Re: "Device not ready" (CDBurn)

On 6 Jan, Wendy Gray wrote in message
<949b04e54d.Wendy@xxxxxxxxxxxx>:

> In message <4de49c447aSW_NOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Stuart <SW_NOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> > It is generally reckoned to replace a drive more than 5years old -
> > before it fails!
>
> I didn't know they had a shelf life!

It's a mechanical device, so yes -- it does. In addition to mechanical
failure, the disc surface can start to get errors.

> Our back-ups are on Zip disks, but it is a while since we have done it.

Ouch, and ouch. Zip discs aren't really a good idea for backups, and
backups need to be done regularly. If you keep all your zip discs on the
same site at the machine, your best backup solution is probably a second
hard disc.

> Do you get a warning of failure, or does it just 'die'?

That depends: you may get a warning, but you would be a fool to rely on
it.

If the drive fails mechanically, it could just fail to start when you
switch the machine on. If that happens, you may get lucky and be able to
get your data back; when it happened to me, I found myself discovering how
good my backups were.

--
Steve Fryatt - Leeds, England

http://www.stevefryatt.org.uk/

.

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