xTalk is a diagnostic software used for testing and gathering logs from the following Dell PowerVault Tape Drives, Autoloaders, and Libraries:
Note: The tape drives mentioned above could be in an autoloader or a tape library.
For example, PowerVault 124T with a LTO2-LC tape drive. Typically, these tape drives will have one of the following name brands:
Caution: The xTalk diagnostic test tool will essentially format / destroy data on a tape that has data on it. As a result, it is recommended that a new or over-writable tape be used with xTalk.
To use xTalk, it is recommended that the following be done prior to it's use:
Download the Dell PowerVault Tape Drive Diagnostics, and extract files.
Stop the backup software services.
If necessary, stop and disable the backup software services, and reboot the server.
Run (or double-click) the SetupTapeDiags.exe, or run the xTalk.exe from the diags folder from the extracted files of the recent download.
This will install the xTalk diagnostic tool.
Start xTalk, and choose the appropriate diagnostic test, or log gathering option.
The options can differ with xTalk and the type of tape drive being tested.
The following is an example of what xTalk can look like with it's different diagnostics and log gathering options:
Figure 1: Example of xTalk with a LTO2 Tape Drive
Figure 2: Example of xTalk with a SDLT320 Tape Drive
Device Health Check is a method to test a tape drive, in particular, one of the tape drives mentioned above. It can be used to determine if there is an issue with the tape drive and/or LTO media.
Overall, this Device Health Check, is a series of diagnostic tests that will help to determine the health of the tape drive in question.
Caution: The xTalk diagnostic test too will essentially format / destroy data on a tape that has data on it. As a result, it is recommended that a new or over-writable tape be used with xTalk.
Use the following link to see how Device Health Check is used: Tutorial How-to: Perform a Device Health Check with xTalk
The Short Write Read Test will perform a 500 MB write and a 500 MB read to the tape drive by using random data.
This can be helpful to determine the cause of a backup or restore failure.
Use the following link to see how to initiate a Short Write Read Test: xTalk Diagnostic Short Read Write
Caution: The xTalk diagnostic test too will essentially format / destroy data on a tape that has data on it. As a result, it is recommended that a new or over-writable tape be used with xTalk.
Use the following link to see how Device Health Check is used: Tutorial How-to: Perform a Device Health Check with xTalk