HP StoreEver MSL6480 Tape Library User and Service Guide

NOTE: The LTO-3 and later tape drives support both rewriteable and WORM data cartridges.
Write-Once, Read-Many (WORM) data cartridges provide an enhanced level of data security
against accidental or malicious alteration of data on the tape cartridge. The WORM data cartridge
can be appended to maximize the full capacity of the tape cartridge, but you will be unable to
erase or overwrite data on the cartridge. WORM data cartridges are clearly identified by their
distinctive, two-tone cartridge color. To check whether your backup or archive software application
supports WORM cartridges, see the storage media website: www.hp.com/go/storagemedia.
Labeling tape cartridges
The device contains a bar code reader that reads the tape labels and stores the inventory data in
memory. The device then provides the inventory information to the host application, OCP, and
RMI. Having a bar code label on each tape cartridge enables the bar code reader to identify the
cartridge quickly, thereby speeding up inventory time. Make it a practice to use bar code labels
on your tape cartridges.
A proper bar code label includes the media ID in the last two characters of the bar code. The
library will not load an incompatible cartridge, based on the barcode media ID, into a tape drive.
For example, the library will not load a cartridge labeled as LTO-3 into an LTO-6 tape drive. This
saves the time needed to load the cartridge and have the tape drive reject it.
Though not recommended, disabling bar code checking in the Configuration > Ignore Barcode
Media ID screen will allow all media moves regardless of the bar code media ID.
Your host software may need to keep track of the following information via the associated bar
code:
• Date of format or initialization
• Tape's media pool
• Data residing on the tape
• Age of the backup
• Errors encountered while using the tape (to determine if the tape is faulty)
IMPORTANT: Misusing and misunderstanding bar code technology can result in backup and
restore failures. To ensure that your bar code labels meet HP's quality standards, always purchase
them from an approved supplier and never print bar code labels yourself.
To order bar code labels from an HP-authorized reseller:
• In the United States, call 1-800-345-1518.
• Elsewhere, see the HP website: www.hp.com, then click Contact HP to find locations and
telephone numbers.
For more information, see the Bar Code Label Requirements, Compatibility and Usage white paper
available from www.hp.com/support.
LTO tape cartridges have a recessed area located on the face of the cartridge next to the
write-protect switch. Use this area for attaching the adhesive-backed bar code label. Only apply
labels as shown:
Figure 1 Apply the label within the recessed area
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