Recommendations for Disc Usage

The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your data and prolong the life of your discs and the installed DVD-RAM drives:

• Back up and then discard any disc that repeatedly produces error messages. (The error information is in the System Error Log.)
• Do not touch the disc data surface, handle by the disc edges to prevent against disc damage and data loss.
• Use only one label on a disc. Apply labels only to top surface. Multiple or poorly placed labels can clog the drive load mechanism.
• Discard any discs that may have been damaged due to mishandling.
• Make sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a dusty environment and always maintain a constant environmental atmosphere. A consistent storage and operating environment reduces media exposure to climatic stress.
• Printers and copiers can produce paper and toner dust. Locate the unit away from these items. High traffic areas near hallways and doors can also produce excess dust and dirt.
• All important information should be recorded on the disc label. Information, such as the model and number of the system or DVD-RAM drive, the date, the density, any error statistics, and a log number should be included. The operating environment and format mode should also be noted.
• Position the enclosure in a location where the temperature is relatively stable, for example, away from open windows, fan heaters and doors.
• Avoid leaving discs in severe temperature conditions, for example in a car standing in bright sunlight.
• Avoid transferring data (reading from or writing to discs ) when the temperature is changing by more than 10°C (18°F) per hour.
• After either the disc or drive has experienced an extreme change of temperature (more than 15°C, 27°F), do not use the drive for at least two hours to allow the temperature of the device and media to stabilize.