[mod.computers.vax] Tape Drive Deallocation

mattis@CEEE-SED.ARPA ("Richard L. Mattis") (11/14/86)

There are occasions when my TU77 tape drive gets into a state where
it cannot be properly dismounted and deallocated.  The drive is marked
for dismount and stays that way.  Logging out only leaves the drive
allocated to a non-existent process.

Page 43 of the November 1986 VAX/VMS Systems Dispatch refers to a
privileged utility available from DECUS which deallocates devices in
such situations.  I called the Colorado Support Center and DECUS, and
neither knew just what DECUS tape contained the utility.  Does anyone
know where the utility is, or have one they would be willing to send me?
The only other way to get your tape drive unstuck is to reboot, which is
not always convenient. 

Richard L. Mattis
National Bureau of Standards
(301) 975-2235
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