Dell PowerVault LTO5-140 - Manual (Page 49)

The position of the write-protect switch ( Figure 16 ) on the tape cartridge determines whether you can write to the tape:
l If the switch is set to locked (locked padlock), data cannot be written to the tape.
l If the switch is set to unlocked (unlocked padlock or black void), data can be written to the tape.
Figure 16. Setting the Write-Protect Switch
1. Write-Protect Switch
To set the switch, slide it left or right to the desired position.
Caring for Tape Cartridges
Incorrect handling or an incorrect environment can damage the LTO Ultrium Tape Cartridge or its magnetic tape. To avoid damage to your tape cartridges and to
ensure the continued high reliability of your tape drive, use the following guidelines.
Provide Training
l Post procedures that describe proper media handling in places where people gather.
l Ensure that anyone who handles tape has been properly trained in handling and shipping procedures. This includes operators, users, programmers, archival
services, and shipping personnel.
l Ensure that any service or contract personnel who perform archiving are properly trained in media-handling procedures.
l Include media-handling procedures as part of any services contract.
l Define and make personnel aware of data recovery procedures.
Ensure Proper Packaging
l When you ship a cartridge, ship it in its original or similar packaging.
l Always ship or store a cartridge in a jewel case.
l Use only a recommended shipping container that securely holds the cartridge in its jewel case during transportation.
l Never ship a cartridge in a commercial shipping envelope. Always place it in a box or package.
l If you ship the cartridge in a cardboard box or a box of a sturdy material, ensure the following:
¡ Place the cartridge in polyethylene plastic wrap or bags to protect it from dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
¡ Pack the cartridge snugly; do not allow it to move around.
¡ Double-box the cartridge (place it inside a box, then place that box inside the shipping box) and add padding between the two boxes.
Provide Proper Acclimation and Environmental Conditions
l Before you use a cartridge, let it acclimate to the normal operating environment for 1 hour. If you see condensation on the cartridge, wait an additional hour.
l Ensure that all surfaces of a cartridge are dry before inserting it.
l Do not expose the cartridge to moisture or direct sunlight.
l Do not expose recorded or blank cartridges to stray magnetic fields of greater than 100 oersteds (for example, terminals, motors, video equipment, X-ray
equipment, or fields that exist near high-current cables or power supplies). Such exposure can cause the loss of recorded data or make the blank cartridge
unusable.
l Maintain the following environmental conditions outlined in the Table 2 .
Table 2. Environmental Specifications
NOTICE: Write-protection will not prevent a cartridge from being erased by bulk-erasure or degaussing. Do not bulk-erase Ultrium format cartridges. This will
destroy prerecorded servo information and render the cartridge unusable. Always use the long or quick erase command in your backup software to erase
cartridges.
NOTICE: Always set the write protection tab prior to loading the cartridge into the drive. Sliding the tab after loading will cause unpredictable results
and could result in drive errors or backup failure.
NOTICE: Do not insert a damaged tape cartridge into your tape drive. A damaged cartridge can interfere with the reliability of the 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.
Environmental Factor Operating Operational Storage 1 Archival Storage 2 Shipping