to filemarks.
Typical causes
- the reader reached the intended end of a logical tape file.
- the caller expected more data before the boundary.
- positioning count or initial tape location was wrong.
- backup metadata and physical filemark layout disagree.
What to collect
- current tape file/block position and requested movement.
- backup-set catalog entry and expected filemark sequence.
- bytes returned before the mark and drive status.
- whether the operation treats filemarks as normal boundaries or exceptional conditions.
Handling and recovery
Interpret the filemark according to the archive format. It may be a normal delimiter requiring the next logical file, not a failure requiring media replacement. If encountered unexpectedly, stop and reconcile catalog metadata with actual tape position before continuing.
Common misinterpretation
A filemark is not the physical end of the cartridge and does not by itself imply unreadable media.
References
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