HP DLT Tape Library 15-Slot - (English) User's Guide

4-23
Library Operation
Cleaning the Tape Drives
Library Operation
Drive Cleaning Issues
Table 4-7 lists circumstances that can cause a drive cleaning message, , to
appear when a tape cartridge may be at fault. Note that:
• Drives do not require scheduled cleaning maintenance. Excessive use of
the cleaning cartridge can cause unnecessary wear on drive heads.
• After 20 cleaning cycles, the cleaning cartridge must be replaced.
Table 4-4 Drive Cleaning Issues Relating to Tape Cartridges
C
Problem Cause Solution
A new data tape
cartridge is used and
a drive cleaning
message is received.
Debris from the tape
manufacturing
process was deposited
on the drive head.
1. Clean the drive using the library cleaning
procedure on page 4-21.
2. If the message is displayed again within a
short amount of time, return the cartridge
for warranty replacement.
An older,
frequently-used data
tape cartridge is
loaded and a drive
cleaning message is
received.
Dust from frequent
tape loads and
unloads has most
likely built up on the
tape cartridge and was
deposited on the drive
head.
1. Clean the outside of the tape cartridge
using a damp cloth.
2. Clean the tape drive using the tape drive
cleaning procedure on page 4-21.
An older,
frequently-used tape
causes a cleaning
message to be
displayed for the
second time.
The tape is most likely
damaged. (Damaged
cartridges can cause
unnecessary use of the
cleaning cartridge.)
1. Verify the tape is readable by clearing the
error message. (Select the ONLINE
REPAIR option from the control panel,
and turn off power to the drive containing
the tape, and then turn the drive power on
again. See “Clearing a Drive Cleaning
Error” on page 4-37.)
2. Try reading the tape again. If the tape can
be read, back up data from the damaged
cartridge to another tape cartridge and
discard the damaged one.
Cleaning error
remains after three
cleaning cycles.
Debris is being
deposited on the drive
read/write heads.
Contact an HP qualified service
representative. The drive may need to be
replaced.