DAT40 cleaning light on every other day.

[Monty Singleton]

The DAT40 cleaning light was blinking today and I just cleaned it two days ago. I have tried new cleaning tapes and new media.

Is it time to replace the drive?

Thanks,

Monty

[BR761323]

Monty,

I have found that for most tapes, not just DAT tapes, if the cleaning light comes on very regularly then it is probably best to have it changed out. The worst ones I found were the DLT III & IV.

Regards,
JASH

[MWills]

There are a couple of things you might consider:

- If you just started using a new tape it is possible the tape drive's head will find a thicker film of chemicals on the tape and therefor will ask for a cleaning tape. In that case I would continue using the cleaning cartridge for a few times alternating with backup jobs until it stops asking for the cleaning tape.

- I would update firmware.
You can update the firmware in HP DAT tape drives either by HP L&TT or by loading a firmware update tape FUT.
Use HP Library & Tape Tools. http://www.hp.com/support/tapetools

To update the firmware from tape, just insert the firmware update tape into the drive.

Firmware update are only from HP. http://www.hp.com/support/dat