Will a jump drive last when used as a back up device.?

Question

I am thinking of backing up some files on a jump drive instead of burning a cd. Anyone have an idea how long that data would last? Or more simply how long will a jump drive last?

Answer 1

It will last for years ... however, I must remind you that the essence of a good backup plan is "redundancy".

Why tempt fate when a few rewritable CD-Rs ( in addition to the jump drive) will provide more reliable insurance that your files remain safe ?

Experimenting with trial & error is a huge part of learning how to get the most out of our PCs, however, the line is drawn when it comes to protecting irreplacable data & files.
Over the years I've learned (more than once) that losing personal data & files that took years to gather was simply a result of my own negligence ..... sure ... add the jump drive as a backup device BUT DO NOT rely on it exclusively.

regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

I've been tempted to back things up on a jump drive myself, especially since they come in pretty large capacities these days, but as with all electronics there will be a chance that it will stop working one day.
Not big on the idea of burning cds either, but until there's an easier and more reliable way to backup data I guess there's not much choice.

Answer 3

Because it is a jump drive, it has no moving parts, if you keep it with in its operating limits, and you don't let get it too hot or humidified, then you should be fine. i think those have a life of about 10 yrs. i would recommend plugging it in once a week, so there can be some power going through it, making it warm, and hopefully, evaporating all of the moisture that seeps in.

Hope this helps, if you need more help, you can call my computer repair company at 1.877.901.1816 and leave a message, i will normally call back with in 10 hours, and be sure to specify the time when you called so i can figure out your timezone so i dont call you at some really early time.

Answer 4

there is a few issues which you would be able to try doing, get recuva will help restoration the data then format with ether hp formatter or flow to the manufacture an see if there isnt one.