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Appendix D: The Tape Cartridge
D-4 Quantum DLT 7000 Tape Drive
D.2 TAPE CARTRIDGE INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Ensure that your tape backup solution performs reliably by following the Visual
Mechanical Inspection (VMI) procedures described in this subsection. These steps
will help you identify any potential tape cartridge problems, and will prevent
accidental loss of data or damage to your DLTtape system.
You should do a VMI:
• As a general practice whenever you change or load a new tape cartridge
• If a tape cartridge is dropped or subject to some hard physical shock
• If the DLTtape drive becomes inoperable after loading a tape cartridge
• If you receive a shipment of tape cartridges that show any sign of shipping
damage.
Follow these steps to visually inspect a DLTtape cartridge:
1. Remove the tape cartridge from its protective plastic case.
2. Look at the tape cartridge to check for any obvious cracks or other physical
damage. Look for broken or missing parts.
3. Gently shake the tape cartridge. Listen for any rattling or sounds of any
loose pieces inside the cartridge. If you hear anything loose inside, do not
use the cartridge.
4. Hold the tape cartridge so that the end of the cartridge that is inserted into
the DLTtape drive is facing you, as shown in Figure D-1. You will see that
there is a small opening on the left-hand side of the tape cartridge.
Figure D-1 Location of One of the Two Reel Lock Tabs on the DLTtape Cartridge
Inside and near the center of this opening, you should see a small plastic tab. This
is one of the reel locks. The reel locks can break if the cartridge is dropped. This
may be the cause of any rattling sound you hear when you gently shake the tape
cartridge. If this reel lock tab is not visible do not use the cartridge.
Reel Lock Opening