Media Tools

The following Media Tools commands are located on the Tools menu.

Identify

This command displays the media name and contents.

 
  To identify a media:

  1. Select Media from the Tools menu, then select Identify.

    The Identify window appears. The device name and media name are displayed.

  2. To view the backup sets on the media, click Device View in the Identify Progress window.
  3. Select OK to close the Identify window.

Initialize

This command erases the header portion of the media, making all the data on the media inaccessible. Using this command is substantially faster than the Erase command, but somewhat less secure, since some data will remain on the media after initializing.

 
  To initialize a media:

  1. Select Media from the Tools menu, then select Initialize.

    If the media contains data, you are prompted to confirm the initialize.

  2. Click Yes to confirm the operation or No to cancel.

    If you are using SCSI media, you may enter a new media name.

  3. Click OK.

    The Initialize Progress window appears.

Erase

This command erases all files on the media, and positions the media to start writing or recording. The Erase command takes more time to complete, but is more secure than the Initialize command, since it erases all data on the media. Use this command if you are concerned about the security of the data on your media. Since the Erase command is not supported by all devices, you may need to use the Initialize command to prepare your media for use.

 
  To erase a piece of media:

  1. Select Media from the Tools menu, then select Erase.

    If the media contains data, a message box appears asking you to confirm the erase.

  2. Click Yes to confirm the operation or No to cancel.

    The Erase Progress window appears.

Retension

This command winds and rewinds a tape to remove any slack and evenly tension the tape by performing a fast forward and rewind. It is not applicable to other media, such as writable optical devices.

 
  To retension a tape:

Security Erase

This command erases the cartridge and overwrites the data with zeros, so that it cannot be read. Security Erase can take several hours to complete, depending on the media type.

 
  To security erase a tape:

  1. Select Media from the Tools menu, then select Security Erase.

    Your tape will spin for several seconds. If your tape contains one or more backup sets, a warning is displayed before the security erase begins.

  2. Click OK to erase or Cancel to cancel the security erase operation.