Virtual Tape Files on removable media have 0 size

If a virtual tape file is created on a removable media and that media is removed prior to the tape being detached, then the length of the virtual tape file is 0.

Discussion

A virtual tape file may be defined from TCL by the use of the SET-TAPEFILE <pathname\filename.vtf> command. If the virtual tape file is on a removable disk media (e.g., floppy disk, Iomega ZIP or JAZ drive) then the media must not be removed before the tape has been detached.

The underlying physical Windows file-system file is still open while the virtual tape is attached. In similar fashion to a traditional physical reel of tape, additional reads/writes may occur while the tape is still attached. The file is closed when the tape is detached. When the file is closed, the length (size) is updated.

Solution

Thus, to remove the removable disk media, it is mandatory to detach the tape (e.g., T-DET) before removing it.