Hard drive

[edu]

I replaced my two-year old hard drive with a new one. I did not erase anything hoping I can use it as a backup. I put it inside a static-free plastic. My question is - will it last longer as opposed to being connected as slave in a PC? I am concerned that it will do more harm than good being dormant in that plastic bag. On the other hand, if it is slaved, it will continue spinning that will cause rapid wear and tear. Some expert advice please. Thanks.

[redwudz]

Stored in a sealed anti static bag it should last a long time. If you have some silica gel packages (That are dried first!) you could put them in there also.

After quite a few years the data may fade as it's just magnetic fields on the HD platter. Remember a HD originally come in a sealed anti static bag and is made to survive years on a shelf.

Use it gently at first if it's stored for a long period to give the bearings a chance to 'loosen'.

[edu]

Thanks for the quick reply.