Abstract: A method is provided for storing data on a tape by means of data storage apparatus programmed to record the data in accordance with a format specifying a log of tape-usage information and a series of recording regions to store the data. Errors in the recorded data are detected and an error entry for each error is recorded in the log. The error entry identifies the recording region in which the error is located.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of storing data on a tape medium in at least one data recording session employing a tape drive apparatus operable to record the data in accordance with a format specifying an unused area of the tape medium. The method comprises formatting the tape medium according to the format, and recording a tape medium identifier in the specified unused area of the tape medium.

Abstract: A data transfer device for transferring data between a host device and a data storage medium. The data transfer device encrypts and/or decrypts data transferred between the host device and the data storage medium using an encryption/decryption key stored in memory. A data storage medium stores an encryption/decryption key and has at least one media recognition indicium, which identifies the data storage medium to the data transfer device as one storing an encryption/decryption key. The data transfer device copies the encryption/decryption key from the data storage medium to the memory.

Abstract: A data transfer apparatus is described for transferring data between at least one transducer head of the data transfer apparatus and a data medium removably received in the data transfer apparatus. The data transfer apparatus is operable to monitor at least one data transfer performance characteristic, and to use results of the monitoring to set an indicator for access by the data transfer apparatus, for use in connection with a subsequent head-cleaning process using a designated head-cleaning medium, the indicator corresponding to an appropriate quality of head-cleaning process.

Abstract: Data stored on a tape in a plurality of data recording sessions employs tape drive apparatus programmed to record the data in accordance with a format specifying a log of tape-usage information. The log is in the form of a data structure including a plurality of log sections in which tape usage information is recorded relating respectively to corresponding ones of the plurality of data recording sessions. The log sections together constitute a cumulative record of tape usage covering the corresponding plurality of recording sessions, each log section in respect of a recording session comprising an identifier of the tape drive apparatus used for that recording session and a count of the recording session.

Abstract: Data storage apparatus is provided for storing data on a tape in accordance with a format specifying a plurality of logs of tape-usage information and a data area for storing the said data. Control means are programmed to update one of the said logs for each usage of the tape, the logs being selected in turn for updating.

Abstract: A method is provided of cleaning one or more read/write heads of a magnetic tape recording system using a magnetically recordable cleaning tape in the system. The system performs a cleaning operation including pulling a portion of the cleaning tape through the system so as to clean the or each head. A log is recorded on the cleaning tape of the sequence of operations so as to provide a history of usage of the cleaning tape.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method is provided of cleaning one or more read/write heads of a magnetic tape recording system using a magnetically recordable cleaning tape in the system. An initial target error rate is registered in the system. The system performs a cleaning operation including pulling a portion of the cleaning tape through the system so as to clean the or each head. Test data is recorded onto the cleaning tape by means of the or each head as the tape is being pulled through the system and a read-while-write check is performed on the test data to calculate the error rate of the test data. The system is instructed to perform another cleaning operation if the calculated error rate is above the target error rate. Other methods and systems are also provided.