General question on remote boxes

[Scott Van Kalken]

Hey all,

I've got a problem.

I've got a server in another state that I look after.

This is usually not a problem, I've got remote console access to it.

However, I've hit a strange problem.

When I asked someone to load a tape the other day they said that the tape wouldn't go in.

I've checked the drive with CSTM and it's reporting status of good.

Now this guy CAN load tapes, he does it all the time for his novell machines and I've had no problem with him in the past.

I'm not sure I want to get HP out to have a look at the drive if nothing is actually wrong with it.

I could always get himto pull it out and send it to me... but that has its own risks (it is hot swappable).

What do you do in such situations?

Ideas would be much appreciated (serious ones).

Scott.

[Sanjay_6]

Hi Scott,

If this is a DDS drive, make sure the person at the remote site is putting the right tape in the drive. Say the Drive is DDS3, he should be inserting a DDS tape in the drive. Otherwise it may eject the tape back. What is happening. Id the tape going all the way in and then it tries to reten and eject it back, if so then this is one situation mentioned above. Also make sure they are not trying to put a cleaning cartridge in the drive. We all do something silly like that once in a while.

Hope this helps.

Regds

[Michael Tully · Accepted solution]

Hi Scott,

Try another tape preferably a new one
or one that has been used on it before.

what happens when you do this if a tape
can be inserted?

# mt -t /dev/rmt/0m rew

I've seen this problem before on a new
DDS4 drive where the tape just refused
to go in. I ended up replacing the drive
even though it was brand new.

If the drive is under contract by all
means get a CE on site. Going on what
you say it certainly sounds hardwareish,
so It won't cost anything.

-Michael

[Scott Van Kalken]

Good answers

thanks for the help - I think I'll get a CE onsite.

[Wilfred Chau_1]

Clean the tape drive then put the tape in again. Sometimes this happens to a dirty drive.