Surestore 5000 clean light

[CA748355]

My client's Surestore 5000 (in HP Netserver E45) continually gets the clean light lit. If they run the cleaning tape (even several times) it will go out but will come on as soon as they perform the next backup. Backup (Arcserve) appears to work properly - successfully completes the backup and I have tested the tape. Is there anything that can be done to remove the cleaning indicator from reappearing? Have rebooted the server - same problem. Is there a way to run the HP diagnostics (HP Library & Tape Tools) on the Novell server? How would I upgrade the firmware of the tape drive?
This is an older drive (3yrs) and is out of warranty. Is the only resolution to replace?

[Arimo Laine_1]

Hello.

The "Cleaning light" actually is lit every time drive has trouble reading or writing. These often result from a bad SCSI bus or outdated drivers.

I would suggest you try to install the drive to a separate SCSI controller, away from the HDDs and remove the Term Power jumper. Be sure to use a terminated cable.

L&TT doesn't yet support NetWare. You must either install the drive to Windows machine or use a DOS FW update from http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Home.jsp?locale=en_US&prodTypeId=12169&prodSeriesId=63994&prodSeriesName=hp+surestore+tape+5000+series.

Another suggestion is to update the server, put in latest BIOS, Firmwares etc even down to disk drive FW and also use latest drivers from HP website.

Cheers,
~A~