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Writer's pictureAffordable Archives

Caring for DVDs and USB Thumb Drives & Files



The DVDs that are created from your video tapes are treasures. In order to keep them in good playable condition, Affordable Archives recommends the following guidelines for how to care for your new DVD conversions.

Copied from the National Institute for Standards and Technology:

• Handle discs by the outer edge or the center hole.

• Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.

• Keep dirt or other foreign matter from the disc.

• Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs.

• Return discs to storage cases immediately after use.

• Leave discs in their packaging (or cases) to minimize the effects of environmental changes. • Store discs in a cool, dry, dark environment in which the air is clean.

• Remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton fabric in a straight line from the center of the disc toward the outer edge.

• Use isopropyl alcohol, or methanol to remove stubborn dirt or material.

• Check the disc surface before recording.



USB Thumb Drives are a different story. While they are not considered a good long-term storage solution, you can expect to get 10 years of life from a properly cared for USB data stick.

Some best practices are as follows:

• Back Up Your Flash Drive Regularly

• Treat It Gently

• Keep It Cool

• Keep It Clean

• Keep Some Open Space

• Remove the Drive Safely

• Keep Your USB Flash Drive in a Safe Container

• Remove the USB Flash Drive from Computer when Not In Use

• Do Not Edit Files Directly on the USB Flash Drive

• Always Scan USB Drive and get Rid of Viruses and Malware

• Don’t Defragment the USB Flash Drive

• Avoid Running Software from the USB Flash Drive

• Cover your USB Drive with a Cap When Not in Use


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