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User Guide
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Dell PowerVault 132T Tape Library User's Guide

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Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Dell™ PowerVault™ 132T Tape Library User's Guide

Installation Problems

Error Messages

Vital Product Data Recovery

Environmental Considerations

Improper Media Handling Considerations


This section contains some general suggestions to aid you in solving problems.

NOTE: Before working through this section, ensure that your library is running the most current firmware. Visit support.dell.com to see the current firmware version for your library.

Installation Problems

Usually, problems encountered during the installation of your library are caused by improper SCSI bus configuration, application software configuration errors, or by an operating system that has not been correctly configured. If the application software that you are attempting to use is not communicating with your library after installation, check the following:

SCSI IDs:
Make sure that the IDs you selected for the library robotics and tape drive are not the same as the ID used by any other SCSI device on that bus, including the host SCSI adapter card.
SCSI Cabling:
Verify that all SCSI cables are securely connected at both ends and that the jack screws are secured. Also, check the length and integrity of your SCSI cabling. The total length of a SCSI bus must not exceed 12 meters (39.4 feet). Try replacing suspect cables with known good cables. Align cable and sockets before seating. Be careful not to over tighten the screws.
NOTE: The length of the internal SCSI cabling inside your library is one foot for each drive. This length must be included in any calculations of bus length.
Termination:
Check that all SCSI buses are properly terminated. The last device in the SCSI chain must have the appropriate termination plug installed.
Compatibility:
Ensure that your library and its tape drive(s) are compatible with the SCSI adapter card and application software you plan to use. A SCSI adapter card must be LVD compatible. Most application software websites publish compatibility information.
SCSI Adapter Card Installation:
Verify that you have installed your SCSI adapter card correctly. Refer to the documentation that came with your card for installation and troubleshooting instructions. Pay particular attention to any steps describing the settings of various jumpers and/or switches on the card. Check that the card is seated fully in the I/O connector.
NOTE: For a list of compatible SCSI adapters and application software, check with your application software vendor.
Application Software Installation:
Refer to the documentation included with your software for instructions on how to verify installation.


Error Messages

If, during operation of your library an error occurs, an error message will be displayed on the operator’s display. Table 1 lists the error messages you may encounter and recommend actions.

Table 1. PowerVault 132T library error messages

SAC Code
Error Message
Description
Recommended Action
00h
Unknown Error
Call Service
An unexpected error has occurred
Capture the support and error logs and provide them to Technical Support.
01h
OS Error
Reboot System
Operating system error
Reboot the system. If the problem persists, capture the support and error logs and contact Technical Support.
02h
 
 
03h
 
 
04h
Z80 Error
Call Service
 
OCP Error
Call Service
 
XA Error
Call Service
A robot controller, Operator Panel controller board, or main controller board hardware problem exists which requires replacement.
Contact Technical Support.
05h
SW Error
Call Service
Application software (firmware) error
Reboot the system. Capture the support and error logs and contact Technical Support.
10h
SN Missing
Call Service
The system serial number is missing in NVRAM. The system cannot go online if a serial number is not entered. This problem may occur if the main board has been exchanged or NVRAM has been corrupted either due to a code problem or due to a bad NVRAM chip.
Contact Technical Support. Be prepared to provide the serial number, attached on a label inside the library under the left magazine, and any OEM vendor and product information, so that entry of the serial number can be verified.
13h Barcode not present on tape Ensure that the barcode label is present, is properly installed, and is not damaged or dirty Retry the failing operation.
15h
Scanner Error
Call Service
The barcode scanner is not functioning properly.
Reboot the system. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.
16h
Bad Barcode
Check Tape X
The scanned barcode is incorrect for your current configuration. This is most likely the result of a missing or unreadable barcode or a barcode length that does not match the mode you have configured (such as Default, Media ID, or Extended).
Check barcode scanner configuration. See Configure Barcode Scanner for more information. Check the label of the cartridge indicated.
38h and 39h
RMU Problem
Check RMU
The RMU has reported an error to the library.
Make sure the RMU is configured correctly, is operational, and is accessible on the network.
A0h
RMU Com Error
Check RMU
The library firmware was able to communicate with the RMU, but did not detect any communication for more than 10 minutes. The RMU may have been removed or somehow has become non-operational.
Reboot the system. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.
3Ah SNC Problem
Check SNC
An error has been sent to the library from the SNC. Check the SNC. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.
A2h

SNC Com Error
Check SNC

There is a communication problem between the library and the SNC. Check the SNC. Reboot the system. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.
40h
CFG Mismatch
Call Service
The firmware detects that the code configuration does not match the hardware configuration. This may happen when the wrong firmware is loaded (for example, an LTO code image is loaded to an SDLT-320 system).
Reboot the system. If the error persists, contact Technical Support and provide them with the system model and firmware version.
70h, 81h, and 82h
Picker Error
Reset System
The picker was unable to perform a requested command.
Ensure that the picker path is clear and that cartridges are properly inserted into storage and IE slots, as well as drive locations.
Reboot the system. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.
7Eh Media Error
Eject Tape
The media in the drive is worn out or has a buckle error. Replace the cartridge.
9Bh

DrvX Thread Er
Check Media

A damaged tape leader on the media has caused a buckling failure or a dropped leader inside the drive.

Remove the cartridge from the drive by pressing and holding the eject button on the drive for 10 seconds. Discard the suspect cartridge. See Improper Media Handling Considerations for more information.

If the lights on the front of the drive continue to flash after the tape has been removed, contact Technical Support.

90h
Drive Error
Check Drive
Communication to a drive is not working, the drive is not initializing, or the drive is reporting a problem.
Reboot the system. If the problem persists, remove the drive and re-install it. If the problem still persists, contact Technical Support, you may need to exchange the drive.
92h

Drv X Invalid
Call Service

The configured drive at slot X is not supported in the library. Remove the drive at the specified location. Contact Technical Support.
94h

Drive Media Error

Indicates drive media error. Remove the suspect tape.
EAh
Sled Missing
Check Sled
A drive sled has been removed or is not connected properly.
Re-insert the sled or check the connections.
D0h
PS Failure
Call Service
A library power supply failed or is not operating within specified ranges.
Reboot the system. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.
F0h
Fan Failure
Call Service
A library or drive fan failed.
Prevent the system from becoming too hot and either turn off the library or remove the drive with the bad fan. Contact Technical Support.
80h and E0h
Obstruction
Check Picker
The picker has reported a move failure, which may be caused by an obstruction of the picker, such as partially extended tapes into the picker path, an ejected tape from a drive, or a tape within the picker partially extending out of the picker.
Try to clear the obstruction. Contact Technical Support.
E7h
 
 
E8h
Pick Failed
Clear Picker
 
Place Failed
Clear Picker
The picker could not GET or PUT a tape. Typically this means a tape is still partially in the picker.
Remove the tape from the picker. For more information, see Removing a Tape From the Picker.
E9h
Tape Recovered
to Cell X
Informational message that indicates that a tape had been detected in the picker assembly and was placed in a slot location (X) to free the picker and make it operational.
Make sure that the tape belongs in the location it was placed. You may have to use the Move Media function to move the tape to the proper location.
E2h
Security Alert
Check Door
The system has detected operator interference, such as an open door and magazine removal, or a host has issued a PREVENT MEDIA REMOVAL and a tape has been inserted or removed from the IE slot.
Check and ensure that magazines are installed and that the door is closed. Also ensure that you have not inserted or removed a tape from the IE slot.
E3h, E4h, E5h, and E6h
SCSI Error
Check SCSI
A SCSI connection problem has been detected.
Make sure the cables are connected correctly, the bus type (LVD) is connected correctly, and the proper terminator is applied.
F5h
Clean Needed
Check Drive X
A drive has been cleaned, but still requires cleaning. The cleaning tape may not function properly, may be expired, or the drive may be defective.
Retry the clean operation.
F6h
Tape Expired
Eject Slot X
A cleaning tape is expired.
Export the cleaning tape and insert a new one.
F7h
No Clean Tape
Insert Tape
A cleaning operation was attempted, but a cleaning tape is not configured, expired, or not available.
Insert a cleaning tape into the IE slot or configure a cleaning slot and import a cleaning tape into that slot.
F8h
Tape Missing
in Slot X
A previously configured cleaning tape is no longer found. It may have been removed manually, loaded in a drive, or recovered to a data slot.
Place the cleaning tape back into the slot.


Vital Product Data Recovery

The Vital Product Data feature allows library settings to be automatically stored on both the RMU and the chassis. The feature prevents customized settings, such as slot configurations, from being lost when one FRU is replaced (chassis, RMU, or drive) is replaced. This feature works with LTO drive types only.


Environmental Considerations

For best performance of your library, and to minimize the chance of condensation, observe the following guidelines:

  • Install your library on a level surface. Do not place the library on a carpeted surface.
  • If you expose cartridges to temperatures outside the operating limits, (see Specifications), stabilize them by leaving the cartridges in the operating temperature for a minimum of two hours before you use them.
  • Avoid temperature problems by ensuring that the library front and rear panels are not obstructed so that the drive has adequate ventilation.
  • Position the library where the temperature is relatively stable (i.e., away from open windows, fan heaters, and doors).
  • Avoid leaving cartridges in severe temperature conditions, for example, in a car standing in bright sunlight.
  • Avoid transferring data (reading from and writing to cartridges) when the temperature is changing by more than 10 °C (15 °F) per hour.

Improper Media Handling Considerations

When the SDLT tape leader fails to engage with the SDLT drive leader, a drive hardware failure may occur. A damaged or mishandled cartridge is the most likely cause of SAC Error 9Bh - Drvx Thread Er Check Media. The drive may be recoverable depending on the magnitude of damage to the cartridge.

  1. Open the library door to gain physical access to the drive.
  2. Manually remove the cartridge by pressing and holding the eject button on the tape drive for 10 seconds. V93 (5D5D) or above is required on the SDLT drive to allow manual ejection. Ejecting the cartridge via the OCP is intentionally disabled.
  3. Remove the cartridge from the library and set it aside. Mishandled media is often difficult to recognize by simple visual inspection. Do not use this media in another drive, as it may damage the drive. When the tape is ejected it should be quarantined and discarded. If the tape must be reused, refer to the DLT Media Handling document found on Dell.com to inspect your media.
  4. After the cartridge is removed, observe the lights on the drive that indicate one of two situations:
    • If the lights no longer blink, the drive leader is intact and the drive hardware is still usable. However, the cartridge is unusable since it can no longer be threaded into the drive.
    • If the lights on the drive still blink, the drive leader is no longer intact and the drive needs to be replaced. Contact Dell Technical Support.

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