I'm looking for advice on how long USB drives can last for long-term data storage. In the past, I backed up many files onto an external hard drive, but after a couple of years in storage—kept dry and untouched—it was completely dead when I tried to access it. This makes me wary about my options moving forward. I'm considering using a quality USB stick instead, storing it in an airtight container with a few desiccant packs to keep moisture at bay. Is there any reason to believe the USB drive might still degrade under these conditions? I'm paying for cloud storage now and would prefer a good physical backup for my less critical files, but not something I want to lose easily. Thanks for any guidance!
4 Answers
For long-term storage, USB drives can be risky unless you're taking the right precautions. They generally need power sometimes to maintain their data integrity, which isn't ideal for storage. A hard disk drive (HDD) in a static-proof container is usually a better bet, especially if stored flat and away from magnetic fields. If you protect it properly and use a desiccant bag, it should last you a decade or more.
Yeah, definitely! You want to avoid jostling it around.
Honestly, USB drives aren’t really built for long-term storage. Most people treat them as plug-and-play for convenience, but they can fail over time. I’ve seen lots of students get hit hard when they realize their important files disappeared because they trusted a thumb drive too much. It’s just not the kind of thing you want to depend on for safe archiving.
Yeah, and while optical media also has some risks like disc rot, they can sometimes be a better choice if you're looking for an archival solution. Having multiple backups is a good practice!
That's really reassuring, thanks!
I still have a 256MB USB that’s been kicking around for ages. It’s a classic, but it serves a reminder that older tech is sometimes the most reliable!
I’ve actually had USB drives last a surprisingly long time for me! Just make sure you handle them with care and store them properly.
So, does that mean I should avoid storing drives just in a regular box?