[Info-vax] DLT Tape degaussing services

[Richard B. Gilbert]

Rich Jordan wrote:
> Anyone know of a service, preferably NW chicago burbs, that offers
> this service?  We have a stack of DLT-IV tapes that need to get wiped
> and Yahoo/google searches for the area are coming up empty.
> 
> A recommendation for a reputable place further away that we have to
> ship to would even be appreciated.  The tapes need to be degaussed to
> wipe data, and _if possible_ so they'll work on a different drive
> (VS80) than originally wrote them. They were lightly used and this
> would save some money for a customer.
> 
> Of course if the cost of degaussing is much higher than the cost of
> replacing, then never mind!  We'll do the physical destruction route
> (they do have a nice bearing inside that works as a wood router bit
> pilot bearing...)
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Rich

Simply degaussing DLT tapes is not a good idea.  They have some sort of 
"formatting" or a "clock track" that is necessary for proper operation.
Once degaussed, they may never work again.

Simply INITIALIZE the tapes and they should be rendered unreadable by 
normal means.

I know a guy on Long Island whose business is reading damaged or 
deteriorating media and who probably knows more about the subject than 
just about anyone.  His name is Chris Mulller and his business is called 
Muller Media Conversions or something similar.  If you are interested, I 
can probably find a phone number for him!