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Optical disks, including CDs and DVDs, have a limited lifespan of only 3 to 5 years according to some sources, contrary to the common belief that they last decades. This highlights the need for regular data migration or alternative long-term storage solutions. A newer technology, M-DISKs, uses a mineral layer instead of a dye layer, potentially lasting up to 1,000 years. These disks require an optical drive with a more powerful laser, but the drives are inexpensive and similar to standard drives. However, M-DISKs are not yet widely available. Discussions on WindowsForum cover these longevity concerns and emerging optical disk technologies for archival purposes.
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    Windows 7 1,000 year DVDs?

    According to this article, standard CDs and DVDs have a life of only 3 to 5 years. I had been under the impression that they last decades. If the short life is true, we all need a system to copy disks every few years. The focus of the article, though is a new medium (M-DISKs, optical disks...
    • Fixer1234
    • Thread
    • archiving cds data preservation dvd longevity mdisk media optical disks storage technology
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: General Computing
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