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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 tape drive:
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
v On the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door
v Do not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could
v To avoid problems with loading and unloading, use only one label on a
v Do not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write
v Discard any tape cartridges that are dropped, as the impact may damage the
v Make sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a
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.
v Printers and copiers can produce paper and toner dust. Locate the tape unit
v All important information should be recorded on the tape label. Information,
Data cartridge erasure
Most bulk eraser devices do not have the capability to erase the data cartridge. To
properly erase a VXA data cartridge with a bulk eraser device, the erasure
coercivity rating must be a minimum of 3900 Oersted.
Storage and shipping environments
Before using a tape cartridge, let it acclimate to the operating environment by
placing the cartridge in the operating environment for as long as it has been away
from the environment or for 24 hours, whichever is less. (To determine the
appropriate operating environment, see "Tape cartridge conditions" on page B-2.)
Acclimation is necessary for any data cartridge exposed to a different humidity
environment or to temperature changes of 11°C (20°F) or more.
Retrieval of archived data should be performed on a tape unit that is clean and
fully operational. Try to make the recovery environment the same as the operating
environment. Allow tapes at least 24 hours to acclimate to environment of the tape
unit.
A-2
VXA-2 Internal Tape Drive: User's Guide
messages (the error information is in the System Error Log).
protects the tape from dirt, dust, and damage.
cause loss of data.
cartridge. Multiple or poorly placed labels can clog the drive load mechanism.
errors, and may damage the tape drive.
tape's internal mechanism.
dusty environment and always maintain a constant environment. A consistent
storage and operating environment reduces media exposure to climatic stress.
away from these items. High traffic areas near hallways and doors can also
produce excess dust and dirt.
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.
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