There are various aspects, mostly relating to common sense that can assist you in the process of backup tape protection and continued long use.
Basic Tips:
* Follow manufacturer guidelines. This step is relatively easy but often overlooked as it requires that you actually read the guidelines provided and the recommended uses as specified by the backup tape manufacturer. While many tapes will be similar, there can be specific differences and following this simple step can assist in the overall protection of your backup tapes.
* Make sure you follow recommended instructions for number of uses of a tape. Many people do not take into account the recommended tape usage instructions and over use their tapes. Sticking to the guidelines can greatly reduce the chances of having to obtain the services of a data recovery specialist. For the low cost of additional tapes in comparison with a possible total loss of data it is imperative that you do not over use your tapes.
* Storage and handling of your back up tapes. Again, read the instructional material with the backup tapes themselves regarding storage, handling and transportation, if required, of your backup tapes. Manufacturer instructions in relation to this aspect can improve the life of your tapes and reduce chances of possible damage.
1. If you are required to move tapes, even just within your own office, ensure that you use tape transportation cases.
2. For transport over long distances use a direct carrier to ensure tapes are quickly transported therefore reducing any problems with temperature or humidity.
3. All packaging must be clean and strong enough to withstand impact and sealed to reduce any contamination of the backup tapes.
4. When sending more than one tape make sure that the tapes are cushioned within the packaging process to ensure tapes can not impact on each other and cause damage.
* Put in place a program for your tapes where you carry out test Tape Data Recovery. If you have not attempted test restores from your backup tapes then you are unable to confirm whether the tapes are performing the task you require. A test tape data recovery program can assist to ensure information is both stored and able to be restored.
* Do not use your tapes if you find that they are dirty or are damaged in any way. If you do find a backup tape that appears to have external dirt this could in fact mean that there is an internal problem and that the tape mechanism itself is not operating correctly. This internal damage may in fact mean the tape will not work correctly within the drive.
* Labeling of your tapes should only be as per the manufacturers instructions. Do not affix labels incorrectly as you can find that labels may come off inside the drive itself and cause damage.
* Loose labels on any tapes must be removed and replaced before you attempt to use the tapes. Any loose labels can cause damage to the drive. As well as this damage if the labels are missing from the tapes it may be a lengthy process to find out which tape you have.
* Do not haphazardly stack your tape cartridges. Ensure that you have a properly designed storage rack. Do not stack your tapes in a place that they can easily be knocked over as any impact of your backup tapes can cause damage.
* Never touch any portion of the tape itself. The non-recording surface comes in contact with the recording surface during usage and any contaminants from fingers such as dirt or oil can cause damage. This damage is not always immediate but can develop over time.
* Avoid lifting the flap on the cartridges and exposing the tape itself. If you are required to check for damage then perhaps this checking is best left to data recovery specialists as many cartridges get damaged when the flap is being closed.
* If a cartridge is dropped there could be damage inside, even if it is not possible to see any damage. If you are able to make a new backup of your data you should do so, and no longer use that dropped cartridge. If you are unable to make a new backup then you should seek the assistance of a data recovery specialist to recover the data within the dropped cartridge. If you attempt to use the cartridge it is highly likely that you will cause more damage and may perhaps hinder the data recovery process.
Following this very basic information you can find that you increase the life of your data recovery tapes as well as reducing the likelihood for the need of data recovery professionals when something does go wrong. These steps are all very simple and as stated they are predominantly common sense. It is of course reassuring to know there are data recovery specialists who can assist you however avoiding the problem and therefore requirement for any professional services is always a benefit to any business.
About the Author
Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Mark Sear who manages Altirium, a provider of Data Recovery, Tape Data Recovery, Data Conversion and Computer Forensic services to individuals, small to medium sized businesses, and major corporations.
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