Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintaining tape cartridges

Note: In addition to the information provided in this manual, access the HP StorageWorks SDLT Tape Drive Reference Guide, and the HP StorageWorks Ultrium Tape Drive User’s Guide from http://www.hp.com/support for more information.

For longer life of recorded or unrecorded tape cartridges:

■Do not carry cartridges loosely in a container that exposes them to unnecessary physical shock. Dropping or bumping cartridges may dislodge and damage internal components.

■Store tape cartridges vertically in their protective cases until needed. Store tape cartridges in a clean environment that duplicates the conditions of the room in which they will be used.

■Use tape cartridges in temperatures between 50°F to 104°F (10°C and 40°C).

■If a tape cartridge has been exposed to extreme heat or cold, stabilize the tape cartridge at room temperature for the same amount of time it was exposed for up to 24 hours.

■Keep cartridges out of direct sunlight and do not place tape cartridges near electromagnetic interference sources, such as terminals, motors, and video or X-ray equipment. Doing so may cause data on the tape cartridge to be altered or erased.

■Do not touch the tape medium or open the tape door unnecessarily. Dust and skin oils can contaminate the tape, impact performance, and cause damage.

■Store tape cartridges in a dust-free environment where the relative humidity is between 20 percent and 80 percent. For longer tape cartridge life, store the tape cartridge at 40 percent to 60 percent relative humidity.

■Use only HP qualified bar code labels. Apply them only in the designated areas of the tape cartridge, and do not apply more than one per cartridge.

■Follow guidelines provided by the tape cartridge manufacturer.

If a tape cartridge is dropped or damage is suspected, gently shake the tape cartridge:

■If it rattles, it is damaged. Restore the data on the tape cartridge if possible and discard the damaged tape cartridge.