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Data Recovery Resource

Tape Drive Data Recovery

Magnetic tape is commonly used for data backup and archival purposes because of its convenience and low cost per unit storage, although the tape devices themselves are often quite expensive. However, as with all magnetic media, magnetic tape suffers from disadvantages, such as sensitivity to atmospheric conditions and susceptibility to magnetic fields. There are a number of different tape formats and cartridge types available, such as QIC, DAT, DDS, DLT, and Super DLT.

Some of the problems that can cause unintentional data loss on magnetic tapes are:

• Smoke, water or chemical damage
• Exposure to extreme atmospheric conditions
• Degradation over time
• Media or cartridge problems
• Tape drive malfunction

The first priority when data loss has occurred is to thoroughly examine the tape and drive for any kind of damage or defect before taking any further steps. The next priority is to secure a copy of the raw data to the fullest extent possible, by performing a low-level read of the tape. This may be done with specialised software, although UNIX operating systems often provide low-level access through standard drivers and utilities. At this point it is advisable to assess whether or not the services of a specialist will be required. Recovering data from magnetic tape is highly specialised, and reading and extracting data can be a complicated and extremely time-consuming process, not to be undertaken lightly.

Recovering from physical problems may include dealing with issues such as deteriorating magnetic coatings, damaged reels or cartridges, creased tape edges, twisted or folded tape, stretched or broken tape, etc. Logical problems are typically even more complicated, and recovering data from this type of problem often requires multiple passes using proprietary software. If hard errors occur, dummy data are written in their place and the data fragments are pieced back together to re-create the files.