[ebony]

How long can one expect photos to last on DVDs or CDs ? I have a few CDs which are about 5 years old and my computer couldn't find any photos on them. I got to the using a CD rescue program.

[Hughv]

You can find lots of info on Google "CD/DVD Longevity".
Bottom line:
Store properly
Buy the best media
Don't worry about it, as computers of the future won't be able to read them anyway.
http://www.audioholics.com/education...will-they-last

[ebony]

Thanks for the info.

[calvin-c]

As I understand it, our state records archive has a policy of copying all digital storage to new media every 5 years. That not only refreshes the 'image' but also allows them to keep the media type current.

[caraewilton]

Yes you got to make a new backup every few years as even if you do use quality media and store them properly, they don't last forever. I use a combination of an external hard drive and DVD's. I have a copy on both. Every four years or so, I make a new set of dvd's of the backups.

[PopPicker]

Always finalise your CD/DVD's and never use rewritable media.

Personally I've never experienced any 'old' CD reading problems, but then I make 2 CD copies of everything AND still have the originals in removable hard drives. I keep one set of CD's at home and the other set at work.

The bigger concern is that you must keep up with technology (I had to copy 130 zip discs to CD's a few years ago, what joy), CD's have been around for 25 years and basically unchanged in that time. However I can't imagine they'll still be as popular in another 25. DVD's on the other hand, have gone through so many formats and changes in their short life, especially with the +/- garbage.

I'll stick with CD's for now, keeping a watchfull eye out for 'new stuff'

With the cost of flash media coming down rapidily, I can imagine it won't be long before we can use that as a permanent storage method.

PP

[ebony]

Once again thanks for all the excellent information.

[deubanks]

Are you sure that the problem is not the software that you are using? I have data on CD's that is more than five years old and still as good as it was then.

Are you using the same brand of software to try to read it as it was recorded with?

[caraewilton]

Hi Deubanks. Software. Mmm good point. Couple of things I have learned:
1) Never use rewritable disks
2)For backups it is better to use closed sessions
When it comes to software the only issues I have had has been with Roxio. All disks written with older roxio software won't work. These were verbatim cd writables. After that, I have used nero or CDBurnerXP .
As far as actual media goes. Quality definately is an issue. Verbatim I have found to be the most reliable. I have had cheaper disks where the film on which the data is burnt has actually peeled away from the back plastic! I am not kidding. These were cheap and nasty disks.
When it comes to DVD's I have found DVD-R to be the most compatible but this is a regional thing. Again I have found verbatim to be great. HAve had issues with TDK, LG and Princo.