Date   : Sun, 21 Mar 2010 06:56:17 +0000
From   : mike@... (Mike Tomlinson)
Subject: Re-using floppies

In article <4AD302B1.6070805@...>, Rick Murray <rick@...>
writes
>me@... wrote:
>
>> Are 20-25 year-old 5.25" floppies safe to use regularly?
>
>I think it depends on the floppy, how it has been stored...

I totally agree.  Branded floppies will more likely have survived than
no-name ones.  Proper storage is also important (keep them in their
sleeves, in a proper storage box, in a cool location).

Look a the surface of the disk.  It should be smooth and even.  Rotate
the disc within the sleeve and make sure it turns freely.

About 3 years ago I tried a random selection of floppies from my
collection.  All worked and *VERIFYed ok.  The earliest dated to 1983.

-- 
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