How to Mount Tape Drives

A tape drive is a form of storage used on computer systems. It actually uses a rotating tape (similar to one found on a VHS or digital video tape) to store information. This is an older format that isn't commonly used any longer as flash drives are far smaller, faster and hold more data, but it is still possible to hook up and mount the tape drive to your computer system.

• 1

  Plug the USB end of the serial to USB adapter into a USB port on your computer. Serial drives use a serial connection, which your computer is no longer going to have. The serial to USB adapter converts the connection to USB. This adapter is available at most computer and electronic stores.

• 2

  Connect the serial cable (provided with the tape drive) into the serial connection port on the rear of the drive. Make sure to hand tighten the screws on the side of the cable.

• 3

  Plug the other end of the serial cable into the serial end of the adapter.

• 4

  Insert the driver installation CD into the disk drive of the computer. Wait a moment and the installation wizard will load onto the screen. Click "Next" on the welcome page, then leave the installation name and location as-is. Click "Install" and the driver will install onto the computer. Once complete restart the computer to finish the drive mounting process.