Storage and handling of tape cartridges

Tape drives require specific maintenance and environmental conditions to operate well over time.

To avoid problems with your IBM® tape drive you should:

  • Use high quality, data grade media
  • Handle and store this media properly
  • Operate the tape drive in a clean environment
  • Keep the tape drive properly cleaned

Media grades

IBM uses two different grades of media. IBM supplies program temporary fixes (PTFs) on a tape that is designed to be written to only once and read from a few times. This tape is designed for limited use, not as a backup medium. IBM also sells media that is designed for storage use.

If analysis by IBM service personnel indicates a problem with non IBM media, it may be necessary for you to replace the media.