Tested on HPUX 11.00 No tape in unit. # mt -t /dev/rmt/1m rew /dev/rmt/1m: No such device or address # echo $? 1 Tape in unit # # mt -t /dev/rmt/1m rew # echo $? 0 If you use the command mt -t /dev/rmt/devfile >/dev/null 2>& then you won't get the error message, but the status is still set. Of course, this only works if you want the tape at the BOF. ------------------------------------------------------------- Gary L. Paveza, Jr. Technical Services Manager (302) 761-3173 - voice (877) 720-2970 - pager -----Original Message----- From: Proudfoot, Bill [SMTP:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2000 10:37 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [HP3000-L] OT:HP-UX question Unfortunately the mt command on HP-UX does not have a status option ( it does on Solaris ), look at the man page for mt. you could experiment with some of the available options, say rew or fsr which will probably give an I/O error if there is no tape in the drive. ioscan only tells you that the tape drive is configured. E.G. mt -t /dev/rmt/0mnb rew ( where 0mnb is the tape device you are interested in ). Bill > * +44 (0)151-235-3055 Fax: +44 (0)151-235-3151 > * mailto:[log in to unmask] > > > > > *********************************************************************** Confidentiality: This e-mail and its attachments are intended for the above named recipient(s) only and may be confidential and/or privileged. If they have come to you in error you must take no action based on them, nor must you copy or disclose them or any part of their contents to any person or organisation; please reply to this e-mail and highlight the error immediately and delete this e-mail and its attachments from your computer system. Security Warning: Please note that this e-mail has been created in the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a 100% secure communications medium. We advise that you understand and observe this lack of security when e-mailing us. Viruses: Although we have taken steps to ensure that this e-mail and its attachments are free from any virus, we advise that in keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free ***********************************************************************