Maintaining Tape Cartridges - HP StorageWorks MSL5000 series User Manual

Maintaining Tape Cartridges

Note:
provided with your media for more information.
Make it a practice to visually inspect your tape cartridges when loading or
removing them from your library. Taking a few minutes to check the condition of
your cartridges will lower the risk of operation and drive failures and help ensure
uninterrupted backup.
Repeated drive failures may indicate defective tapes. Tapes need to be inspected
and replaced if they have been dropped, damaged, or used with a failed drive. To
determine if the tapes have been damaged:
Do not use cartridges with:
HP StorageWorks MSL5000 and MSL6000 Series Tape Libraries User Guide
In addition to the information provided in this section, refer to the documentation
Gently shake the tape cartridge to verify that no internal parts are rattling,
indicating that they may be loose.
Look at the tape cartridge to check for any obvious cracks or other physical
damage. Look for broken or missing parts.
Caution: Always discard damaged tape cartridges. If a defective tape
cartridge is loaded into a tape drive, it may in turn damage the drive
potentially requiring drive replacement.
Tape or leaders that have been touched with bare fingers, as this may transfer
oils to the tape head.
Labels used on the top, bottom, sides, or back of the cartridge. Use the label
slot or recess only.
More than one label applied, as extra labels can cause the cartridges to jam in
the tape drive.
Maintenance
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