Types Of Tape Cartridges; Recommendations For Data Cartridge Usage; Data Cartridge Erasure - IBM 7226 Manual

Types of Tape Cartridges

Data Cartridge
Use the Ultrium-6 TB data cartridge to save or restore programs or data.
Test Cartridge
Use the specially labeled LTO Diagnostic Test cartridge to run the host system diagnostics. (For information about
running diagnostics, refer to your host manuals.) The Diagnostic Test cartridge should not be used to save or restore
customer programs or data.
WORM Cartridge
Use the specially labeled LTO Write Once, Read Many (WORM) cartridge for certain records retention and data security
applications. The LTO Ultrium generation 4, 5, and 6 drives enable WORM support when a WORM tape cartridge is
loaded into the drive. Because standard read/write media are incompatible with the WORM feature, a specially
formatted WORM tape cartridge is required. Each WORM cartridge has a unique, worldwide cartridge identifier
(WWCID), which comprises the unique CM chip serial number and the unique tape media serial number.
Cleaning Cartridge
Use the specially labeled LTO cleaning cartridge to clean the LTO tape drive. For instructions about how to clean the LTO
tape drive, see
Attention: Use of other than the IBM LTO cleaning cartridge can damage your LTO tape drive and may void your
warranty.
IBM also offers other LTO cartridges for smaller capacity storage and testing. Use the specially labeled LTO Diagnostic Test
cartridge to run the system diagnostics (for information about running diagnostics, refer to your host system manuals). The
Diagnostic Test cartridge should not be used to save or restore customer programs or data. 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 LTO tape drive:
Use only IBM media cartridges.
Remove the tape cartridge from the drive when the drive is not in use.
Back up and then discard any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error messages. (The error information is in the
System Error Log.)
On the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door protects the tape from dirt, dust, and
damage.
Do not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could cause loss of data.
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.
Do not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write errors, and may damage the tape drive.
Discard any tape cartridges that are dropped, as the impact may damage the tape's internal mechanism.
Make sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a dusty environment and always maintain a
constant environment. A consistent storage and operating environment reduces media exposure to climatic stress.
Attention: Use only the recommended cleaning cartridge to clean the tape drive. Use of other than recommended cleaning
cartridges can damage your drive and may void the warranty.
Printers and copiers can produce paper and toner dust. Locate the tape unit away from these items. High traffic areas
near hallways and doors can also produce excess dust and dirt.
All important information should be recorded on the tape label. Information, such as the model and number of the
system or tape drive, the date, the density, any error statistics, and a log number should be included. The operating
environment and compression mode should also be noted.

Data Cartridge Erasure

140 IBM 7226 Model 1U3 Storage Device Enclosure
Cleaning the Tape Drive.