Caring For Tape Cartridges; Setting The Write-Protect Switch - Dell PowerVault LTO User Manual

Figure 20. Setting the write-protect switch
1 Write-protect switch
To set the switch, slide it left or right to the wanted position.
Notice: Always set the write protection tab before the cartridge is loaded into the drive. Sliding the tab
after loading causes unpredictable results and might result in drive errors or backup failure.

Caring for tape cartridges

Notice: Do not insert a damaged tape cartridge into your tape drive. A damaged cartridge can interfere
with the reliability of the drive and might void the warranties of the drive and the cartridge. Before
inserting a tape cartridge, inspect the cartridge case, cartridge door, and write-protect switch for breaks.
Incorrect handling or an incorrect environment can damage the LTO Ultrium tape cartridge or its magnetic
tape. To avoid damage to your tape cartridges and to ensure the continued high reliability of your tape
drive, use the following guidelines.
Provide training
• Post procedures that describe proper media handling in places where people gather.
• Ensure that anyone who handles tape has been properly trained in handling and shipping procedures.
This includes operators, users, programmers, archival services, and shipping personnel.
• Ensure that any service or contract personnel who perform archiving are properly trained in media-
handling procedures.
• Include media-handling procedures as part of any services contract.
• Define and make personnel aware of data recovery procedures.
Ensure proper packaging
• When you ship a cartridge, ship it in its original or similar packaging.
• Always ship or store a cartridge in a jewel case.
• Use only a recommended shipping container that securely holds the cartridge in its jewel case during
transportation.
• Never ship a cartridge in a commercial shipping envelope. Always place it in a box or package.
• If you ship the cartridge in a cardboard box or a box of a sturdy material, ensure the following:
– Place the cartridge in polyethylene plastic wrap or bags to protect it from dust, moisture, and other
contaminants.
– Pack the cartridge snugly; do not allow it to move around.
– Double-box the cartridge (place it inside a box, then place that box inside the shipping box) and add
padding between the two boxes.
Chapter 3. Using the tape drive 25