Product

Platform

Server: Dell or Data General Intel

Operating system

Server: Windows NT or 2000

Error

USE CLEANING TAPE

Symptoms

***Applies to Prinergy 1.1; and 2.0 Connect, Powerpack, Direct, and Satellite, depending on licensed configuration.***

A DLT drive's "USE CLEANING TAPE" light is on.

Cause

CALIBRATION ERROR

CALIBRATION SIGNAL/S ARE MARGINAL

MEDIA READ ERROR

MEDIA WRITE ERROR

Solution

Caution: Do not ignore the "USE CLEANING TAPE" indicator or Backup may fail.

Possible solutions include:

A. Reloading or replacing the data cartridge

B. Loading a DLT Cleaning Tape

C. Re-loading a DLT Cleaning Tape

D. When to service

A. Reloading or replacing the data cartridge

To clear the "USE CLEANING TAPE" indicator:

1. Unload and reload the same data cartridge.

2. Load a different data cartridge.

B. Loading the DLT CLeaning Tape

If the light remains on:

1. Unload the data cartridge.

2. Load the DLT Cleaning Tape. This automatically performs a head cleaning routine.

3. Unload the tape.

4. Turn off the light.

5. Remove the cleaning cartridge, mark the label.

6. Load the data cartridge.

C. Re-loading the DLT Cleaning Tape

If the "USE CLEANING TAPE" light remains on after running the cleaning routine, the cartridge has expired, that is, the cartridge has reached the limit of 20 passes run. Load another DLT Cleaning Tape and follow the procedure in solution B.

D. When to Service

If the "USE CLEANING TAPE" light turns on after running two passes of the DLT Cleaning Tape and trying a different data cartridge, the DLT tape drive may need servicing.

Repeat occurrences of the "USE CLEANING TAPE" light with different data cartridges may also indicate a problem that requires servicing.

Permanent fix:

See also

Keywords

archiver FAQs, tape libraries

Technical contact(s)

Amy Chan

Submitted by

Amy Chan

Date submitted