3 ms·
They're unreadable because CDRs aren't an archive mechanism. They break down rather rapidly. Their shelf life is similar to a floppy disk. After 10 years, the
by chowells 12y ago
They're unreadable because CDRs aren't an archive mechanism. They break down rather rapidly. Their shelf life is similar to a floppy disk. After 10 years, the odds of being able to read a CDR that wasn't stored in perfect conditions are pretty low.
- wil421 12y agoAre you sure it would be as quick as 10 years? I have music CDs and mixes easily from the early 2000s that still work. A few years ago I found a Jurassic Park soundtrack that still worked. My parents have CDs from the 90s that still work. Would there be a difference in a music CD you bought from a store and one that burned yourself?
- tlrobinson 12y agoYes there's a huge difference between professionally "pressed" CDs and burnt CDRs. There are also special archival disks and burners, like M-Disc, which literally "engraves in stone": http://www.mdisc.com/ http://www.mdisc.com/
- wil421 12y agoBut a 10 year life span on CDRs. My personal experience is much different with both CDs and floppy disk (I still have some of those that work).