External HD life

eddie_slovik · 30 Jul 2010 at 09:53

How long will the data on an external HD survive for if said HD is put into long term storage ?

Got a mate who is soon to be homeless and hes currently putting his life on two externals that will be stashed away for possibly as long as three years.

rpstewart · 30 Jul 2010 at 09:59

The data itself should be fine for a good number of years. The problem is the mechanicals within the disk, the bearings and lubrication can seize up if left unused. If the drives can be spun up and checked every month or so they should be fine though.

eddie_slovik · 30 Jul 2010 at 10:01

Thanks for prompt reply, in that case it looks like I will be trusted to care for the drives and there questionable content

AbsenceJam · 30 Jul 2010 at 10:07

I check all my off-line disks once a year. Every month is a bit much...

matthab · 31 Jul 2010 at 02:01

I once stored a drive for 5 years. Plugged it in and it fired up fine.

I think drives in log term enviroment would be fine, the grease they use is pretty thick and long life stuff. Id just fire the disc up every so ofter maybe 1-2 years.