How to test and check a HP StoreWorks Ultrium tape drive

 

With used tape drives falling in price they are now finding their ways into the hands of more home storage enthusiasts; one should be wary about purchasing a tape drive in unknown condition, though, as there’s a good chance that it may be faulty or require servicing. One way to check the status of the tape drive for HP units is their Library and Tape Tools software – currently available from here:

 

http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storageworks/ltt/

 

To run a test, open L&TT and click on the Test tab:

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-01

Insert a tape into the drive that is blank (or has data you don’t mind being over-written), click on Options:

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-02

 

Click (or double click) on Allow Overwrite and change it to True, then click OK. You will be returned to the previous screen. Click “Start Test”.

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-03

What you don’t really want to see is a pop-up a couple of minutes later like this:

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-04

Time to look at the Test/Utility Results tab:

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-05

From here we can expand the Analysis Results to see what has happened:

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-08

 

Another possible result is an incomplete test:

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-06

This can sometimes happen because the drive needs cleaning – if you open the Analysis Results you will see a request for cleaning if this is the case:

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-07

Hopefully, though, you get a passed test with no issues such as these! To get a detailed report of the drive status we can use the Report Viewer – click on the Support tab at the top, then Refresh Device Data, then View Support Ticket. You should see a report with expandable headings which provides a great deal of information, e.g.:

 

hp-library-and-tape-tools-test-09

There is a wealth of information here, covering both the drive and the tape inside. Worth checking over for any anomalies if you have just received a new drive!


Posted

in

, ,

by