v Check that the leader pin is properly seated.
v If you suspect that the cartridge has been mishandled but it appears usable,
copy any data onto a good cartridge immediately for possible data recovery.
Discard the mishandled cartridge.
v Review handling and shipping procedures.
Handle the cartridge carefully
v Do not drop the cartridge. If the cartridge drops, slide the cartridge door back
and ensure that the leader pin is properly seated in the pin-retaining spring
clips.
v Do not handle tape that is outside the cartridge. Handling the tape can damage
the tape surface or edges, which may interfere with read or write reliability.
Pulling on tape that is outside the cartridge can damage the tape and the brake
mechanism in the cartridge.
v Do not stack more than six cartridges.
v Do not degauss a cartridge that you intend to reuse. Degaussing makes the tape
unusable.
Ensure proper packaging
v When shipping a cartridge, use the original or better packaging.
v Always ship or store a cartridge in a jewel case.
v Use only a recommended shipping container that securely holds the cartridge in
its jewel case during transportation. Ultrium Turtlecases (by Perm-A-Store) have
been tested and found to be satisfactory . They are available at
http://www.turtlecase.com.
Figure 9. Checking for gaps in the seams of a cartridge
42 LTO Ultrium 4 Half High Tape Drive