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PRODUCT MANUAL 433689-01
CHAPTER 4 TROUBLESHOOTING
Failure by the tape drive to write or read data
If your backup application reports a media error, one of the following
situations may have occurred:
The tape drive needs cleaning (see “Cleaning the Tape Drive” on page 23).
Always try cleaning the tape drive before you assume the cartridge is bad.
Be sure to use a VXAtape Cleaning Cartridge.
The cartridge needs to be replaced. Try using a different cartridge for the
backup, making sure that the tape is not written in VXA-1 format. Mark any
cartridge that fails. If you notice that the same cartridge results in multiple
failures, it may be time to replace the cartridge.
The backup application has attempted to append data to a cartridge that
previously failed. If a write media error previously occurred on the tape, the
tape drive cannot append data at the point where the write media error
occurred. You can attempt to overwrite the tape, but any attempt to append
data will fail.
If you are trying to write data, the cartridge may be write-protected. Check
the switch on the edge of the cartridge (see Figure 3-3 on page 22). If the
switch does not cover the opening, the tape is write-protected. If the switch
covers the opening, you can write to the tape. Use a pen or small screwdriver
to move the switch.
If you used an application other than your normal backup application to
write data to the tape, your backup application may report that it does not
recognize the tape. For example, if you have used VXATool to write and read
test data, the test tape will not be “recognized” by your backup application.
Perform a tape erase using either VXATool or your backup application.
Backup Application configuration issues
If you suspect an issue with the backup application configuration, use
VXATool to first confirm that the hardware is working properly. Run a
VXATool Write/Read test to verify that the tape drive is communicating over
the SCSI bus and that it can perform write and read operations. The readme
file that accompanies the program (or the online help for the Windows
version) provides instructions for using VXATool.
For any questions regarding software configuration, contact your software
provider.