I have a number of archive tapes that were written on a HP
3000 computer system. The files were written to 4mm DAT(DD cartridges
using the STORE command on the HP3000 with operating software MPE v4.0.
The HP3000 is being replaced with a UNIX-based system.

I do not want to read all of the HP-written 4mm DAT cartridges into the
UNIX computer, but probably need to read some of the cartridges in the
future. I am trying to put something together to convert the convert HP
3000
cartridges into a UNIX-readable format.

I do not have specifications for the HP output format.

1. Can the HP 3000 cartridges be read by the UNIX computer? By best
guess is that they cannot be read directly.

2. Is software available that will convert, if necessary, the files into
the proper format? I would like to do the format conversions offline
with a separate stand-alone system if possible. Preferably, I would like
to use a PC with the appropriate software and drives.

3. Is the HP 3000 output format similar to a standard ANSI or IBM output
format? I can read IBM OS/MVS tapes and although I have not tried, I
believe that I can then convert those files into a UNIX TAR format.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Bill