We've got exactly the same problem on a PowerEdge 2500 server with a DDS4 DAT tape drive & Python 06408-XXX SCSI Sequential Drive (firmware version 9100). The Backups are made with ARCServe 2000, running on a W2K SP4 server.
Each day after running the backup job (writing 8500 Mo on the tape) the cleaning tape led lights up. The drive has been changed 4 times, numerous calls made to dell, and hours of different tests, unsuccessfully. On one or two of the tape drives the tests with Dell TapeRX utility failed on reading, which meant, we thought, that the tape drive had a malfunction, leading to the replacement of it.
But even with 4 changes the problem is still there, and the cleaning tape led is almost always lightened. Due to the fact that cleaning the drive is a corrosive action, we now only clean it every month.
If someone has an idea in order to solve this problem, please let me know !!!!!
When I ran Windows Update in April of this year I found a new driver entitled "Seagate Tape Drive Software Update Released March 03 2004", I downloaded it and installed it and my problems disappeared.
After tape drive number 6 I insisted that Dell change the drive for another brand, preferably a Sony (as that's what is in the Compaq server next to the Dell). After 6 weeks, no problems whatsoever.
Ironically, the Dell engineer we have been dealing with said that they used to use Sony drives years ago but swapped in favour of Seagate because of problems with reliability.
Just put a cleaning cartridge in the drive. It will start a cleaning cycle itself and eject when it is finished. The LED should extinguish automatically (if it doesn't, you'll need to put the cleaning cartridge back in again).
Mauhaa
2 Posts
0
August 24th, 2004 13:00
Hello,
We've got exactly the same problem on a PowerEdge 2500 server with a DDS4 DAT tape drive & Python 06408-XXX SCSI Sequential Drive (firmware version 9100). The Backups are made with ARCServe 2000, running on a W2K SP4 server.
Each day after running the backup job (writing 8500 Mo on the tape) the cleaning tape led lights up. The drive has been changed 4 times, numerous calls made to dell, and hours of different tests, unsuccessfully. On one or two of the tape drives the tests with Dell TapeRX utility failed on reading, which meant, we thought, that the tape drive had a malfunction, leading to the replacement of it.
But even with 4 changes the problem is still there, and the cleaning tape led is almost always lightened. Due to the fact that cleaning the drive is a corrosive action, we now only clean it every month.
If someone has an idea in order to solve this problem, please let me know !!!!!
In other meaning : HELP !!!!!
Thanks.
Bastien
mrcbr
2 Posts
0
August 24th, 2004 16:00
When I ran Windows Update in April of this year I found a new driver entitled "Seagate Tape Drive Software Update Released March 03 2004", I downloaded it and installed it and my problems disappeared.
eefit
2 Posts
0
August 25th, 2004 08:00
Just a quick update.
After tape drive number 6 I insisted that Dell change the drive for another brand, preferably a Sony (as that's what is in the Compaq server next to the Dell). After 6 weeks, no problems whatsoever.
Ironically, the Dell engineer we have been dealing with said that they used to use Sony drives years ago but swapped in favour of Seagate because of problems with reliability.
jjf184
1 Message
0
September 8th, 2004 17:00
I have to go about Cleaning the Python Drive. Is it just a matter of putting the cleaning tape in or do I need to some begin the process.
I just started receiving "The tape drive needs cleaning error".
How will I know when the drive is clean enough?
Peter Ogden
2 Posts
0
September 8th, 2004 23:00
Mauhaa
2 Posts
0
September 9th, 2004 06:00
We did the same thing that someone on this forum did... We asked Dell to change the tape drive with another brand, a Sony.
It was the 4th changement, and it seems to be the good one ! ;-)
For the moment no problem whatsoever.
There was very probably a hardware problem with the older drive.
Thanks for the answers on the forum !
Bastien