Write-Protect Switch
The position of the write-protect switch on the tape cartridge (see 1 in Figure 8-4)
determines whether you can write to the tape. If the switch is set to the:
v The locked position
(solid red), data cannot be written to the tape.
v The unlocked position (black void), data can be written to the tape.
If possible, use your server’s application software to write-protect your cartridges
(rather than manually setting the write-protect switch). This allows the server’s
software to identify a cartridge that no longer contains current data and is eligible
to become a scratch (blank) data cartridge. Do not write-protect scratch (blank)
cartridges; the tape drive will not be able to write new data to them.
If you must manually set the write-protect switch, slide it left or right to the
desired position.
Handling the Cartridges
Attention: Do not insert a damaged tape cartridge into the drive. A damaged
cartridge can interfere with the reliability of a drive and may void the warranties
of the drive and the cartridge. Before inserting a tape cartridge, inspect the
cartridge case, cartridge door, and write-protect switch for breaks.
Incorrect handling or an incorrect environment can damage cartridges or their
magnetic tape. To avoid damage to your tape cartridges and to ensure the
continued high reliability of your IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Drives, use the following
guidelines:
v Do not drop the cartridge. If the cartridge drops, slide the cartridge door back
and ensure that the leader pin is properly seated in the pin-retaining spring clips
(
2
in Figure 8-8 on page 8-11). If the leader pin has become dislodged, go to
“Repositioning or Reattaching a Leader Pin” on page 8-10.
v Do not handle tape that is outside the cartridge. Handling the tape can damage
the tape’s surface or edges, which may interfere with read or write reliability.
Pulling on tape that is outside the cartridge can damage the tape and the brake
mechanism in the cartridge.
A67E0026
1
Figure 8-4. Setting the write-protect switch
Chapter 8. Using Ultrium Media 8-7
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