HP 8GB, 5GB manual Installation Guide

30 Installation Guide

the printer.

nMake sure that there is no switch box anywhere in the HP Colorado drive’s cabling configuration.

nYour parallel port may be using the same IRQ setting as some other device in your computer system. For example, a sound board or fax/modem board may be using the same IRQ. If you discover conflicts, change the IRQ setting on the other device. Refer to the manuals that came with your computer and other devices for instructions.

nIf your tape drive works, but the data transfer rate is noticeably slow or the tape repeatedly starts and stops (as opposed to running continually for long periods), consult your computer’s documentation to view and edit the parallel port’s CMOS settings. Newer computers are likely to have enhanced parallel ports (EPP) or extended capabilities ports (ECP), which transfer data much faster than unidirectional, bi-directional, or compatible ports. Some factory settings may have the EPP or ECP ports set as a slower unidirectional port. Changing the CMOS settings in this case can greatly improve the tape drive’s performance.

nMake sure you are using the right type of tape. See “Choosing Tapes for Your Tape Drive” on page 32.

nWindows and Windows 95 users: If the tape-drive icon appears with a red mark through it, the software either cannot find the drive at the selected settings, or the inserted tape is not compatible. (Windows 3.x users can click on the tape icon to read the error message.) Exit the software and restart it. If the mark remains, try the operation with a different tape.

nIf your computer has a power-management feature that shuts off your computer after a specified period of time since the last keyboard input, you may experience problems with certain operations that exceed the time limit. Turn off the power- management feature when performing a long running operation such as a total or full-system backup. Check your computer’s manuals to find out how to turn off or change the time limit of the power-management feature.

nCheck the read-me file on the software installation CD that came with your tape drive or the HP web site (see page 46) for any late-breaking troubleshooting information.

Achieving optimal performance

Run SCANDISK.EXE and DEFRAG.EXE on your hard drive before using your tape drive for the first time (see your DOS, Windows 3.x or Windows 95 manual for more information). Then run them periodically after that. These programs improve access times to the hard drive, which will help improve the tape drive’s performance.