HD Floppies in DD Drives

From: Allison J Parent <allisonp_at_world.std.com>
Date: Fri Nov 14 11:27:22 1997

<I would really doubt this. The oxide coating on just about any tape,
<digital or analog, flakes off even if never used. As for CD-ROMs, I would
<say that the stamped ones (normal ones) will probably last for a very

Mag tape (reel to reel) has the longest life. Many companies depend on
it lasting in excess of 10 years in a good enviornment and 20+ is not
uncommon. Much of the newer media and backings have the likelyhood of
lasting longer from improved materials.

Here at home I have NS* disks that are in excess of 15years old some 19!
My TU58 tapes(DC100/DEC) none are newer that 1985 and some go back to '81.
I have RX01/2 media that is clearly late '70s and early '80s. My RL02
(removeable 10mb 14" platter) packs are 1984. I take real good care of
the media and drives and rare is the failure. Several things to consider,
if your comfortable the magnetic media is. Clean is good, no smoking or
dust will help greatly for long term. Careful storage, do not over stuff
boxes, a stiff cardboard seperator to prevent warping or bending. Nothing
is a substitute for opening the drive and hand vacuuming and cleaning it.
Doubtful drives should be cleaned, repaired or replaced rather than risk
media in them. A dirty head or bad pressure pad can scratch a an otherwise
good disk.

Allison
Received on Fri Nov 14 1997 - 11:27:22 GMT