HP Colorado T3000 Software

[SMClark]

Does anyone know of updated software for this tape drive that will make it compatible with Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP? I originally had it running with Windows 95 but when I switched operating systems, I found that the original software (Colorado Backup and Colorado DTA - Direct Tape Access) would not load properly. I think it might have worked on Windows 98, but I don't use that system or Windows 98se on the computer the tape drive is in. It would be good if I could get the drive going again and useful. I have several types of tapes and they all seem to be ok.

[Lewis Finch]

Microsoft discontinued support this drive beginning with win2k so it won't work

[SMClark]

Are there any aftermarket or newer HP software that is commpatible with W2K or XP that will handle this drive? If so, where would I get it?

[Lewis Finch]

The short answer is no. It's not a question of software. The operating system itself does not support these.

[SMClark]

Thank you, Lewis
I guess that drive gets to go in the recycle bin. I don't intend to run the earlier operating systems anymore unless there is a special reason to do so. The computer the T3000 is in is my slowest (Pentium 200 MHz) so I will just scrap the motherboard and tape drive and use the case to build a faster computer that has newer parts. Is there a good tape backup drive that does not cost big bucks that you would recommend?

[Lewis Finch]

Well truthfully Microsoft doesn't even support win 98 anymore so that's probably the best solution. As far as tape drives go, HP has an excellent USB selection of DAT drives that are very reliable. I use a DAT72 USB External myself to backup my laptop. It's very portable and very easy to use.