Using the Option › Linear Tape-Open (LTO) › How to Enable or Disable Write Protection

How to Enable or Disable Write Protection

Write Protection (WRP) is a functionality offered by manufacturers, such as IBM and HP for data protection to prevent data from being overwritten to an LTO tape cartridge.

You can enable or disable WRP using either of the following two methods:

1. Manually Positioning write-protect switch

   Note: Applicable with drive of LTO-7 or previous versions.

   The position of the write-protect switch on an LTO tape cartridge determines whether you can write to the tape:

   • If the switch is set to Locked (solid red), data cannot be written to the tape.
   • If the switch is set to unlocked (black void), data can be written to the tape.
2. Using Arcserve Backup GUI interface

   Note: Applicable only when you use LTO-7 drive.

   Use Arcserve Backup to write-protect your cartridges rather than manually setting the write-protect switch.

Enabling Write Protection (WRP):

1. Open Device Manager from Arcserve Backup.
2. Right-click the drive on which you want to enable WRP on cartridge.
3. From the menu options, select the option Enable Write Protection.

   A pop-up is displayed with the message: Write Protection is Enable.

   Note: New Blank media should be inserted into drive to enable WRP and format. Write Protection works on a brand new tape or tape must be long erased.

   

Disabling Write Protection (WRP):

1. Open Device Manager from Arcserve Backup.
2. Right-click the drive on which you want to disable WRP on cartridge.
3. From the menu options, select the option Disable Write Protection.

   A pop-up is displayed with the message: Write Protection is Disable.

   Note: Media should be ejected from the drive to perform Disable WRP.