C H A P T E R 2

Using Automated Libraries and Manually Loaded Drives in a Sun StorEdge SAM-FS Environment

An automated library is a robotically controlled device designed to load and unload removable cartridges without operator intervention. Cartridges are imported to and exported from the library. They are loaded and unloaded automatically. The archiving and staging processes use a site-defined scheme for allocating the number of drives to use. Automated libraries are also known as media changers, jukeboxes, robots, libraries, or media libraries.

The following sections describe aspects of using libraries in a Sun StorEdge SAM-FS environment. The Sun StorEdge QFS and Sun StorEdge SAM-FS Software Installation and Configuration Guide provides initial configuration instructions, and this chapter provides operational instructions for automated libraries and manually loaded drives. In addition, this chapter describes the operator-oriented load notification facility that alerts an operator when a requested volume is not in a library.

Note - The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS software interoperates with automated libraries from many manufacturers. Contact Sun customer support for information pertinent to library model numbers, firmware levels, and other compatability information.

Some automated libraries have features that cause certain operations to differ from the ones described in this chapter. To determine whether your automated library has additional, vendor-specific operating instructions when used in a Sun StorEdge SAM-FS environment, check Basic Operations for Libraries With Vendor-Specific Operational Procedures.

This chapter contains the following topics:

- Conventions

- Automated Library Operations

- Manually Loaded Drive Operations

##

Conventions

The procedures for performing the basic operations described in this chapter typically show how to use the `samcmd`(1M) command, the `samu`(1M) operator utility, and the following commands:

- `tplabel`(1M)

- `odlabel`(1M)

- `auditslot`(1M)

- `cleandrive`(1M)

- `chmed`(1M)

- `import`(1M)

- `set_state`(1M)

- `samexport`(1M)

In many cases, however, there is more than one way to perform the task described. You can perform many of these tasks from within SAM-QFS Manager, which is the web-based the graphical user interface (GUI) to the Sun StorEdge QFS and Sun StorEdge SAM-FS software. You can use this interface to configure, control, monitor, and reconfigure the components of your Sun StorEdge QFS and Sun StorEdge SAM-FS environment. For information on installing SAM-QFS Manager, see the Sun StorEdge QFS and Sun StorEdge SAM-FS Software Installation and Configuration Guide. For information on using the SAM-QFS Manager, see its online help.

### Command Arguments

Many of the commands accept a common set of arguments. TABLE 2-1 shows these arguments.

TABLE 2-1 Command Arguments
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
eq | The Equipment Ordinal of the device being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file. The device that is identified can be an automated library, a drive, or a file system.
slot | The number of a storage slot in an automated library as recognized in the library catalog.
partition | A side of a magneto-optical disk. The partition must be 1 or 2.
media_type | The media type. For a list of valid media types, see the `mcf`(4) man page.
vsn | The volume serial name assigned to the volume.

Some commands accept various combinations of arguments depending on your circumstances. For example, from the `samu`(1M) operator utility, the `load` command has the following two formats:

    :load eq:slot
    :load media_type.vsn

Note the following:

- The first form uses a colon (`:`) to separate eq and slot.

- The second form uses a period (`.`) to separate media_type and vsn.

### Terminology

Certain terms used throughout this chapter might be new to you. TABLE 2-2 shows some of the most commonly used terms and their meanings.

TABLE 2-2 Terminology
Term | Meaning
--- | ---
Automated library | An automated device for storing tape and optical cartridges.
Cartridge | A tape or magneto-optical cartridge. A magneto-optical cartridge can contain one or more volumes or partitions.
Partition | An entire tape or one side of a magneto-optical disk. A partition can contain only one volume.
Volume | A named area on a cartridge for storing data. A cartridge has one or more volumes. Double-sided cartridges have two volumes, one on each side. A volume serial name (VSN) identifies a volume.

##

Automated Library Operations

Several basic operations are essentially the same on all automated libraries. The following basic operations are explained in this section:

- To Start Removable Media Operations

- To Stop Removable Media Operations

- To Turn On an Automated Library

- To Turn Off an Automated Library

- To Load a Cartridge Into an Automated Library

- To Unload a Cartridge From a Drive

- Labeling a Cartridge

- To Audit a Volume

- To Audit an Automated Library (Direct-Attached Only)

- Using a Cleaning Cartridge

- To Clean a Tape Drive

- To Clear Media Errors

- To Remove a Stuck Cartridge From a Drive

- Catalog Operations, Importing Cartridges, and Exporting Cartridges

- To Enable Load Notification

### To Stop Removable Media Operations

It is possible to stop removable media operations and leave the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS system mounted. You might do this, for example, if you want to manually manipulate cartridges in a library. When operations are resumed, pending stages are reissued and archiving is resumed.

To stop removable media operations, use the `samcmd`(1M) `idle` and `samd`(1M) `stop` commands.

Use these commands in the following formats:

    samcmd idle eq
    samd stop

For eq, enter the Equipment Ordinal of the equipment being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file. To idle the drives, enter a `samcmd idle` eq command for each eq configured in your `mcf` file.

You can also idle the drives by using the `samu`(1M) operator utility or by using SAM-QFS Manager.

Note - The drives in your Sun StorEdge SAM-FS environment should be idled prior to issuing the `samd`(1M) `stop` command. This allows the archiver, stager, and other processes to complete current tasks. Failure to issue the `samd`(1M) `stop` command can cause unexpected results when archiving, staging, and other activities are resumed.

### To Start Removable Media Operations

Typically, removable media operations commence when a Sun StorEdge SAM-FS file system is mounted.

To start removable media operations manually, without mounting any file systems, enter the `samd`(1M) `start` command.

Use this command in the following format:

    # samd start

If removable media operations are already running when the preceding command is entered, the following message is generated:

    SAM-FS sam-amld daemon already running

For more information about the `samd`(1M) command, see the `samd`(1M) man page.

### To Turn On an Automated Library

When a library is in the `on` state, it is under the control of the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS system and can proceed with general operations. When you turn on a library, the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS software performs the following actions:

- Queries the device regarding its internal state. It discovers where tapes are, whether or not barcodes are used, and so on.

- Updates the catalog and other internal structures.

Use the `samcmd`(1M) `on` command to turn on an automated library.

Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd on eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the automated library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

### To Turn Off an Automated Library

Placing a library in the `off` state stops I/O operations and removes the automated library from Sun StorEdge SAM-FS control. No automatic movement of cartridges occurs. Note that the drives in the automated library remain in the `on` state. You might want to turn an automated library off to perform the following tasks:

- To stop Sun StorEdge SAM-FS operations for this automated library only.

- To power down the automated library.

Use the `samcmd`(1M) `off` command to turn off an automated library.

Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd off eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the automated library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

### To Load a Cartridge Into an Automated Library

Loading a cartridge into a drive occurs automatically when a VSN is requested for archiving or staging. Loading refers to moving a cartridge from a storage slot to a drive and making it ready.

Use the `samcmd`(1M) `load` command to manually load a cartridge.

You can use this command even if the drive is in `unavail` status. This command has the following two possible formats:

    samcmd load eq:slot[:partition]
    samcmd load media_type.vsn

TABLE 2-3 Arguments for `samcmd` (1M) `load`
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
eq | The Equipment Ordinal of the drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.
slot | The number of a storage slot in an automated library as recognized in the library catalog.
media_type | The media type. For a list of valid media types, see the `mcf`(4) man page.
partition | A side of a magneto-optical disk. The partition must be 1 or 2. This argument is not applicable to tape cartridges.
vsn | The volume serial name assigned to the volume.

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

When you manually load a cartridge, it is generally loaded in the next available drive in the library. If you want to make a drive unavailable for this purpose, use the `samu`(1M) utility's `:unavail` command or change the state of the device using SAM-QFS Manager. You might do this, for example, during a disaster recovery operation or to analyze a tape.

### To Unload a Cartridge From a Drive

Unloading a cartridge occurs automatically when a volume is no longer needed. You can also manually unload a drive. Unloading refers to removing a cartridge from a drive.

Use the `samcmd`(1M) `unload` command to manually load a cartridge.

This command can be used even if the drive is in `unavail` status. Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd unload eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the automated library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

### Labeling a Cartridge

The procedure for labeling a cartridge differs depending on whether you are labeling a tape or optical cartridge. The following two sections describe these procedures.

| Caution - Labeling and relabeling a cartridge makes the data currently on the cartridge unaccessible to any software. Relabel a cartridge only if you are certain that you do not need the data that is stored on the cartridge.

To Label or Relabel a Tape

The following `tplabel`(1M) command line format shows the options most commonly used when labeling or relabeling a tape:

    tplabel [ -new | -old vsn ] -vsn vsn eq:slot

TABLE 2-4 Arguments for `tplabel` (1M)
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
vsn | A volume serial name. If you are relabeling, the new VSN name can be identical to the old VSN name.
eq | The Equipment Ordinal of the automated library or manually loaded drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.
slot | The number of a storage slot in an automated library as recognized in the library catalog. This argument is not applicable for manually loaded drives.

To label a new tape, use the `tplabel`(1M) command.

Use this command in the following format:

    tplabel -new -vsn vsn eq:slot

To relabel an existing tape, use the `tplabel`(1M) command.

Use this command in the following format:

    tplabel -old vsn -new -vsn vsn eq:slot

After issuing the command to label or relabel a tape, the tape is loaded and positioned, and the tape label is written. For more information about the `tplabel`(1M) command, see the `tplabel`(1M) man page.

You can also perform this task by using SAM-QFS Manager.

To Label or Relabel an Optical Disk

The following `odlabel`(1M) command line format shows the options most commonly used when labeling or relabeling an optical disk:

    odlabel [ -new | -old vsn ] -vsn vsn eq:slot:partition

TABLE 2-5 Arguments for `odlabel` (1M)
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
vsn | A volume serial name. If you are relabeling, the new VSN name can be identical to the old VSN name.
eq | The Equipment Ordinal of the automated library or manually loaded drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.
slot | The number of a storage slot in an automated library as recognized in the library catalog. This argument is not applicable to manually loaded drives.
partition | A side of a magneto-optical disk. The partition must be `1` or `2`. This argument is not applicable to tape cartridges.

To label a new optical disk, use the `odlabel`(1M) command.

Use this command in the following format:

    odlabel -new -vsn vsn eq:slot:partition

To relabel an existing optical disk, use the `odlabel`(1M) command.

Use this command in the following format:

    odlabel -old vsn -vsn vsn eq:slot:partition

After issuing the command to label or relabel an optical disk, the optical disk is loaded and positioned, and the optical disk label is written. For more information about the `odlabel`(1M) command, see the `odlabel`(1M) man page.

You can also perform this task by using SAM-QFS Manager.

### To Audit a Volume

Occasionally the reported space remaining on a tape or optical cartridge might need to be updated in the library catalog. The `auditslot`(1M) command loads the cartridge containing the volume, reads the label, and updates the library catalog entry for the slot.

Use the `auditslot`(1M) command to audit a volume.

Use this command in the following format:

    auditslot [-e] eq:slot[:partition]

TABLE 2-6 Arguments for `auditslot` (1M)
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
`-e` | If the `-e` option is specified and the media is tape, the remaining space is updated. Otherwise, it is not changed.
eq | The Equipment Ordinal of the automated library or manually loaded drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.
slot | The number of a storage slot in an automated library as recognized in the library catalog. This argument is not applicable to manually loaded drives.
partition | A side of a magneto-optical disk. The partition must be `1` or `2`. This argument is not applicable to tape cartridges.

For more information about the auditslot(1M) command, see the auditslot(1M) man page.

You can also perform this task by using the `samu`(1M) utility's `:audit` command or by using SAM-QFS Manager.

### To Audit an Automated Library (Direct-Attached Only)

Note - This task cannot be performed on a network-attached automated library.

A full audit loads each cartridge into a drive, reads the label, and updates the library catalog. A library should be audited in the following situations:

- After moving cartridges in the automated library without using Sun StorEdge SAM-FS commands.

- If you are in doubt about the status of the library catalog and would like to update it (for example, after a power outage).

- If you have added, removed, or moved cartridges in an automated library that has no mailbox.

Use the `samcmd`(1M) `audit` command to perform a full audit on an automated library.

Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd audit eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the automated library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

You can also perform this task by using the `samu`(1M) utility's `:audit` command or by using SAM-QFS Manager.

### Using a Cleaning Cartridge

The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS systems allow you to import a cleaning cartridge to clean tape drives. This procedure differs depending on whether or not the cleaning cartridge is barcoded. The following sections explain various aspects of using a cleaning cartridge.

Cleaning practices differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you are having trouble with this, see Basic Operations for Libraries With Vendor-Specific Operational Procedures to determine if specialized procedures are recommended for your equipment.

Note - This task cannot be performed on a network-attached automated library.

To Reset the Number of Cleaning Cycles

Cleaning tapes are useful only for a limited number of cleaning cycles. You can view the number of remaining cycles with the `samu`(1M) utility's `:v` display or from within SAM-QFS Manager.

The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS systems track the number of cleaning cycles used for each cleaning tape and eject the tape when the remaining cycles equal zero. For example, a DLT cleaning tape has 20 cycles, and an Exabyte cleaning tape has 10 cycles. Each time a cleaning tape is imported, the cleaning cycle is reset to the highest number of cycles for that type of tape.

If automatic cleaning is available on your system but all cleaning tapes in the automated library have a count of zero, the drive is set to off and a message is issued in the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS log.

Use the `chmed`(1M) command to reset a cleaning tape with a count of zero.

Use this command in the following format:

    chmed -count count media_type.vsn

TABLE 2-7 Arguments for `chmed` (1M)
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
count | The number of cleaning cycles to which you want the cleaning tape reset.
media_type | The media type. For a list of valid media types, see the `mcf`(4) man page.
vsn | The volume serial name assigned to the volume.

To Use a Cleaning Cartridge With a Barcode

If the cleaning cartridge is barcoded, you can import it using the `import`(1M) command.

1. Make sure that the cleaning cartridge has a barcode of `CLEAN` or starts with the letters `CLN`.

2. Use the `import`(1M) command to import the cleaning cartridge.

Use this command in the following format:

    import eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the automated library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS system moves the cartridge from the mailbox to a storage slot and updates the library catalog for each cartridge. In addition, after this command is issued, the cleaning media flag is set, and the access count is set to the appropriate number of cleaning cycles, based on the media type. Each time the media is used to clean a drive, it decrements the access count.

For example, the following command imports a cleaning tape into the automated library that is numbered `50` in your `mcf` file:

    # import 50

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

To Use a Cleaning Cartridge Without a Barcode

If the cartridge is not barcoded, you must import it first. It does not become marked as a cleaning cartridge. Perform the following steps:

1. Import the cartridge using the `import`(1M) command.

Use this command in the following format:

    import eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the automated library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

2. Use the `chmed`(1M) command to change the type to a cleaning cartridge.

You must know the Equipment Ordinal of the automated library and the slot into which the cleaning cartridge is loaded.

In the following example command line, the automated library is Equipment Ordinal 50 and the cleaning cartridge is in slot 77:

    # chmed +C 50:77

The preceding command changes the cartridge type to that of a cleaning cartridge.

3. Use `chmed`(1M) again to set the cleaning cycle count.

The following example command sets the count on the cartridge used in the preceding step:

    # chmed -count 20 50:77

For more information about the `chmed`(1M) command, see the `chmed`(1M) man page.

To Clean a Tape Drive

Note - The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS systems does not support automatic cleaning on network-attached libraries. You should use the vendor's library manager software for automatic cleaning.

The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS environment supports the use of cleaning tapes if cleaning tapes are supported by the hardware. If a tape drive requests cleaning, the system automatically loads a cleaning tape.

If your system uses barcoded labels, cleaning tapes must have a VSN of `CLEAN` or a VSN starting with the letters `CLN` in the barcode label. Alternatively, you can use the `chmed`(1M) command to mark a VSN as a cleaning tape and set the count. Multiple cleaning tapes are allowed in a system.

Note - Certain drive errors can result in cleaning cartridges being loaded repeatedly until all cleaning cycles are consumed. You can prevent this situation by using the `chmed`(1M) command to limit the number of cleaning cycles on cleaning cartridges. For example: # `chmed -count 20 50:77`

When automatic cleaning is not available and the system uses barcodes, perform the following procedure to request manually that a drive be cleaned:

Use the `cleandrive`(1M) command.

Use this command in the following format:

    cleandrive eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the automated library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file. This is the drive to be loaded with the cleaning cartridge.

### To Clear Media Errors

When a hardware or software error is encountered on a cartridge, the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS system sets the `media` `error` flag in the VSN catalog. On any given cartridge that generates a `media` `error` signal, you can use the `chmed`(1M) command to clear the error, and you can attempt to use the cartridge. The `media` `error` flag is displayed in the `samu`(1M) utility's `v` display and in SAM-QFS Manager.

1. Use the `chmed`(1M) command to clear the `media error` flag.

Use this command in the following format to clear the `media` `error` flag:

    chmed -E media_type.vsn

TABLE 2-8 Arguments for `chmed` (1M)
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
media_type | The media type. For a list of valid media types, see the `mcf`(4) man page.
vsn | The volume serial name assigned to the volume.

2. Issue the `auditslot`(1M) command to update the space remaining information.

Use this command in the following format:

    auditslot -e eq:slot[:partition]

TABLE 2-9 Arguments for `auditslot` (1M)
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
`-e` | If the `-e` option is specified and the media is tape, the remaining space is updated. Otherwise, it is not changed.
eq | The Equipment Ordinal of the automated library or manually loaded drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.
slot | The number of a storage slot in an automated library as recognized in the library catalog. This argument is not applicable to manually loaded drives.
partition | A side of a magneto-optical disk. The partition must be `1` or `2`. This argument is not applicable to tape cartridges.

For more information about the auditslot(1M) command, see the auditslot(1M) man page.

You can also perform this task by using the `samu`(1M) utility's `:audit` command or by using SAM-QFS Manager.

### To Remove a Stuck Cartridge From a Drive

If a cartridge becomes stuck in a drive, follow these steps.

1. Use the `samcmd`(1M) `off` commandto turn off the drives in the automated library.

Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd off eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

2. Use the `samcmd`(1M) `off` command to turn off the automated library.

Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd off eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

3. Physically remove the cartridge from the drive.

Make sure you do not damage either the cartridge or the drive.

4. Use the `samcmd`(1M) `on` command to turn on the automated library and the drive.

Issue this command once for the drive and once for the library. Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd on eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the library or drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

If the automated library performs an audit when it is turned on, you are done. If it does not, perform the next step.

5. If you put the cartridge back into its storage slot, adjust the library catalog to set the occupied flag for the damaged tape by using the `chmed`(1M) command.

Use this command in the following format:

    chmed +o eq:slot

TABLE 2-10 Arguments for `chmed` (1M)
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
eq | The Equipment Ordinal of the automated library or drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.
slot | The number of a storage slot in a library as recognized in the library catalog. This argument is not applicable for manually loaded drives.

For more information about the `chmed`(1M) command, see the `chmed`(1M) man page.

If you keep the cartridge out, and you want to put it back in later, you must import the cartridge into the automated library.

### Catalog Operations, Importing Cartridges, and Exporting Cartridges

The physical addition (import) and removal (export) of cartridges from an automated library enables you to perform several functions, including the following:

- You can replace cartridges.

- You can relocate cartridges to off-site storage to use later for disaster recovery purposes. If this is your task, you can use the `-I` option on the `chmed`(1M) command to specify additional information such as the storage location of the cartridge.

When you import and export cartridges, you also update the library catalog. Within the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS system, you accomplish these tasks by using the `import`(1M) and `samexport`(1M) commands. You can also perform these tasks by using SAM-QFS Manager.

A library catalog is the central repository of all information that the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS environment needs for finding cartridges in an automated library. The library catalog file is a binary UFS-resident file that contains information about each slot in an automated library. The information in this file includes the one or more volume serial names (VSNs) associated with the cartridge stored in the slot, the capacity and space remaining on that cartridge, and flags indicating read-only, write-protect, recycling, and other status information for the cartridge.

The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS environment treats catalogs differently depending on how the automated library is attached to the server, as follows:

- If the automated library is direct-attached, the library catalog is a one-to-one mapping between library catalog entries and physical slots in the automated library. The first entry in the library catalog is for the first slot in the automated library. When a cartridge is needed, the system consults the library catalog to determine which slot contains the VSN, and it issues a command to load the cartridge from that slot into a drive.

- If the automated library is network-attached, the library catalog is not a direct mapping to the slots. It is a list of the VSNs known to be present in the automated library. When a cartridge is requested, the system sends a request to the vendor's software to load the VSN into a drive. The vendor's software locates the VSN's storage slot.

Each automated library handles cartridge import and export differently due to system characteristics and the vendor-supplied software. For example, on the ACL 4/52 library, you need to issue a `move` command to move cartridges into the import/export unit before exporting cartridges from the automated library.

Note - Network-attached automated libraries import and export cartridges using their own utilities, so the `import`(1M) and `samexport`(1M) commands only update the library catalog entries used by the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS systems. If you have a network-attached library, see Basic Operations for Libraries With Vendor-Specific Operational Procedures for information about importing and exporting cartridges.

#### Tracking Exported Media -- The Historian

The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS historians keep track of cartridges exported from an automated library or a manually mounted device. The historian acts like a virtual library, but it has no defined hardware devices. Like an automated library, it is configured in the `mcf` file, has a catalog that records entries for all cartridges associated with it, can import and export cartridges, and appears in SAM-QFS Manager as another automated library.

You can configure the historian in the `mcf` file by using a device type of `hy`. If you do not configure the historian in the `mcf` file, it is created as follows:

    historian  n+1  hy  -  on  /var/opt/SUNWsamfs/catalog/historian

In the preceding entry, n+1 is the last Equipment Ordinal in the `mcf` file plus 1. If you want to use a different Equipment Ordinal or path name for the catalog, you need only to define the historian in the `mcf`.

The historian library catalog is initialized with 32 entries when the historian first starts. Make sure that the catalog resides on a file system large enough to hold the entire catalog. Your site might want to track existing Sun StorEdge SAM-FS cartridges that have been exported from the library. In this case, you need to build a historian catalog from the existing cartridges as described in the `build_cat`(1M) man page.

The following two configuration directives in the `defaults.conf` file affect the behavior of the historian:

- If the `exported_media = unavailable` directive appears, then any cartridges exported from an automated library are flagged as unavailable to the historian. Requests for cartridges flagged as unavailable generate an EIO error.

- If the `attended = no` directive appears, it declares to the historian that no operator is available to handle load requests. Requests to load cartridges known to the historian, and not already loaded, generate an EIO error.

For more configuration information, see the `historian`(7) and `defaults.conf`(4) man pages.

#### Importing and Exporting from an Automated Library

A mailbox is an area in an automated library for adding and removing cartridges from the automated library. The `import`(1M) command moves a cartridge from the mailbox to a storage slot. The `samexport`(1M) command moves the cartridge from a storage slot to the mailbox. For most libraries, if a cartridge is present in the mailbox at the time that the Sun StorEdge SAM-FS software is started, the software imports the cartridge automatically upon startup.

Importing and exporting practices differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you are having trouble with this, see Basic Operations for Libraries With Vendor-Specific Operational Procedures to determine if specialized procedures are recommended for your equipment.

The following sections describe importing and exporting cartridges:

- To Import a Cartridge from a Library With a Mailbox

- To Export a Cartridge from a Library With a Mailbox

- To Import a Cartridge from a Library Without a Mailbox

- To Export a Cartridge from a Library Without a Mailbox

To Import a Cartridge from a Library With a Mailbox

To import cartridges into an automated library that uses a mailbox, follow these steps.

1. Open the mailbox using the manufacturer's suggested operation.

There is usually a button near the mailbox. Sometimes the mailbox is a one-slot mailbox referred to as a mail slot in the vendor's documentation.

2. Manually place the cartridge into the mailbox.

3. Close the mailbox.

4. Use the `import`(1M) command to import the cartridge.

Use this command in the following format:

    import eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

The system moves the cartridge from the mailbox to a storage slot and updates the library catalog for each cartridge.

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

To Export a Cartridge from a Library With a Mailbox

This procedure moves a cartridge from a storage slot to a mailbox or mail slot. To export (eject) cartridges from a library that uses a mailbox, follow these steps.

1. Use the `samexport`(1M) command to move a cartridge from a storage slot to the mailbox.

Use this command in one of the following formats:

    samexport eq:slot
    samexport media_type.vsn

TABLE 2-11 Arguments for `samexport` (1M)
Argument | Meaning
--- | ---
eq | The Equipment Ordinal of the automated library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.
slot | The number of a storage slot in an automated library as recognized in the library catalog.
media_type | The media type. For a list of valid media types, see the `mcf`(4) man page.
vsn | The volume serial name assigned to the volume.

You can also perform this step by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

2. Open the mailbox or mail slot using the manufacturer's suggested operation.

There is usually a button near the mailbox.

To Import a Cartridge from a Library Without a Mailbox

1. Use the `samcmd`(1M) `unload` command.

Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd unload eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

Wait until the system completes its current task, sets the status to off, and transfers the current active catalog to the historian.

2. Unlock and open the door to the automated library.

3. Load cartridges into the available slots.

4. Close and lock the door to the automated library.

The automated library reinitializes and scans the cartridges in the library. The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS software updates the library catalog by adding the VSNs of the imported cartridges to the catalog. The automated library state is set to `on`.

To Export a Cartridge from a Library Without a Mailbox

1. Use the `samcmd`(1M) `unload` command.

Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd unload eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

Wait until the system completes its current task, sets the status to off, and transfers the current active catalog to the historian.

2. Unlock and open the door to the automated library.

3. Remove the cartridges from their respective slots.

4. Close and lock the door to the automated library.

The automated library reinitializes and scans the cartridges in the automated library. The system updates the library catalog with the VSNs of the cartridges currently in library slots. The VSNs of the removed cartridges are removed from the library catalog and are now recorded only in the historian file. The automated library state is set to `on`.

### To Enable Load Notification

The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS software requests cartridges to be loaded regularly to satisfy archiving and staging needs. If the request is for a cartridge that resides inside a library, the request is handled automatically. If the request is for a cartridge that resides outside the library, operator action is required. If enabled, the `load_notify.sh`(1M) script sends email when a cartridge needs to be obtained from outside the library.

1. Become superuser.

2. Use the `cp`(1) command to copy the load notification script from its installed location to its operable location.

For example:

    # cp /opt/SUNWsamfs/examples/load_notify.sh /etc/opt/SUNWsamfs/scripts/load_notify.sh

3. Use `more`(1) or another command to examine the `defaults.conf` file.

Make sure that the following directives are in the file and appear as follows:

- `exported_media=available`

- `attended=yes`

These directives are set by default. If the load notification capability is to be enabled, ensure that these directives have not been changed.

4. Modify the `load_notify.sh` script to send notices to the operator.

By default, the script sends email to `root`, but it can be edited to send email to another person, to dial a pager, or to provide some other means of notification.

##

Manually Loaded Drive Operations

This section describes operations that differ if you have a manually loaded, standalone drive and not an automated library. Each manually loaded drive has its own one-slot library catalog.

### To Load a Cartridge

To load a cartridge into a manually loaded device, place the cartridge in the drive according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The Sun StorEdge SAM-FS system recognizes that the cartridge is loaded, reads the label, and updates the manual, one-slot catalog. No further action is necessary.

### To Unload a Cartridge

Use `samcmd`(1M) `idle` command to idle the drive.

This command ensures that no archive or stage processes are active. Use this command in the following format:

    samcmd idle eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the drive being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

The drive switches from `idle` to `off` when all I/O activity is complete, and the tape ejects.

If this is a tape, the tape rewinds, and the cartridge is ready to be removed. An optical cartridge ejects automatically. See the manufacturer's instructions for removing the specific cartridge.

You can also perform this task by using `samu`(1M) or SAM-QFS Manager.

### To View a Library Catalog

Use the `samu`(1M) utility's `:v` command.

Use this command in the following format:

    :v eq

For eq, specify the Equipment Ordinal of the library being addressed as defined in the `mcf` file.

Copyright © 2004, Sun Microsystems, Inc. All rights reserved.