DLT 7000 problems

[Arif Syed]

Hi there,
I have just added a Compaq DLT 35/70 external drive to my system. I have a big pile of DLT IV cartridges but I think they have been previously used on a 40/80 or VS80 drive. When inserted, the drive makes horrible noises and does not recognise the cartridge. Is there anything I can do to erase them? Are there any utilities to do this? Any help would be appreciated in getting these cartridges in use! Thanks.

[CA1325640]

supported media for ur DLT,

DLTtape III - 10 GB native capacity
DLTtape IIIXT - 15 GB native capacity
DLTtape IV - 20, 35 and 40 GB native capacities

Awadhesh

[Lewis Finch · Accepted solution]

These tapes cannot be used in this DLT due to the fact they have been written by another drive. They can be degaussed and used again and there are companies that can do it for you but it can shorten the life of the tape. See this doc.


http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&objectID=lpg50141

[Arif Syed]

Is there any cheap way of erasing the tapes as I obviously do not have a degausser. Any utilities that force the drive to run the tape through the erase head (if the drive has one) or home made solutions to degaussing the tape? Willing to try anything! Thanks.

[Lewis Finch]

There are no commercial magnets strong enough to erase these and the format function can't do it either. Degaussing is performed by very expensive and specialized equipment and your average radio shack magnet can't do the job. sorry.