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Resolving problems reported by the server
The procedure for fixing interface bus errors varies, depending on whether the error is consistent or intermittent, and on your configuration.
This section describes how to fix an error.
Fixing SAS bus errors
1. Check whether the tape drive power is ON.
2. Verify that the SAS cable is connected properly to the server and to the tape drive.
3. Replace SAS cable if it shows any signs of damage.
Resolving media-related problems
Media-related problems can be diagnosed and solved in various ways.
To resolve problems that are related to media, the drive's firmware includes:
Test Cartridge & Media diagnostic test that verifies whether a suspect cartridge and its magnetic tape are acceptable for use.
Statistical Analysis and Reporting System (SARS) to help with isolating failures between media and hardware. To determine the cause of failure, SARS uses
the cartridge performance history that is saved in the cartridge memory (CM) and the drive performance history that is kept in the drive's VPD (Vital Product
Data) area in NVRAM. Any failures that SARS detects are reported as TapeAlert flags on the server. See IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Drive SCSI Reference.
Attention: If you insert the IBM® LTO Ultrium Data Cartridge into another manufacturer's drive, the SARS data in the cartridge memory might become lost or
invalid.
If you encounter a media-related problem, refer to
Pre-call checklist
If you have questions or problems, go through this checklist before IBM® technical support is contacted.
Ensure that the total SAS cable length does not exceed 4 m (13 ft). Complete these steps before you call IBM technical support. Where instructions refer you to the
web, go tohttp://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral.
1. Complete a general checkup of the hardware and connections.
Verify that all cables are connected properly at both ends.
Before the SAS cables are attached, ensure that the connector does not contain bent or recessed pins.
Ensure that all retention screws for the SAS cable are securely tightened.
2. Verify that the drive's firmware is at the most recent level. To determine the current release of firmware, go to the web. See
instructions about downloading the current firmware.
3. Verify that your device drivers are at the most recent level.
For IBM device drivers, go to the web.
For the device drivers of independent software vendors (ISVs), go to the appropriate third-party website.
4. Verify whether your hardware and software configuration is supported. To determine the current supported attachments, go to the web.
5. Review "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Hints and Tips" on the web.
6. Run one of the diagnostic methods:
Local diagnostic tests:
Run
Function code 1: Run drive diagnostics
Optionally, you might run one of the following diagnostic procedures:
Function code E: Test cartridge & media
Function code F: Write performance test
Function code H: Test head
Function code J: Fast read/write test
Function code L: Load/unload test
Run
Function code 6: Run host interface wrap
Remote diagnostic test:
With the ITDT utility, run the SCAN as described in
Replacing the tape drive
To replace your tape drive, complete these steps.
1. Remove the replacement unit from its packaging.
2. Locate the repair identification (RID) tag (included with the replacement unit). See 1 in
3. Write down the serial number of the failed unit on the RID tag.
4. Affix the repair tag to the rear panel of the replacement unit (below the serial number label).
5. Place the failed unit into the packaging of the replacement unit.
28 IBM TS22xx Tape Drives
Function code E: Test cartridge &
media.
to determine whether the drive can properly load and unload cartridges, and read and write data.
to determine whether a suspect cartridge and its magnetic tape are acceptable.
to ensure that the drive can read from and write to tape.
to ensure that the tape drive's head and tape-carriage mechanics work correctly.
to ensure that the drive can read from and write to tape.
to test the drive's ability to load and unload a tape cartridge.
test.
Procedure 4: Verifying host interface
Updating firmware
communications.
Figure
1).
for
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