Can we LTO3 read LTO2 tapes?

[nbutechie29]

We have some files that were backed up on LTO2 tapes and we need to restore the files using our CURRENT LTO3 tape drives . The restore failed. is there a way to temporarily configure the LTO3 tape drive to read the LTO2 tapes?

Thank you

[Will_Restore · Accepted solution]

 LTO drives should write one level back, read two levels back. 

An old thread descibes steps to reconfig a drive type for restore

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/forums/can-not-restore-old-media#comment-3280091

[nbutechie29]

The tapes the files are on are LTO2. Drives are configured for LTO3. When trying to do a restore, I get an Error 839. The tapes have a type of HCART2. Is there anything we need to do prior to inserted the tapes for the restore on the tape library to read the tape using LTO3 tape drive? 

Please advise. thanks

[Marianne]

Configure one of your tape drives as HCART2.

Your hardware is conpatible, but NBU will only load a tape in a drive if the densities match.