HP SDLT 600e User guide

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getting started guide

hp StorageWorks

SDLT tape drive

external model

SDLT 600e

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External drives - contents

Pre-Installation

Before you start page 3

Backup software and drivers page 5

Usage models page 7

Using the CD-ROM page 9

Installing the tape drive

Step 1: Check the SCSI connection page 11

Step 2: Check the drive’s SCSI ID page 13

Step 3: Attach SCSI cable page 15

Step 4: Attach power cable page 17

Step 5: Install drivers and verify installation page 19

Using the tape drive

Your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive page 21

Use the correct media page 23

Using HP OBDR page 27

Diagnostic tools page 29

Optimizing performance page 30

Troubleshooting page 32

Understanding the LEDs page 37

Problems with cartridges page 39

Other sources of information page 41

January 2004 Part Number: AA985-90902

Hewlett-Packard Company makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

This document contains proprietary information, which is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Microsoft registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

UNIX

DLTtape, the DLTtape logo, Super DLTtape and the Super DLTtape logo are trademarks of Quantum Corporation registered in the U.S.A. and other countries.

Alpha and OpenVMS are registered trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.

Hewlett-Packard Company shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. The information is provided ”as is” without warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for Hewlett-Packard Company products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements for such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.

Printed in the U.K.

®, MS-DOS®, MS Windows®, Windows® and Windows NT® are U.S.

® is a registered trademark of The Open Group.

Product Details

Write your tape drive details here so you can find them easily if you need them. The model name is on the

front of the drive and the product and serial numbers are on a label on the bottom of the drive.

Model (type of drive):

Model (number):

Serial (number):

Date purchased/installed:

SCSI ID:

Before you start

The HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive is a high-capacity, high-performance streaming tape drive. Before starting to install your tape drive, you should consider the following.

Which operating systems are supported?

HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 drives can be connected to servers running under Windows®, NetWare, UNIX, Tru64, OpenVMS and Linux. Refer to the “HP StorageWorks Tape Software Compatibility” topic on our World Wide Web site ( information about the operating system versions that are supported.

How do I use the tape drive with my system?

Check the usage models on page 7. This shows how the HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive can be used in different system configurations; direct attach, network attach and storage area network.

How do I connect the drive to my server?

Your tape drive is supplied with a 68-pin, wide, VHD-to-HD SCSI cable to attach to the host server.

You will need a properly installed and configured SCSI host bus adapter (HBA) or a built-in SCSI controller on your server with a spare LVDS SCSI port with a 68-pin, very high density (VHD), wide SCSI connector.

For optimum performance your tape drive should only be connected to an Ultra 3 (160) or Ultra 4 (320) host bus adapter or SCSI controller and it should be the only device on the SCSI bus. Do not connect more than two tape drives per SCSI controller. Do not attach the drive to the same SCSI bus as your disk drive or RAID controller.

See also Table 1, “supported SCSI bus types,” on page 11.

www.hp.com/go/connect) for more

Why is the SCSI bus type important?

The SCSI bus type determines the speed at which data can be transferred between devices on the bus and the maximum length of cable that can be used. HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drives are high performance Ultra 3 SCSI devices with a maximum burst transfer speed of 160 MB/second. To benefit from this level of performance, it is important to ensure that the drives are connected to a SCSI bus of a similar or higher specification. This means that you need:

• An Ultra 3 (160) or Ultra 4 (320) SCSI bus. Ultra 160 SCSI supports the maximum bus speed

of 160 MB per second, Ultra 320 SCSI exceeds this.

• LVD-rated SCSI cabling and terminators. The LVD interface enables the data to be

transferred at the drive's maximum rate and provides a maximum cable length of 12 meters.

If you attach the drive to a lower specification SCSI bus, it may still work, but data will not be transferred as quickly. For example, on a single-ended (SE) Ultra 160 SCSI bus the maximum burst transfer speed of the drive is 40 MB/second and the maximum cable length is restricted to 3 meters. See also Table 1, “supported SCSI bus types,” on page 11.

Note The drives are not compatible with high voltage differential (HVD) SCSI devices.

How can I check the SCSI bus type?

For most operating systems you can install HP Library & Tape Tools, directly from the web site at www.hp.com/support/tapetools or from the link on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM, and run the “Install Check” to check your server’s current SCSI configuration (see page 29). This will provide information about the SCSI bus and the SCSI IDs in use.

Do I need additional items for installation?

• If you do not have a VHD, wide SCSI connector on your server, you will need to purchase and install a VHD-to-HD adapter or use an HD-to-HD cable instead of the supplied cable.

• If the tape drive is the only or last device on the bus, you must attach a multimode terminator to one of the SCSI connectors on the rear of the tape drive (see “Step 3: Attach SCSI cable” on page 15). If the tape drive is not the only or last device on the SCSI bus, you must ensure that the bus is terminated with a multimode terminator.

• If you do not have a spare, suitably rated SCSI connector on your server, a new HBA (also known as a SCSI card) will be required. We recommend that a 64-bit Ultra 3 (160) HBA is used. For specific details relevant to your server model please refer to

connect

expansion slot within your server before installing your tape drive. (The kit can also be installed in a 32-bit PCI expansion slot, but performance may be degraded.)

Refer to our World Wide Web site for recommended products, configurations and ordering information:

. You will need to purchase and install the new HBA into an unused, 64-bit PCI

www.hp.com/go/connect or www.hp.com/support.

www.hp.com/go/

Backup software and drivers

Backup software

For optimum performance it is important to use a backup application that is appropriate for your system’s configuration. In a direct attach environment, where the tape drive is attached to a standalone server, you can use backup software that is designed for a single server environment. In network configurations you will need backup software that supports enterprise environments. HP, Veritas, Legato, Yosemite and Computer Associates all provide suitable products. Further details about these and other products that may be appropriate can be found on our connectivity web site.

1 Go to our connectivity web site: www.hp.com/go/connect and select tape backup.

2 Select software compatibility.

3 Select your combination of operating system and tape drive model in the table. A list of

supported backup applications is displayed. This will also tell you whether your configuration is compatible with HP One-Button Disaster Recovery, HP OBDR. (All HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drives support HP OBDR. However, you can only use this feature. if your system configuration and backup application also support it. See “Using HP OBDR” on page 27.)

4 Make sure you have a backup application that supports HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape

drives and download any upgrades or patches, if required.

Drivers

Windows users

After you install the tape drive, insert the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM and follow the link to download the HP driver from our web site: accompanying README file for specific installation instructions for Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 drivers.

Note: We recommend that you install drivers from the CD-ROM rather than the Windows Hardware Installation Wizard, as you can also use software on the CD-ROM to verify that your installation is correct (see “HP Library & Tape Tools” on page 29). If you do not have internet access, you can also download drivers directly from the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM, but these may not be the latest versions available.

www.hp.com/support. Refer to the

UNIX and OpenVMS users

The recommended backup applications use the operating system’s standard, built-in device drivers. To upgrade drivers we recommend that you patch to the latest version of the operating system, following the instructions in the patch documentation.You will also find information about configuring device files in the Configuration Guides on the CD-ROM.

IA64 users

If you are installing on IA64 system, such as an HP Integrity server, check www.hp.com/

go/connect

and drivers.

for the latest information on the availability of backup application upgrades

tape drive

server

Direct attach - SCSI Network attach - SCSI

Figure 1: usage models

Usage models

The tape drive is directly attached to a VHD SCSI connector on the server. It can be used in a stand-alone (direct attach) or network environment. In a network environment it is attached to a network storage server.

This guide describes how to connect the tape drive to the VHD SCSI connector on the server. The instructions are appropriate for all environments, but network users may need to take additional steps to ensure that their system is configured for optimum performance. See “Optimizing performance” on page 30.

Direct attach

The tape drive is directly attached to a single server via a SCSI link.

Network attach (LAN)

The tape drive is directly attached to a network storage server that can be accessed by a number of clients or workstations. As with the direct attach model, the connection is via a SCSI link to the storage server.

HP Product Registration

Drivers

User Documentation

HP Library & Tape Tools

CD-ROM Guide

Figure 2: the

HP StorageWorks Tape

CD-ROM

Using the CD-ROM

The HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM contains drivers, useful utilities and information to help you install and use your tape drive. Before installation, users of most operating systems can use the link to HP Library & Tape Tools software to check SCSI ID information on the SCSI bus. UNIX users may like to print off the UNIX configuration guide.

Drivers

For detailed information about drivers, refer to the appropriate README file in the DRIVERS directories on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM. There is a separate sub-directory for each operating system.

HP Library & Tape Tools

HP Library & Tape Tools software provides diagnostic and troubleshooting utilities. It allows you to identify your product correctly, check SCSI ID information on the SCSI bus, run tests, carry out firmware upgrades and, if necessary, generate comprehensive troubleshooting information for support calls. For further details see page 29.

User documentation

Refer to the “User Documentation” topic on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM for a UNIX Configuration guide and an online User’s Guide that provides more detailed information about using your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive.

Refer to your backup application’s documentation for instructions on how to back up and restore data.

CD-ROM guide

The CD-ROM guide provides an overview of the CD directory structure and information about the languages in which the contents of the CD-ROM are available. It also contains a set of URLs and links for further information.

HP product registration

To register your new tape drive electronically via the web, use the “Product Registration” link on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.

connecting to an HBA card in the server

Figure 3: checking the SCSI connection

Step 1: Check the SCSI connection

Use the following questions to help you check your SCSI connection. Most users can use HP Library & Tape Tools to check the SCSI bus type, see page 29. If you answer ‘Yes’ to all these questions, you are ready to install your tape drive. If you answer ‘No’, you will probably need to purchase and install additional items. For product details, go to

connect

www.hp.com/go/

1 Is there a spare SCSI port on your

server?

Yes

2 Is the SCSI bus type correct for the

SCSI specification of the device?

Yes

3 Will the tape drive be the only

device on the bus? This is the recommended configuration. Do not connect to a RAID controller or the same SCSI bus as your disk drive.

Yes

4 Does the HBA/controller have a

VHD SCSI connector?

Purchase and install one of the recommended HBAs into an unused 64-bit PCI expansion slot. (The HBA can also be installed in a 32bit PCI expansion slot, but performance may be degraded.)

See table below. If the SCSI bus differs from the recommended specification for the drive, performance of either the drive or the bus may be impaired. Consider replacing your card with one of the recommended HBAs.

If you have an Ultra HBA, performance may be impaired. Consider installing (if you have a spare PCI slot) or replacing your card with an Ultra3 (160) or Ultra4 (320) HBA. Make sure the last device on the bus is terminated.

Purchase and install a VHD-to-HD adapter or use an HD-to-HD cable instead of the supplied VHD-to-HD cable.

Yes

5 You are ready to install the device.

SCSI Bus Type Transfer Speed Supported

Ultra 3 (160) LVD Up to 160 MB/s Yes. This is a recommended configuration.

Ultra 4 (320) LVD Up to 320 MB/s Yes. This is a recommended configuration. Ultra 2 LVD Up to 80 MB/s Yes, but this is not recommended Ultra single-ended,

wide High Voltage

Differential

Up to 40 MB/s Yes, but this is not recommended as it will restrict

performance. Do not connect to a narrow SCSI bus.

Up to 40 MB/s No. The drive will not work and you may damage

the drive or controller

table 1: supported SCSI bus types

Figure 4: checking the SCSI ID

Step 2: Check the drive’s SCSI ID

Your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 drive is shipped with a default SCSI ID of 6, but it can be assigned any unused ID between 0 and 15. Do not use SCSI ID 7, which is reserved for the SCSI controller.SCSI ID 0 is typically assigned to the boot disk and should also not be used unless the tape drive is on a dedicated SCSI bus.

1 Determine whether you need to change the SCSI ID from the default of 6. For example, in multi-

initiator parallel SCSI environments (such as ProLiant clusters) it is possible that the initiator devices will use IDs 6 and 7. In this case, you will need to change the tape drive’s SCSI ID.

For most operating systems you can install HP Library & Tape Tools from the link on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM and run the “Install Check” to check your server’s current SCSI configuration (see page 29). This will provide information about the SCSI bus and the SCSI IDs in use.

For UNIX systems, check the UNIX Configuration Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM for instructions on how to determine the SCSI IDs of existing devices.

Caution Static electricity can damage electronic components. Always wear an antistatic wriststrap if

possible. If not, to equalize the electromagnetic charges, touch a bare metal part of the server (such as the back plate) before you remove the tape drive from its bag.

2 Change the tape drive’s SCSI ID, if necessary.

Use a small screwdriver or a ball-point pen to press the indented SCSI ID selector buttons on the rear panel (see Figure 4) until the required value is displayed. Do not use a pencil because small bits of graphite could contaminate the drive.

Note The server and the tape drive SCSI IDs are only checked at power-on. To change the SCSI ID

after installation, power down both the server and the tape drive, change the tape drive’s SCSI ID, power up the tape drive, and then power up the server.

Figure 5: connecting the SCSI cable

Step 3: Attach SCSI cable

A wide VHD-to-HD SCSI cable is provided to connect your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive to a VHD SCSI port on an LVD SCSI bus. If your server has an HD SCSI port, you must either purchase and install a VHD-to-HD adapter or use an HD-to-HD cable instead of the supplied cable. Refer to our web site for recommended products:

connect

Caution To avoid damaging the server or tape drive, ensure that both are powered off while you

attach the SCSI cable.

1 Make sure you are connecting to a recommended SCSI bus type. See “Step 1: Check the SCSI

connection” on page 11. Do not connect the tape drive to the same bus as a RAID controller. For optimum performance, we recommend that your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive is installed on a dedicated SCSI bus. If it is not, do not connect it to the same bus as your disk drive.

Note: The recommended connection (Ultra 320 or Ultra 160 LVD SCSI) and Ultra 2 SCSI support a maximum bus length of 12 meters. However, if you daisy chain the tape drive with an Ultra device, cable length is restricted to 3 meters. Use a 1.8 meter cable to attach the initial unit and a 0.9 meter cable to daisy chain the additional tape drive. Do not connect more than two tape drives per SCSI controller.

2 Perform a normal system shutdown and turn off the server and any connected peripherals.

3 Attach the VHD connection on the SCSI cable to the server’s external SCSI connector and

secure it by tightening the screws.

www.hp.com/go/

4 Attach the HD connection on the SCSI cable to one of the SCSI connectors on the rear panel

of the tape drive and secure it by tightening the screws. (See Figure 5.)

5 Connect the multimode terminator to the tape drive’s other SCSI connector and tighten the

screws to secure it. The multimode terminator detects whether the host bus adapter is SE or LVD and automatically provides the appropriate termination.

Why does the tape drive need a terminator?

Terminators are essential, as they provide the correct voltages on the SCSI bus and prevent unwanted signal reflections from interfering with data transfers. The rule is:

There must be termination at both physical ends of the bus and only at the ends. Normally the HBA forms one end of the SCSI bus and provides termination. You, therefore,

need to ensure that the other end of the bus is terminated. If the tape drive is at the end of the SCSI bus, the terminator must be attached to the tape drive.

If you want to attach additional devices to the SCSI bus after the tape drive, you will need to remove the SCSI terminator and attach the next device to this SCSI connector. Make sure that you attach the terminator to the last device in the chain.

power on/off switch

Figure 6: attaching the power cable

Step 4: Attach power cable

An external HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive will operate using any voltage in the range 100–240 volts (0.7 A, 50-60 Hz). No adjustment is needed. To connect your tape drive to the power supply, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure that the tape drive is switched OFF. The power switch is on the rear panel.

2 Plug the power cable securely into the socket on the rear panel of the tape drive. (See Figure 6.)

3 Plug the other end of the power cable into the power outlet.

slide in label here

indicates leading direction

StorageWorks

Figure 7a: loading a cartridge

StorageWorks

SDLT

600

Figure 7b: unloading a cartridge

eject button

Step 5: Install drivers and verify installation

Check operation

1 Switch on the server and tape drive. The tape drive will run its hardware self-test, which takes

between 10 to 15 seconds. If self-test passes, the middle LED remains on and the other two LEDs are off. If the test fails, the middle and right LEDs remain on and the left LED flashes. This continues until the drive is reset. See “LEDs during self-test” on page 37 for more information about the LEDs.

2 Install drivers and backup software.

For all operating systems ensure that you have downloaded drivers and any upgrades necessary for your backup application (see page 5). On Windows systems the Windows Hardware Installation wizard is displayed automatically. We recommend that you close the wizard and install the drivers from the link on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.

3 Verify that the tape drive installation was successful.

For most operating systems use HP Library & Tape Tools on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM, as described on page 29. For UNIX systems, the UNIX Configuration Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM includes a verification procedure.

If you encounter a problem during this verification procedure, turn to “Troubleshooting” on page 32 for help in diagnosing and fixing the problem.

4 You are now ready to carry out a backup and restore test to check that the drive can write data

to tape. Refer to your backup application documentation for specific instructions. Use the blank cartridge supplied with the tape drive. See “Use the correct media” on page 23 for more information about recommended cartridges.

To load a cartridge

1 Insert the cartridge into the slot in front of the drive with the markings uppermost and facing

the drive door. Apply gentle pressure until the drive takes the cartridge and loads it. (See Figure 7a.)

2 The Drive Status LED flashes green while the drive performs its load sequence. When the

cartridge is ready for use, the Drive Status LED shows steady green.

To unload a cartridge

Caution Never try to remove a cartridge before it is fully ejected or power off the tape drive while a

cartridge is still loaded. Failure to remove a data cartridge may result in cartridge or tape drive damage.

1 Press the Eject button on the front panel. (See Figure 7b.)

2 The drive will complete its current task, rewind the tape to the beginning, and eject the

cartridge. The Drive Status LED will flash to indicate that the unload is still in progress and will show steady green, when the cartridge is ready for removal. This may take a maximum of 10 minutes, if the drive has to rewind from the end of the tape.

Drive Density

Drive Status

StorageWorks

Eject button

SDLT 600

Cleaning Required

Figure 8: tape drive controls and indicators

Your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive

Your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive has three LEDs (light emitting diodes) on the front panel, which indicate drive status, and an eject button. The LEDs provide useful troubleshooting information. See also “Understanding the LEDs” on page 37. See page 19 for more information about using the eject button in normal operation.

Front panel LEDs

There are three LEDs as illustrated in the diagram. (See Figure 8.)

Drive Density - left, green/red

• On, green: blank or SDLT 600 formatted Super DLTtape II inserted

• On, red: blank or SDLT 220/320 formatted Super DLTtape I cartridge inserted

• Off: no cartridge inserted

• Flashing-off repeated pattern: the drive is in OBDR mode

Drive Status - middle. green

• On: the drive is ready for use

• Off: the drive power is off or there was a failure during self-test

• Flashing: the drive is busy

Cleaning Required - right, yellow

• On: cleaning is required

• Off: the drive does not require cleaning

• Flashing-off repeated pattern: the drive is in OBDR mode

Eject button

Use the eject button to eject the tape cartridge from the drive. When you press the button, the drive completes any active writing of data to the tape, then ejects the cartridge.

An overtemp condition exists when the measured tape path temperature reaches 50o C. When this condition is detected, the tape cartridge is rewound, unloaded, and ejected from the drive. SCSI status will indicate the drive is in the over temperature condition.

SDLT

uper

tape

Q2020A

orange rectangle indicates cartridge is protected

600GB

uper tape II

Q2020A

Figure 9: write-protecting cartridges

Use the correct media

For best performance we recommend HP branded media. Order online at:

www.hp.com/go/storagemedia

Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape and cleaning cartridges.

Data cartridges

Note * All values assume 2:1 compression.

We recommend HP Super DLTtape II 600 GB* tape cartridges for use with your tape drive. These are single-reel cartridges that match your drive's format and are optimized for high capacity, throughput and reliability.

HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drives are also backward-read compatible with some earlier formats, as shown in the following table.

Type of cartridge Capacity Compatibility

Super DLTtape II

Super DLTtape I 320 GB* Read Only Super DLTtape I 220 GB* Read Only

DLT formats Various None

table 2: SDLT 600 data cartridge compatibility

Note SDLT 600 tape drives will eject a data cartridge written in DLT formats.

. If you do not have internet access, refer to the User’s

CD-ROM for ordering information for tape cartridges

600 GB* Read/Write

Write-protecting cartridges

If you want to protect the data on a cartridge from being altered or overwritten, you can writeprotect the cartridge.

If you move the write-protect switch during operation, the write-protect feature does not take effect until after the current write operation completes.

• To write-protect a cartridge, slide the switch to the left; a small orange rectangle is visible.

• To write-enable a cartridge, slide the switch to the right; the orange rectangle is no longer visible.

Figure 9 illustrates the location of the write-protect tab. Write-protection will not prevent a cartridge being erased by bulk-erasure or degaussing.

Cleaning cartridges

You must use the SDLT CleaningTape with HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drives, as other cleaning cartridges, such as CleaningTape III or DLT VS CleaningTape will not load and run.

Caution Do not use other format cartridges in your tape drive and do not use SDLT CleaningTape

cartridges in other format tape drives.

To clean the tape drive:

An SDLT CleaningTape cartridge should only be used when the yellow Cleaning Required LED is constantly lit or when your backup software notifies you that the tape drive needs

cleaning. Do not clean the tape drive unless the tape drive specifically indicates cleaning is necessary.

For ordering information see www.hp.com/go/storagemedia.

1 Insert the SDLT CleaningTape cartridge, with the Front Slide Label Slot facing outward.

2 The drive will carry out its cleaning cycle and eject the cartridge on completion, which can take

between 1 (the first time that the cartridge is used) and 4 minutes (the 20 cartridge is used). During the cleaning cycle the yellow Cleaning Required LED will be on solidly and the green Drive Status LED will flash.

Each SDLT CleaningTape cartridge can be used up to 20 times. If the cartridge has expired, it will not clean and the yellow Cleaning Required LED will remain on.

time that the

Looking after cartridges

Caution You may damage the tape drive if you try to insert and load a damaged cartridge. If you

have dropped the cartridge or suspect it may be damaged, please refer to the “Cartridges” topic in the online User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM for more detailed information about how to inspect it. This topic also contains comprehensive information about looking after and handling cartridges.

• Do not touch the tape media.

• Do not attempt to clean the tape path or tape guides inside the cartridge.

• Do not leave cartridges in excessively dry or humid conditions. Do not leave cartridges in direct sunlight or in places where magnetic fields are present (for example, under telephones, next to monitors or near transformers).

• Do not drop cartridges or handle them roughly.

• Insert labels into the label area only.

• See the insert included with the tape cartridge for storage conditions.

Once you have installed and tested your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive, please take a few minutes to register your product. You can register via the web at

www.register.hp.com.

To ensure your registration is complete, there are a number of questions on the electronic form that are mandatory. Other questions are optional. However, the more you feel able to complete, the better we can meet your needs.

Note HP and its subsidiaries are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. For further

information, please visit our World Wide Web site ( Statement.

www.hp.com) and click on Privacy

Figure 10a: using HP OBDR, step 1

Figure 10b: using HP OBDR, step 2

Figure 10c: using HP OBDR, step 3

Figure 10d: using HP OBDR, step 4

Using HP OBDR

Compatibility

HP One-Button Disaster Recovery is a standard feature on all HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drives. However, it can only be used with specific configurations and will only recover the server to which the tape drive is directly connected.

To check whether your system (hardware, operating system and backup software) is OBDRcompatible, please refer to our World Wide Web site

For more specific information concerning the benefits of OBDR and the latest new features please refer to our World Wide Web site

www.hp.com/go/obdr.

Note HP OBDR is not applicable to HP-UX and other non-Intel UNIX operating systems, and it is not

compatible with Intel-based Solaris systems. HP OBDR is supported on a server with a RAID controller if the tape drive is connected directly to a host bus adapter (HBA).

If your system does not support HP One-Button Disaster Recovery, you can still use your tape drive normally to back up and restore data. However, you must remember to create a separate set of emergency recovery disks for your operating system whenever you change your system configuration.

What does HP OBDR do?

Using just the tape drive and the most recent backup cartridge HP OBDR allows you to recover from the following types of system disaster:

• Hard disk failures, as long as the replacement hard disk is the same size or larger than the original and uses the same interface (for example, replace a SCSI hard disk with another SCSI disk)

• Hardware failures where the server is replaced by an identical component

• File corruption because of an operating system error

• File corruption because of an application software error

• Viruses that prevent you from booting your system correctly

• User errors that stop you from booting your system correctly

When you run HP One-Button Disaster Recovery, your tape drive goes through the following sequence:

1 It goes into a special disaster recovery mode that enables it to restore your operating system

and reboot. It acts like a bootable CD-ROM. (Your system’s ability to boot from CD-ROM is normally enabled by default. If you have changed this setting, you will need to enable it again. Refer to your system BIOS manual for further details.)

2 It returns to normal tape drive mode and restores the data.

www.hp.com/go/connect.

Remote disaster recovery (ProLiant servers only)

The HP Remote Insight Lights-Out Edition (RILOE) on ProLiant servers gives the IT Administrator the ability to completely recover a failed server at a remote location without physically traveling to where the server resides. The on-site non-technical person need only insert the bootable cartridge into the tape drive when asked to do so by the administrator.

Refer to the HP OBDR web site at this feature and compatibility.

www.hp.com/go/obdr for more information about using

Testing for compatibility

We recommend that you perform a full disaster recovery immediately after installation—if possible, onto a blank hard disk. If you do not have a blank hard disk and do not want to overwrite your system, you can safely cancel the disaster recovery process at step 3 in the following procedure.

Refer to our connectivity web site ( suitable backup applications.

www.hp.com/go/connect) for more information about

Running HP OBDR

HP OBDR can only be used with backup applications that support one-button disaster recovery and methods of operating OBDR will vary between different software companies. Check our World Wide Web site ( firmware upgrades and troubleshooting before you use HP OBDR.

1 Insert the latest bootable cartridge in the tape drive (see figure 10a). The cartridge must be

written by a backup application that writes data to tape in CD-ROM format.

2 Hold down the eject button. Keeping the eject button pressed down, power on your tape drive

(see Figure 10b). This puts the device into HP One-Button Disaster Recovery mode when you power on. Release the button as soon as the Drive Density (left) and Cleaning Required (right) LEDs on the front panel flash in the OBDR sequence. This is a repeated pattern of: flash-flashoff. (The Drive Status LED functions as normal; flashing when moving tape and solid when in the ready state.)

www.hp.com/go/obdr) for the latest information about

Keyboard shortcut for HP ProLiant servers

There is no need to press the Eject button. Just power on your server and press the [F8] function key during the Power On Self Test (POST). This invokes OBDR to restore your system. For more information and specific instructions please refer to our World Wide Web site at

www.hp.com/go/obdr.

3 Switch on your server (see Figure 10c).

4 Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the operating system (see Figure 10d). (These will

vary depending upon the backup software.) Normally, you can accept the default response to all the prompts, for example just press <Enter>.

5 The LEDs will flash in OBDR mode (as described in step 2) while the tape drive restores your

operating system to a state where it can run a normal data restore.

6 Once the operating system has been set up and rebooted, the Drive Status (middle) LED display

on the tape drive changes to constant green and you can remove the backup cartridge, if you wish. You are now ready to run a normal data restore. Follow the normal process for your restore application.

If restore fails

If the restore fails for any reason, refer to our World Wide Web site (www.hp.com/go/

) for detailed troubleshooting information.

obdr

Diagnostic tools

HP Library & Tape Tools

HP Library & Tape Tools works on most operating systems, but not all. Compatibility information, updates, and latest version of this software can be found at

support

HP Library & Tape Tools software provides free diagnostic and troubleshooting utilities. It allows you to:

• Quickly identify, diagnose and troubleshoot drive and media problems.

• Verify that the drive is installed correctly and check drive health.

• Upgrade to the latest drive firmware (you will need internet connection to do this)

You can also install HP Library & Tape Tools from the link on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.

Performance Assessment Tool

For optimum performance your disk sub-system needs to be able to supply data at 36 MB/ second (native). You can use our free Performance Assessment Toolkit, PAT, to check tape performance and test whether your disk sub-system can supply data at the optimum transfer rate.

PAT does not work on all operating systems. Compatibility information, updates and the latest version of this software can be found at

www.hp.com/

www.hp.com/support/pat.

Optimizing performance

Various factors can affect tape drive performance, particularly in a network environment or if the drive is not on a dedicated SCSI bus. If your tape drive is not performing as well as expected, consider the following points before contacting HP Support at

support

Is the tape drive on a dedicated SCSI bus?

For optimum performance, we recommend that the tape drive is the only device on the SCSI bus. If it is not, ensure other devices are LVD-compliant. If they are single-ended, the bus will switch to single-ended mode with a lower transfer speed. There will also be restrictions on cable length.

Can your system deliver the required performance?

The HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive can write data at 36 MB/s (native) or 72 MB/s (compressed, assuming 2:1 compression). However, to get this performance it is essential that your whole system can deliver this performance.

Typical areas where bottlenecks can occur are:

• Disk system (a single hard disk drive will not be able to deliver a transfer rate of 72 MB/s).

• Some file systems are able to transfer data faster than others.

• The type of data being backed up can affect backup performance (for example, file sizes and compressibility).

• Some backup software performs better than others.

To improve performance we strongly recommend a RAIDed disk solution with a large number of physical hard disks.

Some enterprise class backup applications can be made to interleave data from multiple sources, such as clients or disks, to keep the tape drive working at optimum performance.

www.hp.com/

Performance checklist

The following list summarizes factors that can affect performance. They provide a guideline only of areas that may need further investigation. They do not attempt to explain how to configure individual systems. For a more detailed discussion, including information about tools that allow you to test performance, refer to our white papers on product first and look at the Information Library.)

• Is the tape drive reading and writing data at the correct speed?

• Is the source system (hard disk) transferring data at the correct speed?

• Is the backup application writing buffers at the correct speed? You may need to tune the transfer, buffer and block size settings to optimize the speed that the application writes data to the tape drive. HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drives have an internal buffer of 64 MB.

www.hp.com. (Select the

• Is the operating system tuned for performance? You may need to adjust the data transfer packet size.

• Are user applications, such as Exchange or database servers, optimized for backup performance?

• Are there other factors that could be affecting performance, such as interference?

Troubleshooting

The first step in problem-solving is establishing whether the problem lies with the cartridge, the drive, the host server and its connections, or with the way the system is being operated.

Most modern SCSI host bus adapters locate and display attached devices when the system is booting up. On Windows systems, if you swap or connect a product when your system is running, you will need to reboot the system. IA32 systems also usually need to be rebooted. UNIX systems may have pluggable drivers, which allow drives to be attached to a running system and detected without rebooting.

If the device is not detected on boot up, there is probably a problem with the physical hardware: cables, termination, connections, power or the host bus adapter itself. If the device is displayed during boot up but cannot be found in the operating system, this is more likely to be a software problem.

• If you encounter a problem during installation and need further clarification, refer to the “Problems encountered during installation” on page 33.

• If a problem arises during testing after you have installed the drive, refer to the symptombased section “Testing after installation” on page 35.

• For more information about LED sequences, refer to “Understanding the LEDs” on page 37.

• For information about cartridges, refer to “Problems with cartridges” on page 39.

Users of most operating systems can use HP Library & Tape Tools to help them diagnose problems.

Problems encountered during installation

Unpacking

Description Further information

Some parts appear to be missing or damaged.

The SCSI cable shipped with the drive is not correct

Description Further information

The SCSI cable shipped with the drive does not plug into the SCSI host adapter of the server.

It is unclear which SCSI ID to use

Description Further information

It is uncertain which ID numbers are available.

Contact your vendor if any parts need replacing.

The cable provided will connect to the majority of systems. if a different cable is required, refer to the

www.hp.com/go/connect web site.

Use HP Library & Tape Tools (see page 29) to provide information on your current SCSI settings. You can also normally check the SCSI configuration from the boot-up screen or from the Windows Control Panel The HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 drive has its SCSI ID set to 6 by default. This should be left unchanged unless this number is already in use. Full instructions on how to change the SCSI ID are given on page 13.

How should the SCSI bus be configured?

Description Further information

Correct configuration of the SCSI bus with multiple drives can be a complex area and more help may be required.

Refer to the “SCSI Configuration” section in the online User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.

How should the SCSI bus be terminated?

Description Further information

It is unclear if the bus is already terminated or where an additional terminator should be placed.

Both ends of a SCSI bus must be terminated. Assuming that the host bus adapter is already correctly terminated, there are typically three possibilities:

• The tape drive is the only external device on the SCSI bus. It should be terminated with the terminator provided.

• The tape drive is being added to the end of a chain of one or more existing external d evices. Remove the terminator from the last device on the existing chain, connect the tape drive to the chain, and terminate the tape drive with the terminator provided.

• The tape drive is being added to the middle of a chain of existing external devices. Insert the tape drive into the chain and do not use the terminator provided.

The terminator plugs directly onto either SCSI connection on the rear of the tape drive. Refer also to the “SCSI Configuration” section in the online User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.

Is the correct SCSI host bus adapter installed?

Description Further information

The server already has a SCSI host bus adapter but it is difficult to determine what type it is.

The server may not have a SCSI host bus adapter installed.

If your server is in its original configuration (no SCSI adapters have been added or removed) then use www.hp.com/go/connect to check the compatibility of your system. You can also check the SCSI configuration from the boot-up screen or from the Windows Control Panel, or by using HP Library & Tape Tools (see page 29).

Use HP Library & Tape Tools (see page 29) to check whether you have a SCSI host adapter on your system. If not, you will need to purchase one. Refer to the ordering supplies section in the online User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.

Do drivers need to be installed and, if so, which ones

Description Further information

It is unclear whether there is a need to install drivers onto the system and more help is required.

The required drivers do not appear to be available.

Detailed information specific to your system can be found on the www.hp.com/go/connect web site. For support on Windows operating systems, drivers can be obtained from the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM or from www.hp.com/support. For support on UNIX systems, see the UNIX Configuration Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM. (Backup software that states support for HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drives also provides the required drivers.)

Future drivers will be provided via the support web site when they become available.

Testing after installation

Remember that the system recognizes devices during boot-up. If you swap or connect a product when your system is running, you will need to reboot the system. Rebooting the system will reset devices and will often resolve problems. It is good practice to reboot every time you add a driver or install firmware.

Caution Never power off the drive while a cartridge is still loaded or during a firmware upgrade.

The server does not reboot after installation

Possible reason Recommended action

You have installed an additional SCSI host bus adapter and its resources are clashing with an existing adapter.

You have disconnected the power or SCSI cable from the server’s boot disk during the drive installation process.

Remove the new host bus adapter and check the server documentation.

Check that the cables to all devices are firmly connected.

The server boots but does not recognize the tape drive

Possible reason Recommended action

The power or SCSI cable is not connected properly.

The SCSI bus is not terminated correctly. Check that the SCSI bus is actively terminated. (Refer

The tape drive’s SCSI ID address is not unique.

The tape drive was switched on after the server booted up. The server only checks for SCSI devices at power-on.

Check that the cables to the tape drive are firmly connected. Ensure that the SCSI cable is LVDScompliant and does not have any bent pins. Replace, if necessary. (See the “ordering supplies” topic on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.)

also to the documentation for your SCSI controller and any other SCSI devices you may have.)

Make sure that each device on the SCSI bus has a unique ID. We recommend that the tape drive is connected to a dedicated host bus adapter. Do not attach the drive to the same SCSI bus as your disk drive, or to a RAID controller.

Switch on the tape drive and then reboot the server.

The application does not recognize the tape drive

Possible reason Recommended action

The application does not support the tape drive.

Some applications require drivers to be loaded.

Use HP Library & Tape Tools to check that the drive is installed properly. Refer to our World Wide Web site (www.hp.com/go/connect) for details of backup applications that support the HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive. Load any service packs as necessary.

Check that the correct SCSI and tape drive drivers are installed. Consult the backup application’s installation notes for details.

The drive does not work

Possible reason Recommended action

If the drive does not power up (all LEDs are off), the power cable may not be connected to the drive properly.

If the self-test fails (see “LEDs during self-test” on page 37), there may be a hardware or firmware failure.

Make sure that the power cable is firmly connected. If it is, try another power connector. If the drive still does not power up, call for assistance.

If there is a cartridge in the drive, remove it. Power down the drive and power it up again. Try another power connector. If the self-test still fails, call for assistance.

Understanding the LEDs

LEDs during self-test

StorageWorks

SDLT 600

Eject button

Drive Density

Drive Status

Cleaning Required

Your HP StorageWorks SDLT 600 tape drive has three LEDs (light emitting diodes) on the front panel, which indicate drive status. These LEDs provide useful troubleshooting information.

The tape drive performs a power on self-test whenever power is applied. The test takes between 10 and 15 seconds.

• At power on, all three LEDs are on solid for approximately 1 second and then flash for one iteration.

• During the self-test the Drive Status (middle) LED flashes and the other two LEDs are off.

• If self-test passes, the Drive Status (middle) LED is on solid and the other two LEDs are off.

• If the test fails, the middle and right LEDs remain on and the left LED flashes. This continues until the drive is reset.

Using the LEDs for troubleshooting

If you cannot resolve a problem, contact customer service at www.hp.com/support.

Use the following table to interpret the front panel LED sequences and the appropriate action to take, if any.

LED Sequence Cause Action required

All LEDs OFF.

Left LED blinks RED; middle LED solid GREEN; right LED solid YELLOW.

Middle LED solid GREEN.

Drive may not have power, may be faulty or may have been power cycled or reset during a firmware upgrade.

The drive has failed to execute power-on self test (POST).

The drive is ready for operation.

Make sure the drive is switched on. Check the power cable connection and

replace the cable if necessary. You can use the power cable from your monitor or another device to check that the connection is working.

If the power supply is present and all LEDs remain off, power cycle the server. If it still fails, call for service.

Power cycle or reset the drive. If the error condition reappears, call for

service.

None. This is normal.

Middle LED blinks GREEN.

Left LED blinks RED; middle LED solid GREEN; right LED blinks YELLOW.

Left LED blinks RED; middle LED blinks GREEN

Right LED solid YELLOW

Middle LED blinks GREEN; right LED solid YELLOW.

Left LED blinks or is solid RED; middle LED blinks or is solid GREEN; right LED blinks or is solid YELLOW.

The drive is carrying out a normal activity (read, write).

The drive is in OBDR mode.

The drive is downloading firmware.

The drive requires cleaning.

None. If the drive is upgrading firmware, do not reset

or power cycle it. See “Running HP OBDR” on page 28 for

further details.

None. Do not reset or power cycle the drive.

Load the cleaning cartridge. See page 23 for supported cartridges and instructions.

If the Cleaning Required LED is still illuminated when you load a new or known data cartridge after cleaning, call for service.

Cleaning is in progress. None. The cleaning cartridge will eject on

completion. The cleaning cycle can take up to 5 minutes to

complete.

The drive mechanism has detected an error or the drive has a firmware error.

Power cycle or reset the drive. Load the latest firmware. Load a new cartridge. If the problem persists, call for service.

Problems with cartridges

For detailed information about handling and inspecting cartridges for damage, please refer to the online User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape

If you experience any problems using HP branded cartridges, check:

• The cartridge case is intact and that it contains no splits, cracks or damage.

• The cartridge has been stored at the correct temperature and humidity. This prevents condensation. See the insert included with the tape cartridge for storage conditions.

• The write-protect switch is fully operational. It should move from side to side with a positive click.

• The World Wide Web site for more detailed troubleshooting information:

www.hp.com/support

Cartridge is jammed

If the cartridge is jammed or the backup application is unable to eject it, you can force eject the cartridge. Once the cartridge is successfully ejected, it is good practice to upgrade the firmware. If the failure occurs regularly, contact customer service at

www.hp.com/support.

1 Press and hold the Eject button on the front of the tape drive for 10 seconds.

CD-ROM.

2 Wait for the cartridge to be ejected. This process may take up to 15 minutes (the maximum

rewind time). It is important that you allow sufficient time for the drive to complete this process. If you interrupt it, you may damage the media or the tape drive.

3 If the cartridge is still jammed, see the “Removing a jammed cartridge” topic in the online

User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.

4 Wait for the drive to reset and get back to the loaded position. This process may take up to 15

minutes (the maximum rewind time) to complete.

5 Press and hold the Eject button for 10 seconds.

If the cartridge is still jammed, the tape drive has failed. Contact customer service at

www.hp.com/support.

The drive will not accept cartridge (or ejects it immediately)

The cartridge may have been damaged, for example dropped, or the drive may have a fault.

Caution You may damage the tape drive if you try to insert and load a damaged cartridge. If you

have dropped the cartridge or suspect it may be damaged, please refer to the cartridge care section of the User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM for more detailed information about how to inspect it.

1 Check that the drive has power (the power cable is properly connected and the Drive Status

LED is on).

2 Check that you are using the correct media. Only use Super DLTtape media, we recommend

Super DLTtape II cartridges (see page 23).

3 Make sure that you have loaded the cartridge with the correct orientation (see “To load a

cartridge” on page 19).

4 Check for damage to your media (to the cartridge case, leader pin or cartridge teeth) and

discard it if it is damaged. See the cartridge care section of the User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM for more information about checking the leader pin and cartridge teeth.

5 Use a new or known, good piece of media and see if it loads. If it does, the original cartridge

is faulty and should be discarded.

6 If you are confident that the cartridge is not damaged, check if another SDLT 600 drive will

accept the cartridge. If it does, the original drive may be faulty. Before calling customer service, please check that the tape drive is responding and that it can be seen on the SCSI bus. Users of most operating systems can use HP Library & Tape Tools to do this, see page 29.

Other sources of information

You will also find troubleshooting information and contact details on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM and the HP web site. In particular:

• The online User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM contains an extensive troubleshooting topic.

• The HP support web site contains a link to Customer Care web site for a wide range of up-to-date information about your product.

• The HP web site at products and configurations.

• The HP web site at HP One-Button Disaster Recovery.

How to contact HP

You can also use the HP Customer Call Centers for specialist technical help. Contact details can be found at

To make the best use of this service, we ask that you work with our Support Specialists to resolve any issues with your drive. This may include downloading diagnostic software, that will assist in the rapid resolution of your problems. If you do not have web access, a full listing of HP Customer Call Centers, correct at time of printing, is given in the online User’s Guide on the HP StorageWorks Tape CD-ROM.

www.hp.com/go/connect provides details of recommended

www.hp.com/go/obdr provides detailed information about

www.hp.com. Click on the link to “contact HP”.

www.hp.com/support that takes you to HP’s

http://www.hp.com/go/storagemedia

http://www.hp.com/support/tape

AA985-90902

HP SDLT 600e User guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual