6.2 Problem Solving
Table 6–1 describes drive problems and possible solutions.
Table 6–1 Problem Solving
Symptom
Probable Cause
Possible Solution
Unable to back up or copy data
to cassette tape.
Cassette write-protected.
1. Set write-
protect tab on
cassette to write-
enabled.
No tape in drive.
2. Insert tape.
Write-Protect LED flashes amber
Excessive tape errors.
Perform head
cleaning procedure
(see Section 6.1). If
error repeats, try
another tape.
Both LEDs flash rapidly, in
unison.
Dirty heads or bad media.
Eject tape.
Perform head
cleaning procedure
(see Section 6.1). If
error repeats, try
another tape.
Drive error, possibly a hard
failure.
Eject tape. Power
off and power
on the drive. If
error repeats,
call Multivendor
Customer Services.
After applying power and self-
test has completed successfully,
the Tape/activity LED is not lit.
No tape loaded.
Load tape.
Unit not available to system.
Drive not plugged in.
1. Check ac power.
SCSI ID switches set to
incorrect address.
2. Check SCSI ID
switch.
Defective SCSI cable.
3. Make sure
power cable is
plugged in.
4. Be sure SCSI
cable connections
are secure.
(continued on next page)
Preventive Maintenance and Problem Solving 6–3