Users Guide

Write-Protect switch
The position of the write-protect switch on the tape cartridge (see 1 ) determines whether you can write
to the tape. If the switch is set to:
• The locked position
(solid red), data cannot be written to the tape.
• 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 application 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 cannot write new data to them.
If you must manually set the write-protect switch, slide it left or right to the desired position.
a67e0026
1
Figure 110. Setting the write-protect switch
Table 18. Location of the write-protect switch
1 Write-Protect switch
Cartridge care and handling
Attention:
Do not insert a damaged tape cartridge into the drive. A damaged cartridge can
interfere with the reliability of a drive and might 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 LTO Ultrium Tape
Drives, use the following guidelines:
Provide training
• Post procedures that describe proper media handling in places where people gather.
• 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.
• Ensure that any service or contract personnel who perform archiving are properly trained in media-
handling procedures.
• Include media-handling procedures as part of any services contract.
Chapter 5. Media
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