CLI Guide

them destroys the usefulness of the cartridge. While the door is open, check that the leader pin is
properly seated. If the cartridge has been dropped, it is likely that the pin is dislodged inside the
cartridge. It is recommended that you open the door and check if the pin is properly seated before
each use. See Figure 1-4.
• Inspect the cartridge for damage before using or storing it.
• Inspect the back of the cartridge (the part that you load first into the tape load compartment) and
ensure that there are no gaps in the seam of the cartridge case. If there are gaps in the seam, the
leader pin may be dislodged. See Figure 1-5.
• If you suspect that the cartridge has been mishandled but it appears usable, copy any data onto a
good cartridge immediately for possible data recovery. Discard the mishandled cartridge.
11.3 Handle the Cartridge Carefully
• 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.
• Do not handle tape that is outside the cartridge. Handling the tape can damage the tape surface or
edges, which may interfere with the read or write reliability. Pulling on tape that is outside the
cartridge can damage the tape and the brake mechanism in the cartridge.
• Do not stack more than six cartridges.
• Do not degauss a cartridge that you intend to reuse. Degaussing renders the tape unusable.
Figure 1-4 displays a dropped tape which resulted in a dislodged leader pin. This cartridge if inserted into a
drive could result in a stuck tape. Other damage could result in the leader pin falling out of the cartridge or
getting dropped inside the tape housing.
Figure 4 Media Inspection - Bad Tape
Figure 1-5 displays a tape that has been dropped and the cartridge seam has split.
Note: Newer versions of LTO tapes have plastic-welded seams to prevent splitting; however, the tapes
must be checked for leader pins that may have dropped inside the cassette housing.
25 Dell PowerVault Tape Systems | A05