Odd Magnetic Media question

From: healyzh_at_aracnet.com <(healyzh_at_aracnet.com)>
Date: Thu Mar 30 17:49:20 2000

> Tapes seem to fail in a variety of ways. I'm not an expert but these are my
> personal experiences and my working theorys, buyer beware!
>
> 1) They fail to stay magnetized.
>
> I'm guessing due to heat changing the magnetic properties of the tape.

Now are you talking the physical properties of the tape, or the 'bits' of
data on the tape?

> 2) The oxide flakes off.
>
> It seems the adhesive between the mylar and the oxide "dries out" or some
> such and it just peels off. Usually leaves behind a clear spot.

This was one of my chief concerns. Any idea how long a 4mm takes?

> 4) They evaporate.
>
> Now I've never ever seen a partially evaporated tape, however I have on
> more than one occasion been absolutely positive I put some tapes in a box
> in the closet, only to come back some time later and to have them
> completely gone. Then again it could just be a "senior moment" :-)

I've seen this problem. What's worse is when it's a locked safe they
disappear from!

                        Zane
Received on Thu Mar 30 2000 - 17:49:20 BST