Tape Drive Mechanical Block 8A 41 error

[SBailey]

Hi,

I have a HP StorageWorks 1/8 G2 Autoloader (using an LTO3 drive). I'm using Backup Exec v12 to control the drive. I haven't had any issues until today.

I was importing a tape, through the mail slot. While the tape was being moved, there was a strange noise and know the "Error" light is blinking. I haven't tried a backup, but I was able to get the tape out. I have been able to import other tapes without issue.

I see that I the error is Mechanical Block 8A 41. Any idea what this is and how to resolve it?

Thanks,

Scott

[Sameer_Nirmal]

The following link will be useful.

8A : Slider obstructed
41: Error during first slider movement

Recommended action given :Run the wellness test

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=110&prodSeriesId=3319912&prodTypeId=12169&objectID=c00821126

[SBailey]

I performed the wellness test and I get the following:

Cycles Rec Err
------ -------
1 0

I still have the flashing error light and still have the same error Mechanical Block 8A 41.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Scott

[Curtis Ballard]

That error is for the transport attempting to pull the tape out of the slot and getting an error for too much force required. 8Ah is a "slider block" and the slider is the push/pull motion. 41h is an error in the very first attempt to pull the tape in.

Usually this will mean that for some reason the tape stuck in the slot a bit and if it goes away then there isn't any reason to be concerned about it.

Following an error the error light will blink until the library is reset - there isn't any way for the library to tell that the problem is resolved.

[SBailey]

Thanks for the reply Curtis.

When I go into the web interface, the device is still showing an error. When I reset the library, will it clear this also?

To reset the library, do I just power cycle the device?

Thanks,

Scott

[Curtis Ballard]

Yes a power cycle will clear the error everywhere except in the history logs. It will stay in the history forever or until new errors push it out. It's a little annoying always having old errors that weren't serious there but I've gotten used to it.