Magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus and magnetic tape accessing method

A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus for loading a magnetic tape by drawing the tape out of a tape cassette and successively forming tilted tracks on said magnetic tape to record user data thereon, the apparatus comprising:

• recording means for successively recording said user data starting from a beginning of said magnetic tape while recording suitable data onto said magnetic tape at predetermined intervals so as to form unloading regions to which said magnetic tape is positioned before being unloaded into said tape cassette;
• and
• unloading means which, given an order signal of a first operation mode, positions said magnetic tape to one of said unloading regions which is situated adjacent to a substantially intermediate point between an end of the recorded user data and a beginning of said recorded user data along said magnetic tape, said unloading means further unloading said magnetic tape thus positioned into said tape cassette;
• wherein said unloading means, given an order signal of a second operation mode, further positions said magnetic tape to one of said unloading regions which is designated by an external device, said unloading means further unloading said magnetic tape thus positioned into said tape cassette.