Dell TL2000 manual Handle the Cartridge Carefully, Checking for gaps in the seams of a cartridge

vInspect the rear of the cartridge (the part that loads first into the tape load compartment) and ensure that there are no gaps in the seam of the cartridge case. If there are gaps in the seam (see Figure 6-6), the leader pin may be dislodged.

Figure 6-6. Checking for gaps in the seams of a cartridge

vCheck that the leader pin is properly seated.

vIf you suspect that the cartridge has been mishandled but it appears usable, copy any data onto a good cartridge immediately for possible data recovery. Discard the mishandled cartridge.

vReview handling and shipping procedures.

Handle the Cartridge Carefully

vDo not drop the cartridge. If the cartridge drops, slide the cartridge door back and ensure that the leader pin is properly seated in the pin-retaining spring clips.

vDo not handle tape that is outside the cartridge. Handling the tape can damage the tape’s surface or edges, which may interfere with read or write reliability. Pulling on tape that is outside the cartridge can damage the tape and the brake mechanism in the cartridge.

vDo not stack more than six cartridges.

vDo not degauss a cartridge that you intend to reuse. Degaussing makes the tape unusable.

Environmental and Shipping Specifications for Tape Cartridges

Before you use a tape cartridge, acclimate it to the operating environment for 24 hours or the time necessary to prevent condensation in the drive (the time will vary, depending on the environmental extremes to which the cartridge was exposed).

6-8Dell PowerVault TL2000 Tape Library and TL4000 Tape Library User's Guide