How long will your precious CDRs last?
Many musicians store their precious music on discs burned on a PC. But how long will they last?
Computer geeks also store precious data the same way.
Theoretically, CDR data should be safe for ten years or so, but some alarming information is coming to light that you may be lucky to get as much as two years' life out of them.
More, using the popular stick-on laberls may destroy the contents!
Here's an article that describes what one industry pundit discovered:
Langa Letter: Time To Check Your CDRs:
Fred Langa reported: ". . . the only disks that failed were those that I had covered with a glue-on paper label from a print-it-yourself CD label-maker kit. Several of these labeled CDs were, in fact, totally unreadable by every means I tried (including special data-recovery software); all the data on those CDs is just plain gone. My best guess is the glue on these do-it-yourself labels interacted with either the foil or the dye, rendering the CDs useless. "
Langa also referred readers to a valuable resource of information on the whole question of CDR storage, which includes details of different labelling systems and how they can affect CDR contents:
Understanding CD-R & CD-RW - Disc Labeling
Adhesive Labels
"A more attractive way to label a disc is to apply an adhesive label. Several manufacturers offer inkjet and laser printer compatible products specifically designed for labeling discs as well as positioning devices to help with centering. Full surface or 'donut-style' labels are preferable to partial stickers but be aware that any adhesive label can potentially upset the balance of a disc when playing back, especially at high speeds, causing excessive noise, vibration and data retrieval problems. Heat, humidity, handling and the passage of time can also compromise the stability of adhesive labels causing separation from the disc surface and even interfere with the drive. Sticky labels may not be the best choice when archiving important data as some types of label adhesives can react with and compromise the disc over time. Remember too that, once applied, labels should never be removed or repositioned. Even smoothing air bubbles can concentrate physical stresses in a small area and delaminate the disc."
According to all these sources, the safest way to label CDRs is to use a fibre-tip pen specially designed for the purpose. Not so chic as that wonderful label you have printed out on your PC - but a lot safer!-KARL DALLAS