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HP C7998A DLT1 Cleaning Cartridge for Surestore Drives — main product image
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HP C7998A DLT1 Cleaning Cartridge for Surestore Drives

Keep your Surestore DLT1 tape drives running cleanly and reliably with HP's purpose-built cleaning cartridge.

$8.86*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Oct 23, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change — details.

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Overview

The HP C7998A DLT1 Cleaning Cartridge is an essential maintenance accessory for organizations still relying on Surestore DLT1 tape drives for data backup and archival. Over time, tape drive heads accumulate oxide deposits and debris from regular read/write operations, which can lead to increased error rates, failed backups, and premature drive wear. This cleaning cartridge addresses those issues by running a specialized cleaning tape across the heads, restoring optimal contact and performance.

Designed by HP specifically for DLT1 and DLT VS80 drives, the C7998A ensures full compatibility without risk of damage from using a mismatched cleaning medium. The cartridge is rated for multiple cleaning cycles, making it a cost-effective part of any tape drive maintenance routine. For environments where data integrity is critical, regular use of a genuine cleaning cartridge like the C7998A is a simple but important step in keeping backup infrastructure dependable.

Key Features

HP

C7998A

DLT VS80

Specifications

Brand
HP
Model
C7998A
Type
Cleaning Cartridge
Format
DLT1 / DLT VS80
Compatibility
HP Surestore DLT1 Drives

Frequently Asked Questions

HP DLT cleaning cartridges are typically rated for approximately 20 cleaning cycles before the cartridge needs to be replaced.
Most Surestore DLT1 drives have a cleaning indicator light that illuminates when the drive heads need cleaning. It's also good practice to clean on a regular schedule based on usage.
This cartridge is designed specifically for DLT1 and DLT VS80 drives. It should not be used in LTO, DAT, or other tape drive formats, as cleaning cartridges are not interchangeable across technologies.
No. Once the cleaning tape has been fully used, the cartridge should be discarded and replaced. Continuing to use an exhausted cleaning cartridge can be ineffective or potentially harmful to the drive heads.

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