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Tape drive media
Learn about using the different types of tape drive media.
Attention: Your system supplier might support only the media that it sells. If the supplier's analysis
indicates that the problem is caused by using inferior media, it is the customer's responsibility to replace
the inferior media.
Select the appropriate information from this list:
v Types of cartridges
v Recommendations for data cartridge usage
v Prolonging head life
v Storage and shipping environments
v Tape cartridge storage
v Operating in harsh environments
v Ordering tape cartridges
Types of cartridges
Tape devices use the following media cartridges.
Data cartridge
Use the data cartridge to save or restore programs or data.
Test cartridge
Use the specially labeled test cartridge to run the AIX
running diagnostics, refer to your AIX documentation). Do not use the test cartridge to save or
restore customer programs or data.
Cleaning cartridge
Use the specially labeled cleaning cartridge to clean the device.
Attention: Use of other than the IBM specified cleaning cartridge can damage your device and
might void your warranty.
To order additional cartridges, refer to Ordering tape cartridges.
Recommendations for data cartridge usage
The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your data and prolong the
life of your tape cartridges and the device:
v Use only the tape cartridge specified for your type of tape device.
v Remove the tape cartridge from the drive when the drive is not in use.
v Back up and then discard any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error messages (the error
information is in the System Error Log).
v On the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door protects the tape from dirt,
dust, and damage.
v Do not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could cause loss of data.
v To avoid problems with loading and unloading, use only one label on a cartridge. Multiple or poorly
placed labels can clog the drive load mechanism.
v Do not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write errors, and they might
damage the tape drive.
v Discard any tape cartridges that are dropped, because the impact might damage the tape's internal
mechanism.
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system diagnostics (for information about
Chapter 2. Managing tape drives
5
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