Is it possible to erase the data on an lto tape?

[pbarnardcmic]

We have recently changed from using Gen 1 LTO tapes to Gen 2 LTO tapes. We have been using the LTO2 tapes long enough now that my boss wants to sell the LTO1 tapes. His question to me was could we delete the data off of the LTO1 tapes before trying to sell them.



I told him that without the database the data on those tapes can't be accessed, but he wasn't entirely happy with that answer. His concern fell to this: what if the tape use to be a database backup tape or exported data (which we do every so often).



Since I work for an insurance company, some of the data that we back up is confidential.



So the question is: Is it possible to erase the data off of an LTO tape?

 

[henrypan]

Sure Buddy,



If you're using AIX, then try:



> Move data <Vol ID>

> CHECKO LIBV <Lib ID> <Vol ID> remove=y checkl=y



$ tapeutil -f /dev/<Drive ID> erase



Good luck



HP

 

[pbarnardcmic]

henrypan thanks for the response.



Actually we are running out of a windows environment. Is tapeutil available in the windows environment. I haven't ever used it before and don't know a thing about it.

 

[heada]

The use of a bulk-eraser is the best option. Its basically a strong electro-magnet and can erase a stack of tapes all at once. Be VERY careful where you use it tho, too close to a computer and you just bulk-erased your hard drive too.



-Aaron



BTW, tapeutil is part of the atape driver that is used with AIX.

 

[pbarnardcmic]

Will a bulk-eraser cause any damage to the tapes? Because if they aren't usable we wouldn't be able to sell them.



-Phil

 

[heada]

Most of the tape is plastic or mylar. The bulk eraser will cause the iron embedded in the mylar (the actual tape) to reset back to all zeros. Most tapes that I've seens that do have metal in them have ether been very small (springs, pins, etc) or non ferrous. If the tape has small ferrous metal *movable* parts, then those parts would be attracted to the magnet while it is on. I don't see how it would damage a tape since it is almost totally plastic.



I have used bulk erasers on VHS, DLT, 4mm DAT and 3590 tapes and have yet to have a physical issue. The only time I've ever had an issue was when the operator using the bulk eraser had some keys in his pocket that ripped through to the magnet. Kinda funny for everyone but him.



-Aaron

 

[henrypan]

OK. Use bulk-eraser or ask MIcrosoft to provide a commends to erase the cartridges.



Good luck



HP

 

[pbarnardcmic]

Thanks for all your help. We'll look into both of those methods. I really appriciate all your help.

 

[ed.servello]

Dear pbarnardmic:



I hope it's not too late. You must not bulk erase LTO tapes!



It is OK to bulk erase most analog media, such as audio, video, and DAT (it's analog even though it says "digital audio tape"). Most types of pure digital media, like IOMega cartridges, LTO, Sony AIT media all have embedded servo tracks which if erased, render the media useless.





Kind regards,

Ed

 

[pbarnardcmic]

ed.servello:



No it wasn't to late. In fact we haven't managed to do anything with the tapes since the last time I posted a message. More urgent stuff has come up and it will probably be some time before I can get back to it.



Thanks for the warning. We won't be using the bulk eraser. We'll either have to place a service call or hope someone else has a suggestion.



Thanks Again.

 

[Bob Conti]

New LTO Eraser now available

Hi. You can erase just the data bands without damaging the servo bands on LTO cartridges with WILTEC's Mod510 eraser. Search on Google "LTO Eraser" or go to www.wiltec.com for more info.. Bob

 

[PJ]

Another way would be overwriting the tapes with garbage two or three times. You can do so from within TSM or from the OS (using TSM is probably more convenient since you can fully automate the process and keep your drives in production).
I'd send one or two of the tapes to a recovery specialist afterwards to see whether they can still read from them - although that may already be more expensive than whatever you may still get for the old tapes. At the end of the day, just shredding them will probably be the cheapest and safest solution.

PJ

 

[dennis_in_texas]

How much does your boss think he is going to get for these used Gen 1 tapes? They are nearly worthless, in the open market. When we went from Gen 1 tapes, to Gen 2 tapes, about four years ago, we had an offer back then of $5.00 each for our old tapes. It was the only offer we received. I don't think they have gone UP in value since then...

PJ's recommendation to shred them is probably the best idea.

d_i_t

 

[Bob Conti]

ERASE your LTO Cartridges for data security, make $$

Hello.. Well, the gentleman who suggested writing over the LTO cartridge's data is overlooking the fact that this will take 3 to 4 hours each. This is no good. The WILTEC LTO ERASER unit erases a LTO1 cartridge in 4 minutes. An LTO3 cartridge in 1 minute more. No forensic can recover your data. Send a couple of cartridges to Bob at [email protected], he will be happy to erase them at no charge to you, and you can then send them to a "forensic expert" to see the data has been removed. Imation has performed this test and has been unable to find a single character of data. You can get a good price , you aren't dumping landfills with non-"green", non-biodegradable trash, and you are sure your data is unrecoverable. If you have a few thousand cartridges to move, you can make a few tens of thousands of $$. Check it out! Bob

 

[PJ]

Yeah, well - but you'd still need somebody sitting in front of the unit and put a new cartridge in every 4 minutes, right? 15 per hour. 120 on a workday, 600 a week.
Whatever...

PJ

 

[THE_WIPET]

it's still cheeper to shread the tape than to pay an minimum wage employee for 600 tapes a week.

 

[Bob Conti]

Autoload and ERASE Data Safely LTO 1,2 or 4 Cartridges

Hi All.. WILTEC also can build a 20 cartridge autoloading LTO ERASER, goto www.wiltec.com and look at the Model 510B LTO Automatic Loading ERASER unit. Or call email WILTEC at [email protected] also TEL: 910-763-8400