DPM Free Tape Threshold

By default, DPM may generate alerts when the number of free tapes in the library drops below the configured threshold. In my environment, the robotic library was configured to require at least two free tapes, which resulted in unnecessary warnings.

To disable this requirement and stop the alerts, set the free tape threshold to 0. Change the server1.fqdn to your dpm server fully qualified domain name and DPMDB_server1 to your actual DPM database name.

sqlcmd -S server1.fqdn -d DPMDB_server1 -E -Q "UPDATE tbl_MM_MediaPool SET MinThresholdForFreePool = 0 WHERE Type = 2"

Run this command in Administrative command prompt (or powershell). After running the command, DPM will no longer require free tapes to be present in the free pool and the related alerts will disappear.

The sample event I got (pasted it here for people searching the internet about how to get that event disappear)

Affected area: IBM Storage 3572 Tape Library

Occurred since: 22.06.2026 08:45:59

Description: The number of free tapes in the Tape Library IBM Storage 3572 Tape Library is less than or equals the threshold value of 1. You must add tape to the library and mark it as free in order to prevent future backups from failing. (ID 3305)

More information

Recommended action:

Add tape to the library and mark it as free.

Resolution: To dismiss the alert, click below

Inactivate