How to Recover Data from Old LTO Tape Drive?

Tape drives are widely used to store and archive important information. They use the classic magnetic tape technology that is sturdy and reliable, apart from being cheaper than storage devices, like HDDs, SSDs, or USBs. The major functionality of the LTO tape drives is found in storing huge amount of data for legal purpose and data retention compliance.

Most of the organizations and individuals dealing with large data volumes prefer tape drives, which help them store data for a longer period. However, what should you do if the tape drive fails or the data stored on it becomes corrupt or inaccessible? This blog provides the best solution for tape data recovery. Whatever be the generation of the LTO tape drive, the solution will work and recover all the data stored on it.

Reasons for LTO Tape Drive Failure

Although the tape technology is favored due to its reliability, it does fail at times due to different reasons. There are three components of the Tape Drive Storage & Access System – LTO Reader, LTO Tape, and LSI SAS controller. All the three components must be compatible with the LTO tape drive. If the components are not in resonance with each other, it may cause the drive failure. Some of the other notable reasons are:

• If a tape is used over and over again without switching, it will wear out and ultimately fail.
• The tape drive is incorrectly inserted or used in the LTO reader when it is either unprepared or not compatible with the tape deck being inserted.
• If the data stored on the LTO tape is corrupt or improper, it may seem like the drive has failed.
• When the LSI controller is not matched with the LTO reader, it may cause drive failure.
• The storage tape is too old or stored in a humid or extremely dry environment.

Solution to Recover Data from LTO Tape Drives

Tape data recovery is a tedious task that requires utmost expertise and precaution. To mask the complexity of tape data recovery process, world’s leading data recovery expert Stellar comes up with an easy-to-use solution – Stellar Data Recovery for Tape. This tool is easy-to-use and offers a simple three-step tape data recovery process.

To keep the integrity of your LTO tape drive intact, the software first creates an image of the drive and loads it on your Windows PC. The image is scanned and then the scanned data is displayed in a tabular form. You can preview the data from the table and save it to the system.

Following is the step-by-step procedure to recover data from old tape drive using Stellar Data Recovery for Tape.

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery for Tape.

Step 2: After installation, launch the software. Then, select the Create Image option from the Select Option window and click Next.

Step 3: Click Browse to select the destination path to save your tape drive image. Now select the appropriate Block Size.

Note: It is recommended that you select the ‘Auto’ block size for fast processing.

Step 4: Click Create and let the Creating Image process complete without any interruption.

Caution: Don’t try to stop or close the Creating Image process as it will harm the tape drive or data.

Step 5: Once the Image Created window is displayed, click Scan to proceed to the recovery process.

Step 6: After recovery, the recovered data will be displayed in a tabular format.

Step 7: Click on the desired file to see its detailed Preview at the bottom of the window.

Step 8: Check the checkbox against the files you want to recover and click Save on the top ribbon.

Step 9: In the Save dialog box, choose Default Path or User Defined Path, and click the Save button.

The recovered files will be saved at the chosen location and you can access them by clicking the Open Containing Folder link at the bottom of Saving Process Completed Successfully dialog box.

Conclusion

With lots of storage options available nowadays, the tape drives are still one of the popular choices to store large amount of data. However, if you face a data loss situation on your tape drive, you can trust Stellar Data Recovery for Tape. This DIY software with simple user interface will come in handy in case of any data loss situation related to one of the eldest member of the storage devices family, i.e., LTO tape drives.

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About The Author

Ashutosh Kumar

Ashutosh is a Senior Content Writer at Stellar with over 8 years of experience in data recovery, IoT, and AI technologies domain. He is a tech enthusiast who enjoys researching and sharing DIY solutions to resolve complex technical issues. Apart from professional writing Ashutosh is a published poet and spends his weekends building small gadgets.