Storage and handling of tape cartridges

This topic describes how to handle your tape cartridges and describes the best environment in which to store your 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 (PTF) 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.

Tape environment
Tape drives are designed to operate in a clean environment.
Tape handling and storage
Most tapes arrive in sealed cartridges so that the tape will remain in a clean environment.

Parent topic: Maintain tape resources