Spectra Logic T-Series Spectra T200, User Manual

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39
5
Cleaning Tape Drives
Before You Begin
Under normal operating conditions, LTO Ultrium
®
tape drives do not require regular
cleaning. LTO tape drives contain an automatic cleaning mechanism that allows them
to clean themselves as necessary. However, a tape drive may occasionally require
cleaning with a cleaning cartridge. The drives monitor their cleaning needs internally
and notify the backup software when they require cleaning.
If you are experiencing read/write errors with one of the tape drives in the library and
you suspect that it may require cleaning. Check the Cleaning Status on the Drive
Details screen, as described in
Check the Drive Cleaning Status on page 40.
Note:
In order for the library to monitor drive status, the drive must be
configured in a partition.
Determine Whether Cleaning is Required
Clean the library’s tape drives when one or more of the following occurs:
ƒ
The drive indicates that it needs cleaning by sending a message to the backup
software.
ƒ
The Cleaning Status on the Drive Details screen indicates that the drive requires
cleaning (see
Check the Drive Cleaning Status on page 40).
ƒ
You change the air filter (see Chapter 3 – Replacing the Air Filter on page 27).