ITDT-SE CLI for Windows: Use of ITDT to Update Tape Drives and Run Diagnostics

This article provides information about ITDT-SE for Windows. ITDT-SE is used to pull log files (drive dumps) and perform other various functions such as eject media, run tape drive diagnostics, update firmware, and so forth.
 

Not required

Index:

• Installing ITDT-SE (CLI)
• Tape Drive Log (Drive Dump)
• Tape Drive Diagnostics
• Tape Drive Firmware Update
• Eject Tape media
• Tape Usage

Installing ITDT-SE (CLI)

ITDT-SE does not have an installer, the installation is extracting files on to the user's machine. The extractor creates input, license, output, and script folders along with the ITDT executable, a readme, and two other files. No reboot is required.

ITDT-SE (CLI) can be found on Dell Support. Choose the PowerVault tape drive, auto loader, or library you are working with. ITDT-SE (CLI) is found in the Tape Automation Category.

1. Once downloaded, right click to run as administrator

2. The default location is C:\\Dell\Drivers\….

3. Two files are extracted

4. In this instance, a Windows host is used. Right-click the Windows version and run as administrator

5. Go to the ITDT folder that is created. To start ITDT, right click the ITDT application and run as administrator

 

Tape Drive Log

If a tape drive is failing during backups or while running diagnostics, gathering a drive dump from the tape drive helps determine if the drive must be replaced. If media is suspect, it is beneficial to gather drive dumps from all tape drives in a tape library. When the drive dump is generated, three files are created in the "output" folder. The files are "A," "B" and "BLZ." All three files can be useful in determining drive issues.
 

1. Start the ITDT-SE application by right clicking ITDT found in the ITDT folder
2. The first time ITDT-SE is run, the License information is presented
3. Press I on the last page to agree
4. This brings up the Main Menu page
5. Press [S] to scan for devices

6. Select the drive that you want to gather the Dump
7. Press [D] to generate the Dump files

8. Once complete, Dump files are located in the Output folder where ITDT was extracted
9. Press [R] to return to the device list. Select the next tape drive or Press [Q] to quit

10. Dump files are generated. Zip all three files for Dell Support to review.

Tape Drive Diagnostics

There are several different diagnostics that can be performed using ITDT-SE, ensure you run the appropriate diagnostic.

• If the tape drive does not start writing to the media, a system test would be useful. The system test is a short diagnostic test.
•  When trying to determine if that tape drive is having an issue with a read or write head vs media, one of the best ways to help is to run a full write test with a brand-new tape.
• The full write test exercises all write heads, and is a longer diagnostic test. Once diagnostics are completed, it generates a drive dump from the drive, for whichever diagnostic test is run.
• A stand Alone tape drive requires a tape inserted into the drive to run tests. Tape Libraries require a tape in the I/O station.

1. Open ITDT-SE (CLI)
2. Select the drive to be tested
3. Select the diagnostic option

4. Select [O] for other functions

5. Select [W] for Full Write test
6. Select the block size

7. Choose what type of data to test. Incompressible data runs at the Native speed of the tape drive.  

8. Once the diagnostic is complete, ITDT-SE either Passes or Fails
9. Logs are generated in the Output folder where ITDT-SE was extracted

 

Tape Drive Firmware Update

1. Download the appropriate firmware for the tape drive that is being updated from Dell Support Site
2. Extract the firmware, the default location is C:\Dell\Drivers\.... Write down the folder location when files are extracted
3. Copy the firmware file to the Input folder where ITDT-SE was extracted

   

4. Open ITDT-SE (CLI)
5. Select tape drive to be upgraded

6. Press [F] for firmware update
7. Select the firmware file then Press [C] to continue

8. The Directory and Firmware file is listed. Press [S] to start firmware update

9. Once complete, the Status should be Passed

10. Press [R] to return and select next drive to be update
11. Once all drives are complete, the server must be rebooted before testing or running backup jobs

 

Eject Tape Media

The Eject Tape Media function in ITDT-SE may be used if a tape does not eject using the backup software. To clear any reservation on the tape drive by the backup software, set all backup services to disable, reboot server, and tape device.
 

1. Open ITDT-SE
2. Select the drive that has media loaded
3. Select [J] to eject media

4. Result is Passed if the tape ejected

Tape Usage

The Tape Usage function retrieves statistical data and error counters from a tape cartridge.

1. Open ITDT-SE
2. Select a drive that has media loaded
3. Select [O] for other options
4. Select [U] for Tape Usage