DLT 4000 vs DLT VS80 1

[Seks]

I understand (and have proven) that a DLT VS80 tape backup device can read a DLT 4000 tape. Is there any sort of way which you can make the DLT VS80 tape backup device to reuse/write a DLT 4000 tape??

We've just recently swapped out our one and only DLT 4000 for a DLT VS80 (we now have three DLT VS80). Kind of a waste of tapes if we can't reuse the DLT 4000 tapes.

I noticed that in BAB 11.1 with SP1, the DLT 4000 shows as write-protect (and yes the write-protect tab thing on the tape is in the erasable position)

 

[vschumpy]

Nope - you would need to degauss them.

Quantum has a nice little utility which explains tape compatibility on their site. Goto this link :

http://www.quantum.com/Products/TapeDrives/index.aspx

And then select 'Media Compatibility Tool' from the bottom right (sorry, won't let me direct link it).

 

[ntinlin]

I had a similar issue with DLT IV tapes that had been formatted on a DLT8000 trying to use them in a DLT4000 drive.

Doubt it will work with VS80 though because a std. DLT drive can't format in a VS80 format, better to buy new tapes anyway, they aren't that expensive anymore.

Way I solved it for std. DLT was overriding the density setting on the tape drive using the buttons and then getting arcserve to format it at that capacity.

Usually had to do it a couple of times for it to take effect though because the drive would try and override the override so to speak.