PowerVault LTO-3-060 Tape Drive Error Code 6

Question

the backup completed successfully the tape ejected like normal then

I noticed that I could not insert a tape into the drive and that the slot remained open. The amber lights (Clean status and Fault status) were both rapidly flashing yellow. I ran ITDT Utility it came up with

error code 6

any suggestions on how to get this drive back online instead of buying a new one. thanks

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Thank you, that is a LTO-6 drive.   The cartridge and cleaning tape I posted will work.   It looks like the cartridge you have should work too.

user_239dfb · Answer

hi need your help regarding dell TL2000 the issue is in day 1 showing bad tape error removing tape library and reinstall all tape after that ember light off no error showing but auto backup failed again recheck all tape and reinstall 1 by 1 manually backup complete but next day showing auto backup failed after that replace Fujifilm tape with ibm tape It person say backup not successful due to ec6 error he say its tape drive issue and not share log file .

please help

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,

EC 6 shows to be Tape drive or media error. There is an issue with the drive OR the media.

This means:

The tape cartridge may be damaged, worn, or incompatible OR

The LTO tape drive inside the TL2000 is failing or dirty

First try a power drain: shut down, remove all power for 60 seconds, reconnect power and test.

Next check you have up to date firmware:

TL1000 Firmware Package A17

PowerVault: TL2000 - TL4000 Tape Library - How to Upgrade the Firmware for the Tape Library and Tape Drives

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000130520/powervault-tl2000-tl4000-tape-library-how-to-upgrade-the-firmware-for-the-tape-library-and-tape-drives

Troubleshooting steps:

Run cleaning cycles
“Try a NEW cleaning the tape drive three (3) times to see if there is a clogged head.”
Check media condition
Dell notes that high media load counts (>300) often cause EC6‑type failures: > Media having more issues that have a higher media load count.

user_239dfb · Answer

if possible please provide me compatible tape cartridge if possible  currently using lto 6 fujifilm tape cartridge suggested by it admin .

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,

For a LTO6 tape I see Part #:3W22T

Part Desc.:TAPE,MGNTC,LTO6

LTO-6, Tape Media Magnetic

For a cleaning tape I see Part #:UN353

Part Desc.:TAPE,CLEAN,LTO,BRCD,V1

LTO, Cleaning Catridge, Tape Backup Unit Drive, Barcode Version 1

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Could you clarify what tape drive you have?

DELL-Charles R · Answer

LTO‑2, LTO‑3, LTO‑4, LTO‑5, LTO‑6, LTO‑7

user_239dfb · Answer

@DELL-Charles R​   dell powervaulttl2000                                 tape drive modal number ULT3580-HH6

user_239dfb · Answer

@DELL-Charles R   ​using this cartridge

BkupDriver · Answer

Hi Sam, I tried what you suggested before sending this post it didn't work. I did run  ITDT.exe that's where I seen the ec6 not on the front panel is there a way for me to send you the dump log file in this posting or via email

DELL-Sam L · Answer

Hello BkupDriver,

So an error code 6 normally means that there is a possible hardware issue. What I would do is to hold in the eject button for about 20 seconds till all the lights on the drive light up & then release & let the drive reboot. If the drives comes up without any errors then I would run the cleaning media into the drive & let it clean the drive just to make sure that there are no errors. If the drive comes back with the EC 6 on the display then we will need to look at the drive dump log from the drive to see what is causing the EC 6.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

PowerVault

PowerVault LTO-3-060 Tape Drive Error Code 6

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