Found a Case that may be relevant here: QCCR2A57676
Customer symptom
Data Protector upgrade to version 8.1 fails to import media pools properly.
Fix Version
Release Status 8.1 Closed-No Change Future Release Action
Workaround
Assuming the usage of DP 7.x: 1. In the DP GUI, go to the properties of the affected pool. 2. Go to the "Allocation" tab 3. Uncheck "Use free pool" and click "Apply" 4. Do the update to DP 8. 5. After the update, go to the properties of the affected pool and configure it for free pool usage.