A solution to accurately aligning a read-write head over a previously written data track on both a write protected and not write protected tape is disclosed. A control unit, preferably a programmed microprocessor, electronically provides a sequence of control outputs to move the tape and step the head to locate an edge of the tape. The control unit then moves the head a fixed distance to be over a selected data track. A threshold circuit controls the readout of data from the head of the tape in such a way as to improve edge find reliability.