According to the technical pages of several CD manufacturers and trade associations, estimates vary widely as to the expected longevity of the media:
* CD-ROMs are estimated to last anywhere from 30 to 200 years.
* CD-Rs, before they are recorded, have an estimated shelf life of five to ten years.
* CD-Rs, after recording, are estimated to last between 70 and 200 years.
* CD-RWs are expected to last at least 30 years.
http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=2131
* CD-ROMs are estimated to last anywhere from 30 to 200 years.
* CD-Rs, before they are recorded, have an estimated shelf life of five to ten years.
* CD-Rs, after recording, are estimated to last between 70 and 200 years.
* CD-RWs are expected to last at least 30 years.
http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=2131