Check out the Frequently Asked Questions to take advantage of out expert troubleshooting, get the latest updates, and learn about tips for using your Imation products. For more information, including brochures, demos, and spec sheets, visit the DLTtape® & Super DLTtape® Cartridges product page.

DLT IV tape in DLT4000 drive-Cleaning light's on.

I have heard that the DLT III or TK85 tape can supply as much as 40 GB capacity. Why don't I get that from my tape?

A DLT IV cartridge that was initialized in a DLT 4000 drive gives a native capacity of 20GB. Will it have 40GB if it is used in a DLT 8000 drive?

How can I avoid damaging my tape cartridges while handling them?

If you have additional questions or comments, please contact our Technical Support.

DLT IV tape in DLT4000 drive-Cleaning light's on

Drive is dirty
Check your manual or go to the drive manufacturer's web site for information regarding cleaning the drive.

Calibration of the tape has failed.
Eject the tape and try again.

Tape could be damaged or defective.
Try a different tape.

Tape was originally written in a DLT 7000 drive.
Tape cannot be read in a DLT 4000 drive as a result.

I have heard that the DLT III or TK85 tape can supply as much as 40 GB capacity. Why don't I get that from my tape?

DLT tape capacity depends on the drive. The DLT 260 drive will only give 2.6GB and cannot be compressed. The DLT 600 drive has a 6.0GB capacity and cannot be compressed. On the high end, the DLT 8000 uses the same tape but allows 10GB uncompressed, 20GB with compression.

A DLT IV cartridge that was initialized in a DLT 4000 drive gives a native capacity of 20GB. Will it have 40GB if it is used in a DLT 8000 drive?

Only if the cartridge is re-initialized on the DLT 8000 drive, otherwise the DLT 8000 drive invokes its backward compatibility and uses the 20GB format on the cartridge. Be sure to off-load the data from the cartridge before re-initialization, because re-initialization puts the cartridge into a blank state that makes the old data inaccessible. Re-initialization can be done by erasing the cartridge prior to inserting it into the DLT 8000 drive, or by using the DLT 8000 drive's density over-ride function.

How can I avoid damaging my tape cartridges while handling them?

Over the years we've seen dramatic increases in the capacity of tape cartridges. However, high-capacity cartridges have higher linear and track density, which often positions data and servo tracks closer to the edges of the tape, making them more susceptible to damage. Following a few basic rules for cartridge handling can help you keep your data safe:

• No more than six cartridges should be stacked or carried at a time to minimize the risk of dropping the stack.
• Cartridges that are dirty or damaged should not be placed in a drive.
• Use finger grips, if present, to lift a single cartridge.
• Leader blocks should not be removed and doors should not be opened to prevent tape damage.
• Never touch the tape surface—residue from a fingerprint can create greater head-to-tape separation and result in loss of signal (data).