Symantec Backup Exec – 0xa000821e – Library error – incompatible storage media detected in robotic library.

When running trying to run a backup job or inventory using Symantec (ex Veritas) Backup Exec you may experience the following error message:

0xa000821e – Library error – incompatible storage media detected in robotic library.

Final error category: Backup Media ErrorsCompleted status: Failed
Slot Barcode Media Label Status   0  incompatible media

This Symantec KB article gives an explanation of the problem and a step by step guide on how to resolve it:

“This error message occurs because the bar code rules have been enabled, but there are no rules set up for the media within the robotic library. Since there are no rules defined, Backup Exec is unable to find any media that is compatible with the tape drive inside the library.”