My Memory Lane

What's the safest way to store your digital photos in a safe deposit box?

I'm placing copies of all my digital photos in a safe deposit box and need advice on the safest, longest-lasting way to do that. I understand that CDs have a life of about five years. I imagine a memory stick isn't the best way. Should I get one of those small external hard drives and store them on there? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Public Comments

1. A Blank CD is usually expected to be recordable for at least 5 years. Once data is recorded on a disc is is expected to last much longer than 5 years, as long as the CD is kept protected. Some CD companies claim that their CDs will last from 50 to 200 years if kept totally protected. (this however, is a claim made from the companies so it is most likely a bit overreaching.) My suggestion would be to make at least two copies of each Cd, store them correctly...and then if you are concerned about your copies lasting...take your photos and make new copies every decade or two. Also, with the large storage spaces of email accounts now-a-days, you can store them on your email as well as an extra backup. Here is a link about storing cds. http://eil.com/explore/guide/cd_storing.asp