The closer to the ideal environment, the better the recovery results. Keep a storage log of all storage media, locations, contents, history, etc. This rewinding process will remove some of the stresses that may have built up in the tape during the storage interval. Tapes stored in high temperatures should be rewound more frequently. It is also recommended that a random sample of media from each archive be read annually and checked.
Recovery Use the same criteria used for the recording unit for the selection of the recovery unit.
Ensure it is to spec and clean. Stabilize your environment to ideal if possible and allow the media 24 hours to stabilize to the recovery environment before starting the procedure. Follow your normal read recovery procedures.