  DAT (DDS) Tape Media Errors? 
 The Question is:
 
We are having problems reading the tape label of a backup during a restore
 operation.  It does eventually read the label, but it takes a long time, and
 appears that it may actually not work.  This is on a DAT tape drive.
 
 The Answer is:
 
  Chances are that the DAT (DDS) tape has been worn out -- DAT (DDS)
  media is rated for 2,000 head passes, and the first part of the DAT
  (DDS) cartridge media normally passes the head quite a few times
  during each normal MOUNT, INIT and BACKUP sequence for the cartridge.
 
  DAT (DDS) media should be monitored and replaced as media errors arise.
 
  TLZ-series drives should also have the DAT (DDS) cleaning cartridge
  used per the hardware documentation, and the cleaning cartridge itself
  replaced as required.
 
  For comparison, current DLT media is rated at 500,000 head passes.
 
