Managing libraries

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Managing libraries

Removable Storage attempts to automatically configure all libraries when you first start Removable Storage and when you add or remove a library from a computer that is running Removable Storage. Removable Storage can always automatically configure stand-alone drives.

You can use the automatic configuration feature of Removable Storage for automated libraries only if you connect all drives on the same SCSI bus as the associated media changer, or if all drives have unique serial numbers. Also, you must use automated libraries that support drive-element address reporting. For information on whether your library supports this feature, consult the library manufacturer.

Note

• Because not all library configurations support the automatic configuration feature, Removable Storage provides a method for manually configuring libraries. However, do not use this method unless it is absolutely necessary because manually configured libraries do not recognize system configuration changes. They also involve registry changes. For information on how to configure your libraries manually, see "Managing Data with Removable and Remote Storage" at the Microsoft Windows Resource Kits Web site.

Removable Storage provides comprehensive control and management of libraries. You can enable or disable entire libraries or only specific drives within a library. You can change the media type for a library. You can also open the door on an automated library and set various time-out values.

For information on how to perform a specific task, click:

• Enable or disable a library

• Enable or disable a drive

• Change the library media type

• Open a library door

• Set the library door and port time-out

Inventorying libraries

You can create an inventory of all media in a library. Removable Storage supports two inventory methods:

• Fast inventory. Removable Storage checks the storage slots and reads the on-media identifier on media in slots that were previously empty.

• Full inventory. Removable Storage mounts each tape or disk in your library and reads the on-media identifier.

For information on how to perform an inventory task, click:

• Inventory a library

• Set the default inventory method

Cleaning drives

Removable Storage can manage the cleaning of an entire automated library or the drive for a stand-alone drive. Each tape-based automated library can contain one cleaning cartridge. You can use Removable Storage to clean a drive, assign or release a cleaning cartridge slot, and insert or eject a cleaning cartridge. Removable Storage maintains a usage count for each cleaning cartridge. When a cleaning cartridge reaches its maximum usage count, Removable Storage generates an operator request. If you eject a cleaning cartridge before it has reached its maximum usage count, Removable Storage deletes the usage count information.

For information on how to perform a specific task, click:

• Clean a stand-alone drive

• Clean an automated library