DLT 35/70 and loading a tape

[nitesh bharadia]

Hi,
I am new to using these DLT's and wanted to know if there is a way to load a tape that has been ejected without going to the dlt drive and taking it out and putting it in again.
After using my backup sw it sometimes ejects the tape and I need to reload it automatically. I am using backupexec v9 if it helps on Windows 2000 Adv server
Thanks for any advice

Nitesh

[Vincent Fleming]

I'm not sure about backup exec, but Data Protector (aka OmniBack) has an option for setting this behavior. You should check your documentation. Look for something like "appendable media y/n", or even the straight-forward "eject when finished y/n".

DP even has the option to eject tapes when a full backup is done, but not when incrementals are done.

Good luck,

Vince

[nitesh bharadia]

Thanks for the info. I found the option in Backupexec to NOT eject the tape after a backup.

All I need to find out now, is if it is possible to remotely mount/load a tape that has been ejected already. i.e. a job or command to say - load tape.

Are there any management tools for the tape device outside of the backup software itself?

[Leif Halvarsson_2]

Hi,
No, this is not possible. If the "Operate handle" LED is on the tape must be manually unloaded and loaded again before used.

[Glenn Weavind_1]

Actually, you *can* force DLT drives to pull the tape leader out when they're sitting with the green operate handle light lit - the green light goes out, the yellow in use light flashes, and the leader pulls out tape. It's a SCSI command. Backup Exec v6 used to exhibit exactly this behaviour (try it on a 15/30 - it works a treat). This was changed in version 7 and later, as this is the opposite to how everyone else uses tape devices. Many IT departments use eject-at-end as a convenient way to let tape-changing staff know that a backup has completed successfully - and it's very much faster if you have to change 100+ tapes every morning.
As far as I know, no mainstream backup products now offer this feature - but that doesn't mean it can't be done.

[Alan Kirkland_1]

The DLT tape tools package available on the HP site in the support area has a command to re-load a tape when the tape is in the drive, but unloaded with the geen LED on without having to touch the handle.

[nitesh bharadia]

Alan,
Thanks for the info. I have downloaded v3.2 and have used it to perform a Media Validation Test, but the tape unloads afterwards.
Is there a script or option that will perform the load of the tape only?
regards

Nitesh

[Alan Kirkland_1]

Oops sorry my mistake.
The software package you require is DLT Tape tools found on www.quantum.com.
It is downloadable from the support / storage section somewhere.
It definitly allows a command to tell a drive to re-load itself when the tape is unloaded with the green LED on and the handle still down.

[nitesh bharadia]

Alan,
Thanks again. I got a QXLink sw from the Quantum web site - but it doesn't have the commands (not that I can find). If you have a copy would you email it to me please, or point me to somewhere.
Thanks
Nitesh

[Alan Kirkland_1]

I don`t beleive it, they`ve removed the software I was refering to.
Whats your email address.It will be about a 1mb attatchment. It only runs under DOS.

[John Williams_16]

Alan,

Please email me QXLINK as well if you don't mind.

John Williams

[John Williams_16]

By the way ...

A Google search revealed a revised QXLink package released only six months ago, but no longer available. It ran under NT 4, Windows 2000, and XP.

Here's the entry from quantum.treehousei.com/dlt/availableSoftware.aspx


QXLink Diagnostic Software for DLTtape Drives

Release Version: 1.1.6.2
Release Date: Apr-22-2003
File Name: QXLinkSetup.exe
File Size: 10.43MB


Description: QXLink is the first in a series of applications that will put drive diagnostic power into your hands. In less than 30 minutes, QXLink will evaluate your tape drive's health and determine if it needs to be sent in for service. This application, which replaces DLTtools, also provides detailed engineering drive analysis information and the ability to quickly download updates to the firmware, application, online help, test script and release notes.

The QXLink software runs on the following Windows operating systems: 98, NT 4.0, 2000 and XP.

[Ralf Hessler]

Hello,

I'm currently looking for this QXlink Software from QUANTUM. Can anybody give me a download link for the Software, or send me an email with the file ?

Thanks a lot in advance !