Tape problems

If the iSeries tape drive does not work with an integrated Windows server, take these actions:

1. Verify that you have varied off the tape drive on i5/OS and locked it on an integrated server. See Allocate the iSeries tape drive to an integrated Windows server. Devices may fail to lock for one of these reasons:
   • The tape device or its tape library is varied on.
   • The device driver is not loaded.
   • The tape device is not supported.
   • If you have problems with locking the device, verify that the device driver is loaded on the integrated server. This typically happens automatically. See Verify that the tape drive device driver is loaded.
   • Verify that your tape drive is supported. See Supported iSeries tape drives.
2. More advanced applications might lock devices to services that continue after the application interface is dismissed. This prevents other applications from being able to use the device. These services may restart automatically after a system restart, locking the device to the application. To see services of an application (such as Seagate and Computer Associates), do this:
   1. Click on Start, Programs, Administrative Tools, then Component Services.
   2. Double-click Services.
   3. If necessary, you can stop services from the Services window.
3. You may have multiple integrated servers. If so, verify that the tape drive is unlocked on all of them except the one on which you want to use it. See Transfer control of the iSeries tape and optical drives between integrated Windows servers.
4. If your system has logical partitions, ensure that you allocated the tape drive to the same partition as the integrated server.
5. Verify that the drive contains a properly formatted tape. See Format a tape on i5/OS for use with integrated Windows servers.
6. Verify that the drive is not on the list of restricted devices on i5/OS by using the Display NWSD command (DSPNWSD).
7. Look in the event log for tape errors.
8. See if the tape device shows up in the Device List:
   1. Click on Start, Programs, Administrative Tools, then Computer Management.
   2. Select System Tools, then Device Manager.
   3. Verify that the tape drive shows up in Device List.
9. If the problem still persists, check the technical information databases at the IBM iSeries Support Web page . If you cannot find the solution there, contact your technical support provider.