Remove the deck from its case or just lift open the top. Lift the tape out of the machine without twisting it. It is best to use white cotton gloves to keep from touching the tape with your fingers. Ease the cassette and the tape out of the deck slowly. The machines dust cover door will try to close on the tape during this step, keep it open or it will close on the tape. Then hold the cassette up on end and using your fingers at the bottom of the cassette turn the reel on top slowly to retract the tape back into the cassette. If the cassette has a metal door, prop it open.