StorageTek 9840 Tape Drives and INZTAP CLR(*YES)

[PaulMmn <PaulMmn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

We are in the process of migrating from StorageTek 9840 tape drives. 
As our 9840 tapes return, we are initializing them for possible sale. 
So, we give them an owner of "DISCARDED," and specify CLEAR(*YES), 
intending the tapes to be erased end to end.

However, the initialize takes only seconds, which is way too fast for 
the drive to even think about writing over the entire tape.

I have a call in to the StorageTek hot line, but am interested if 
anyone else has had this question arise.

And, no, these tapes can NOT be bulk erased-- they have a 
synchro/servo track that, if erased, renders the tape unusable by 
anyone (and worthless for resale).  The servo track can be/is only 
written at the factory.

--Paul E Musselman
PaulMmn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx