Datasheet

 Did the backup put an error in the AIX error log.
 TAPE_ERR1 is likely a media failure.
Did terminate the backup.
 TAPE_ERR2 is normally a drive failure, but can be caused by a media failure.
Did terminate the backup.
 TAPE_ERR3 is likely media starting to fail.
Did NOT terminate the backup.
 TAPE_ERR4 Unknown cause requires further analysis. Often the cause of this error is found to be
poor termination of the devices or excessive media errors.
Did terminate the backup.
 TAPE_ERR5 Unknown cause requires further analysis.
Did terminate the backup.
 TAPE_ERR6 Tape drives log this error when the drive exceeds the preset limit of tape motion
hours since the drive was last cleaned or when the drive exceeds an internally set recovered error
limit. Some drives also log this error when there is an unrecovered media error.
Did NOT terminate the backup.
 Log the day of the week, and track this to determine if one tape is failing or are all failing. This will
identify media or drive problems.
z Cleaning a tape drive will not normally damage most tape drives when the approved cleaning cartridge is used. On
every backup failure where backup was attempted and failed, the tape drive should be cleaned with the approved
cleaning cartridge.
Note: On some drives over cleaning may damage the drive, review the drive information on cleaning, on those drives
follow the drive recommendation.
z Prior to placing a service call attempt a simple backup to another tape cartridge to help determine the cause of the
failure. Often replacing a single data cartridge will resolve the problem.
z When a service call is required, allow time and access for the CE to do problem determination and problem
correction. This includes allowing the CE time and access to run diagnostics prior to and after parts replacement. It is
desirable to allow the CE authorization to run concurrent diagnostics, a special id may be required for this as it
requires root authorization. This will allow the CE to do problem determination without having to take the system
down for dedicated CE diagnostics.
z Sites that are dusty should keep the system at least 24" off the floor to reduce the exposure to dirt and contamination.
z Sites that show persistent media and drive failures that are following established cleaning and media procedures
should be considered for filter enclosures.
Tape Drive Interchange Information
rmt settings
rmt Density settings
Density Settings are the internal control information for the tape drive that tell the drive what format(density) to write a data
cartridge at. This is important for both interchanging data with another tape drive or to insure the tape is written to its
maximum capacity.
A combination of methods is used to control the tape drive. One combination is to use the AIX program "smit" to set the
tape drive density and then use the rmt0.x option to choose which density the tape drive will use.
To use the AIX program "smit" enter the following on the AIX command line:
smit tape
Choose chan
g
e/show device characteristics.
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