PowerVault - How to create a log with ITDT (IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool)

Table of Contents

1. Description
2. Download
3. Solution
4. Further Diagnostics
5. Further Information

Description

The ITDT (IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool) has multiple functional capabilities, one of which is quick or extended diagnostic tests on tape drives. This program is available directly from the manufacturer of the hardware and does not require a backup software. This article details how to create logs necessary for troubleshooting with ITDT.

Download

ITDT download link.
 

Solution

Note: You must be logged in as an administrator for the procedure detailed below to succeed.

1. Download and install the ITDT tool on the relevant server.
2. Stop all backup software services and
3. Run the itdt.exe or in Linux ./itdt.
4. Select "L" to go to the last page of the license agreements and confirm agreement with "i".
   
   Figure 1: Licensing Agreement
   
    
5. Select "S" to search for available drives and the system will then display all available drives.
6. Select the relevant drive by the number shown beside it. An X appears in the [#] column to confirm the drive has been selected.
   
   Figure 2: Main Menu showing Device List
   
    
7. Begin the Drive Diagnostic Dump by pressing "D".
8. After the test concludes the newly created Drive Diagnostic Dump will be shown.
9. Return to the previous menu to run more diagnostic tests, if necessary, by pressing the return key.
10. The created logs are located in the "Output" folder, automatically created in the directory folder where the ITDT was downloaded to and run from.

Further Diagnostics

This is just a small part of the functionality of the ITDT. A standard test can be initiated by selecting T in the main menu (Fig. 2).

A Full Write Test can be initiated by selecting "O" for Other Functions in the main menu (Fig. 2). This accesses the second-level menu where a Full Write Test can be initiated by selecting "W". Choose the option uncompressed + 64kb. This test is the most comprehensive however not that this test may take several hours to complete. The results are located in the "Output" folder.

 

Further Information

For more information about ITDT, see the relevant section of the IBM Knowledge Centre.