CD and DVD Preservation

[nellie2]

We all use CD's and DVD's to store our data, photo's and backups on. It has always been a bit of a worry as to how long this medium will last, how often do we make back ups of our back ups and how can you look after your CD's so that they will last for an optimum amount of time.

Some good information here, if you don't want to trawl through the 50 page document then there is a useful one page summary too!!

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/01/24/0054242

[Boris]

Nice post nel - Fred will be proud of you ! :D

[nellie2]

Thank you Boris..... the Langa List is a good source of information I think :)

[Boris]

I'm just converting it from .pdf to .doc

[Boris]

Quick Reference Guide for Care and Handling

Do:

1.      Handle discs by the outer edge or the center hole.

2.      Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.

3.      Keep dirt or other foreign matter from the disc.

4.      Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs.

5.      Return discs to storage cases immediately after use.

6.      Leave discs in their packaging (or cases) to minimize the effects of environmental changes.

7.      Open a recordable disc package only when you are ready to record data on that disc.

8.      Store discs in a cool, dry, dark environment in which the air is clean.

9.      Remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton fabric in a straight line from the center of the disc toward the outer edge.

10. Use CD/DVD-cleaning detergent, isopropyl alcohol, or methanol to remove stubborn dirt or material.

11. Check the disc surface before recording.

Do not:

1.      Touch the surface of the disc.

2.      Bend the disc.

3.      Use adhesive labels.

4.      Store discs horizontally for a long time (years).

5.      Open a recordable optical disc package if you are not ready to record.

6.      Expose discs to extreme heat or high humidity.

7.      Expose discs to extremely rapid temperature or humidity changes.

8.      Expose recordable discs to prolonged sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light.

9.      Write or mark in the data area of the disc (the area the laser “reads”).

10. Clean by wiping in a direction going around the disc.

For CDs especially do not:

1.      Scratch the label side of the disc.

2.      Use a pen, pencil, or fine-tip marker to write on the disc.

3.      Write on the disc with markers that contain solvents.

4.      Try to peel off or reposition a label.

General recommendations for long-term storage conditions:

For archiving recordable ® discs, it is recommended to use discs that have a gold metal reflective layer.

Archival Storage Facility—Recommendation for storing CDs and DVDs together

Media                                               Temperature                          Relative Humidity (RH)

CD, DVD                                  Less than 20°C (68°F)                            20% to 50% RH Greater than 4°C (39°F)

A temperature of 18°C and 40% RH would be considered suitable for long-term storage. A lower temperature and RH is recommended for extended-term storage.

[andsome]

Well done Boris. By the way, I saw you on TV yesterday speaking in the house.