Tape Drive Doesn't Recognize End of Tape (107699)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
This article was previously published under Q107699

SYMPTOMS

A tape drive doesn't recognize the end of tape (EOT) marker and as a result, it pulls the tape ribbon out of the reel.

CAUSE

The tape drive has a light sensor to detect the EOT marker. If the light sensor is dirty or damaged, the EOT marker may not be recognized.

RESOLUTION

If the light sensor is dirty, clean it by following the maintenance procedure recommended by the manufacturer.

Archive, Colorado, IOmega and Wangtek tape drives are known to use light sensors to detect the EOT marker.

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/20/2003
Keywords:kbHardware KB107699
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.