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IBM VXA-2 Troubleshooting Manual
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IBM VXA-2 Troubleshooting Manual

IBM VXA-2 Troubleshooting Manual

Tape drive
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Download this manual See also: User Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING THE IBM VXA-2 TAPE DRIVE
This document describes problems that you might encounter while operating the IBM VXA-2 tape
drive and provides suggestions for resolving the problems.

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

TAPE DRIVE WILL NOT ACCEPT A CARTRIDGE
If the tape drive does not accept a cartridge when you insert it into the tape drive door, do the
following:
1. Determine if there's already a cartridge loaded. Press the eject button; there may be a
cartridge already loaded in the tape drive.
2. Make sure you are using either VXA X-Tape cartridges or VXATape cartridges. The tape drive
automatically ejects other cartridge types.
3. Check that the tape drive is powered on and that it is not indicating an error state on its
LEDs. Refer to the Product Manual for a complete list of LED states.
4. Check to see if the Fault (!) LED is orange, indicating that the tape drive is over-temperature.
If the tape drive is over-temperature, it must cool down before operations can continue.
5. Check to see if the LEDs indicate a firmware download failure. A firmware download failure
is indicated with the Ready, Activity, and Fault LEDs flashing. If a firmware upgrade was
interrupted or did not complete successfully, the firmware must be reloaded. The tape drive
will not accept a cartridge until the firmware is successfully reloaded.
6. Power cycle the tape drive. Power down the tape drive. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the tape
drive back on. On power-up, observe the tape drive's LED code sequence. If the LEDs do
not illuminate, check the power supply and power cable connection. If the tape drive is
installed internally in a server, try connecting a different power cable to the tape drive.
7. Push the cartridge straight into the tape drive. If the cartridge is inserted or pushed at an
angle, you will feel resistance and will not be able to load the cartridge.
TAPE DRIVE WILL NOT EJECT A CARTRIDGE
If the tape drive does not eject a cartridge when you press the eject button, do the following:
1. Use your backup application to eject the cartridge.
To protect against accidental tape ejection during a backup or restore operation, many
applications prevent using the tape drive's eject button for media removal.
If you cannot eject the cartridge through the application, use VXATool to unload the
cartridge. Refer to the readme file or on-line help available with VXATool for instructions.
2. If you cannot eject the cartridge through the application, use VXATool to unload the
cartridge. Refer to the readme file or on-line help available with VXATool for instructions.
3. Reset the tape drive.

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Summary of Contents for IBM VXA-2

  • Page 1: Problems And Solutions

    TROUBLESHOOTING THE IBM VXA-2 TAPE DRIVE This document describes problems that you might encounter while operating the IBM VXA-2 tape drive and provides suggestions for resolving the problems. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS TAPE DRIVE WILL NOT ACCEPT A CARTRIDGE If the tape drive does not accept a cartridge when you insert it into the tape drive door, do the following: 1.
  • Page 2 Press and hold the unload button for at least 10 seconds, then release the button. This clears any error, ejects any cartridge that is in the tape drive (unless a hardware error occurred), and resets the tape drive. Note: If the tape drive contains a cartridge, the tape drive rewinds the tape to the beginning before ejecting the cartridge.

  • Page 3: Backup Application Is Reporting An Error

    2. Make sure the tape drive is installed properly on the bus, as described in the Product Manual. In particular, check the following: • Is the tape drive set to a unique SCSI ID? • Is a terminator installed at the physical end of the SCSI bus? Try another terminator. •...

  • Page 4: Troubleshooting With Vxatool

    • The cartridge needs to be replaced. Try using a different cartridge for the backup. Mark any cartridge that fails. If you notice that the same cartridge results in multiple failures, it may be time to replace the cartridge. • The backup application has attempted to append data to a cartridge that previously failed.

  • Page 5: Gathering Troubleshooting Information For Technical Support

    CAPTURING A DIAGNOSTIC LOG A diagnostic log is a snapshot of the tape drive’s current condition. If the tape drive reports an error, use VXATool to capture the diagnostic log as soon as possible after the error occurred. To ensure that the diagnostic log accurately reflects the condition of the tape drive when the error occurred, avoid disturbing the tape drive (for example, power-cycling, loading or unloading tapes, or writing or reading more data) before capturing the diagnostic log.

  • Page 6: Operating System Information

    • Backup application name and version. What backup application is being used? • Compatibility. Does your application support the IBM VXA-2 tape drive? Refer to the supported hardware devices list from the application provider. • Device driver. Is the appropriate driver installed for the tape drive? Refer to the installation instructions for your backup application.